003 ~ Rejected Again

KRISTINE

I was somewhat fazed for a minute or two as I grappled with what I had just heard from the doctor.

'You're two months pregnant.' the words echoed repeatedly in my mind like a mantra. It felt so unfamiliar yet so shocking. I couldn't believe it.

I absentmindedly collected the paperwork from her, my mind still hazy with numerous thoughts.

"Pregnant?" Amelia blurted out. She was just as fazed as I was.

"Yes, miss. There's nothing wrong with her, she's simply experiencing the symptoms of her pregnancy. I will have some drugs prescribed for her nonetheless." The doctor added, her smile still intact.

My lips slightly parted in shock. I couldn't believe it. I just couldn't believe it. I was pregnant? I quickly pulled out of my reverie and skimmed through the paperwork, which boldly confirmed the doctor's words. This was my test report with my name on it, I wasn't mistaken. And then it began to dawn on me slowly.

I realized I truly hadn't seen my period for the previous month. I also recalled the sudden dizziness I experienced whenever I tried to work, one of the reasons I had closed early for the day my husband cheated on me. I remembered the occasional bouts of illness I experienced in Amelia's home. Putting these things together, I could now see the bigger picture even though I found it hard to believe.

I was pregnant? I was really pregnant? With Sebastian's baby? I couldn't believe it. It was so unreal.

"Oh, my goodness, we're going to have a baby!" Amelia screeched, excitement bubbling within her as she glanced at me.

I was still in a daze but I struggled to regain my composure. I blinked weakly, my mind spiraling with thoughts. At that moment, I felt a mix of emotions: disbelief, elation, and sadness. I couldn't believe I was pregnant with Sebastian's baby yet at the same time, I was brimming with happiness. Pure joy flooded my heart as I lowered my gaze to my belly. I couldn't help but cradle it protectively, now realizing a life was growing in it. Not just any life, but Sebastian and I's baby.

A tear slipped down my cheek as I basked in that joyful moment. I was pregnant with Sebastian's baby! A smile broke through my lips as I finally realized this might be my way of getting back my husband!

**

"The fuck do you mean you're going back to inform Sebastian?" Amelia snapped at me as we walked out of the hospital. I had just shared with her my plans and needless to say, she wasn't quite impressed with the idea. She hated Sebastian and felt he didn't deserve to know the good news.

Nonetheless, I halted in my tracks, turning to face her in an attempt to justify my decisions to her.

"Amy, he deserves to know, alright? It's his baby..."

But she cut me off in annoyance. "He doesn't deserve to know shit! Need I remind you what he did? He cheated on you, Kristine! In your matrimonial home! Are you just going to sweep that off the carpet and be with him again? That cheating piece of shit!"

"Calm down, Amelia!" I implored, heaving a sigh. I continued. "Whether you and I like it or not, Sebastian is still the father of this baby. He deserves to know and I'm sure when he's aware, he's not going to marry his mistress anymore. He'll take me back."

I witnessed the fury that blazed in Amelia's eyes as she absorbed my explanation. She thought I had gone crazy and was completely delusional, but I didn't care. I still loved Sebastian and was willing to do anything to have him back in my life. This pregnancy news just seemed to be the best remedy for that.

"Is that it? You're really doing this?" Amelia asked, disappointment dripping from her voice as we resumed walking again.

I nodded subtly without sparing her a glance. My mind was preoccupied with the thoughts of seeing the love of my life again. The one whose kisses ignite a fire in me that only he can sate. I longed for him. I wanted him! And I was going to have him back.

"You coming?" I asked Amelia as I opened the door to the driver's seat.

"Absolutely fucking not!" She gritted through clenched teeth.

I regarded her for a moment before shrugging. "Okay, I guess I'll see you some other time then," I said, knowing I wouldn't be returning back to her house with the assumption that Sebastian would accept me back after learning of the pregnancy.

With that resolve, a smile spread across my face as I slipped into the driver's seat and turned on the ignition.

