Chapter 3

Christine studied my expression and fell silent for a while.

She probably expected me to cry, throw a tantrum, confront her, or become hysterical, but I was not doing any of those things. I was as calm as a dead lake.

"It was really just an accident with Scott Yeager," she added.

I leaned back against the couch, crossed my legs, and feigned interest in hearing her out. Though in truth, I had no desire for her explanation. However, I knew that she would just stand there forever if I stopped her now.

"He attended the class reunion too. I drank too much, so he sent me home... and then..."

She paused, biting her lip. "Then I found out I was pregnant. I know I did you wrong, and I don't ask for your forgiveness. But Jared, I really want a child of my own."

Her voice suddenly rose a little as she said this. "You know I've always wanted a child."

She looked at me, a hint of grievance in her eyes, as if not being able to conceive was my fault.

"We've been married for five years. You've been working overtime every day and socializing all the time to buy a house. We haven't even had a normal sex life. Every time my mom asked me, I covered for you. But I'm a normal person too. I want a child of my own. What's wrong with that?" She said matter-of-factly.

I listened, the corners of my lips slowly curling into a smile. "You're not wrong."

Christine was stunned. She probably thought I would argue with her.

"You're not wrong at all." I stood up, looking her straight in the eye. "Not being able to give you a child is my problem. I'm sorry. Now that you're pregnant, I'm happy for you."

"Jared..." She frowned. "I'm telling the truth."

Christine opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but she ultimately swallowed it back. The way she looked at me changed. It became somewhat unfamiliar. She was probably wondering why I did not care at all.

"I'll pack my things."

Moments later, Christine walked back out with two large suitcases. She put the suitcases in the foyer and turned and headed back into the bedroom. I followed.

"When is your due date?" I suddenly asked.

Her hands froze. "June."

Seven months to go. I pondered as I did the math. She should be a little over two months pregnant now.

A little over two months ago, I had just finished a big project and was so exhausted I stayed in bed for three days. During those three days, Christine said she was going back to her parents' house. It turned out she went to Scott's.

"I'm leaving, then." She zipped up her suitcase, straightened up, and responded.

"Okay."

"I'll send you the divorce papers this afternoon. Take a look and sign them if there are no problems."

"Okay."

"I'll come back tonight to pick up the rest of my things."

"Got it."

The door closed, and her footsteps faded into the distance.

I stood in the foyer and stared at the closed door, letting out a long sigh. I went back to my bedroom, picked up my phone, and texted my best friend Felix Stanton.

Jared: [Come out for drinks.]

Felix replied instantly: [Why are we drinking in the middle of the day? You're acting strange.]

I did not reply.

My phone rang. It was Jenny calling.

"Jared, Christine told me you're getting a divorce?" She sounded anxious.

"Yes."

"What happened? Why are you getting a divorce all of a sudden? Did you argue with her again about buying a house?" Jenny's tone was accusatory.

"Ask her." I did not want to say more.

"I asked her, but she wouldn't tell me! Jared, couples should communicate their conflicts properly; don't bring up divorce so easily. You're over 30. Do you think you can find someone good after a divorce?

"Besides, you haven't been home every day just so you could afford to buy a house, and Christine hasn't said anything all these years, has she? You can't be so unreasonable!" She finally spoke her mind.

I said calmly, "Ms. Longman, I'm divorcing Christine because she's pregnant with another man's child."