I glanced at Amelia with a smile still etched on my face. "Thank you for taking care of me these past two weeks. I really appreciate it and I will ensure to let my husband know the good you did for me."

Disgust contorted Amelia's face. "The fuck?"

"Get home safe, Amelia." I chuckled softly, redirecting my gaze to the road before driving out of the parking lot.

Several thoughts of anticipation coursed through me as I headed towards my husband's(I refused to use the word 'ex') company. I couldn't wait to deliver the news to him.

***

A tight knot gripped me as I parked outside the gigantic building stretched out before me, the noir signboard at the top of the building, bearing the words 'WESTON's CORP.'

I had finally arrived at Sebastian's company, but for a moment, I remained in my car, trying to compose my unraveling nerves.

I eventually heaved out a sigh before finally stepping out of the car. Though I still looked pale and sickly, and my hair was disheveled, I knew Sebastian wouldn't mind, considering the good news I had come to deliver.

I ignored the murmurs of the gossipmongers in the company as I sauntered down to the elevator. I could feel their disbelief about seeing me like this. I could feel their resentment towards me. I knew they had all seen the news about my divorce from Sebastian. I knew they were all wondering what I was doing at the company. But that didn't matter to me. I didn't care about any of them. If anything, I was more focused on seeing my lovely husband again.

I took the elevator to the top floor, where Sebastian's office was located. As soon as I stepped out of the elevator, the first person I ran into was the wretched bitch who ruined my marriage-- Lydia Walker.

She was discussing with Sebastian's secretary before I walked in but I guessed her attention was drawn when she noticed my presence.

I stood my ground as her sharp hazel eyes darted to me, her face contorting to a glare.

"The fuck do you think you're doing here? I thought..."

I beat her to it. "I'm here to see my husband. The one whom you planned to steal from me but unfortunately, your plan isn't going to work." I smiled mirthlessly. "Now, if you'd excuse me," I said and was about to leave when she firmly grabbed my hand, prompting me to pause.

Lydia quickly ordered the secretary to get Sebastian while she remained in the lobby with me but that was my mistake. I wasn't thinking enough to catch what she was up to until we were finally alone.

"Get out," She barked, turning to me.

"Let go!" I retorted, forcefully flinging my hand from her hold. But that simple, harmless action made Lydia stagger back until she lost her balance and landed on the floor.

Confusion washed over me as I couldn't comprehend her dramatic reaction. But just then, she gave a loud cry and unfortunately, Sebastian just happened to walk into us with his secretary by his side.

His eyes traveled from mine to his fiancee on the floor and instantly, anger surged through him as he redirected his gaze to me.

I was legit scared when I witnessed the pure anger and hatred swirling in his expression.

"What have you done?" He demanded in a calm yet annoyed tone.

"B- baby," I tried to speak but Lydia interrupted us.

"She pushed me, honey. Your ex-wife pushed me because I tried to stop her from going in." She lied unwavering, further breaking down in crocodile tears. "I knew how busy you were today. I tried to explain to her to come back some other time, but she fucking pushed me, knowing I'm pregnant. Goddamnit."

I was stunned into silence for a moment, in utter shock regarding her lies. How could she lie so blatantly?

I swiftly turned to Sebastian and wanted to defend myself by telling the truth but he beat me to it when he silenced my lips with a hard slap to my face.

I staggered back in bewilderment, instinctively cradling my face as I tried to regain my composure. Tears burned in my eyes as I blinked weakly, trying to grapple with the reality that my lovely husband had just hit me.

My lips slightly parted, and I slowly shifted my gaze to him, still in disbelief. "You, you hit me." I blurted out. I couldn't believe it.

Sebastian barked at me. "And I would do it again if you don't get the fuck out of this place this minute!"

"Sebastian," tears rolled down my face as I called his name, my heart shattered by his words.

Like my day couldn't get any worse, my mother-in-law walked in. She charged towards me upon spotting me.

"I have told you I never want to see you close to my son again, haven't I?" She snapped at me, her orbs dancing with resentment.

"Just go, Kristine. Leave." Sebastian urged me. He continued indifferently, disregarding the fact that his Secretary and some staff were present as he told me. "You disgust me, Kristine. I never want to see you again. And I'd appreciate it if you didn't come near me or my wife again. We're over, it's high time you accept it."

My heart clenched painfully as I absorbed his words. I was heartbroken, and I couldn't find it in me to remain in their presence or tell them the news. It was true what Amelia told me earlier, Sebastian didn't deserve to know shit. He wasn't just a fucking cheater, he was abusive. He hit me without remorse. At this point, I didn't think I could still find it in me to call him my husband.

I swallowed hard, staring at Sebastian for some time. There was still no remorse in his expression. I knew I couldn't waste my time any further, and with that, I turned back and walked to the elevator.

I was bathed with shame and disgrace as I rode down the elevator, hearing the comments of the employees riding with me. They judged me hard.

'I wonder what she's doing here. I thought they were over.'

'She came to beg.'

'She was rejected. Boss kicked her out.'

They whispered within themselves, but I heard them clearly. I fought to maintain composure. They wouldn't see me break there. They wouldn't.

***

Never had I imagined earlier that I'd be returning to Amelia's home with a tear-stained face, a broken heart, and a shameful expression, considering my optimism with my visit to Sebastian's. Amelia had warned me, but I didn't listen. At that moment, I really wished I had.

It was past 8 pm by the time I found the courage to return to Amelia's home, having nowhere else to go.

My thumb trembled as I dug it into the doorbell socket. I was mortified but I knew Amelia wouldn't turn her back to me. She's the only one I've got left.

It didn't take long before the front door swung open, revealing Amelia, whose face was contorted with slumber. It seemed I had disrupted her sleep. How annoying of me.

Upon seeing me, astonishment marred her face and she quickly rubbed her eyes to confirm it was truly myself.

"Kristine?"

I swallowed the lump that formed in my throat, my eyes brimming with tears.

"Jezz, what the hell happened?" She inquired, noticing my tears.

"He- He wouldn't hear me out." I blurted out, my heart burning intensely with hurt. "He rejected me." Tears choked me and I willingly broke down in them. I was exhausted from holding back the tears that had been threatening to burst through me. Amelia was my safe space and I knew I could rely on her.

"Oh, my goodness, Kris..." Her voice was laden with sadness as she pulled me into an embrace. We hugged each other tightly as I cried on her shoulder.

"I'm tired of it, Amy," I cried with pain piercing my heart. "Make it stop."

"You have to stay strong, my love. You have to stay strong. It's not the end of the world." Amelia said as she patted my back soothingly. "He isn't worth it."

We remained in that position for a moment before Amelia eventually pulled away. She drew me inside and closed the door behind us before cupping my cheeks.

"I need you to promise me right here, Kristine."

My sobs quieted down as I looked at her with a neutral expression. I sniffled, my fragile orbs flickering between hers.

"Promise me you're going to make them pay! For the disgrace they made you go through. Promise you won't let this slide. That you're going to seek retribution. You will make every single one of them regret what they've done to you. Promise me!"

Her words incited more tears to rush down my cheeks and my face twisted with bitterness.

However, Amelia continued resolutely. "No more weakness in you, Kris. Fuck being calm! You're going to rebuild your life from scratch and your success will be your revenge. Promise me. Be the vengeful ex-wife that they want. You will do this for the sake of your unborn, Promise me, Kristine! Damnit!"

More tears rushed down my cheeks as I struggled to form a response. I couldn't speak; I could only nod repeatedly, and Amelia understood.

We embraced each other tightly again, my expression conveying my promise to her, and to my unborn child.

They should all just wait for me cause I'll be back.

I, Kristine Devearaux will be back to make them all pay! I promised.