Chapter 2

Knowing how much Julian wanted children, I did not even dare ask whether he would come to resent me.

I finally understood that he would never deprive himself of what he wanted.

“Ma’am…”

Tessa’s voice pulled me out of my thoughts.

When I looked up, she was extending her phone toward me.

On the screen was a close-up of a gold-and-emerald amulet.

“You have a good eye. Could you take a look at the workmanship on this piece? He said… once the baby is born, he’ll put it on them.”

She rested a hand on her still-flat belly, but her face glowed with happiness.

I was momentarily taken aback.

Was she pregnant?

Also, that amulet looked painfully familiar.

Three years ago, when I had just conceived, my father had it blessed to protect the child I was carrying.

Unfortunately, the child was never born.

I had kept the amulet safely tucked away all these years. Whenever I missed the child I would never meet, I would take it out and look at it.

What was this? Had he used it to win another woman’s favor?

“The craftsmanship is excellent. That man… is very thoughtful.”

I composed myself and was about to ask more questions when Tessa’s phone rang.

She glanced at the screen. The contact name read: Dear Husband.

A sweet smile spread across Tessa’s face as she quickly stepped away to answer it.

I had no idea what they talked about, but Tessa’s expression darkened noticeably after she ended the call.

“I’ll come pick up the jewelry when it’s ready,” she said briefly before leaving in a rush.

As I watched her leave, I slowly let the last of my smile disappear.

Pulling out my phone, I called my father, Richard Quinnell.

He was Julian’s boss and the head of Quinnell Group.

“Dad, I regret it. Take back the Marketing Director position that was promised to Julian, and find me the best divorce lawyer. I want to divorce him.”

I did not want to stay at the shop any longer, so I went home early.

When I opened the door, I found Julian already there.

“Darling? Why are you home so early today?”

A smile broke across his face. In a few strides, he came over and pulled me into his arms.

“Was it very busy at the shop? I already told you not to work so hard. Just stay home and rest. I can provide for you.”

Had I not discovered his infidelity, I might have believed his warmth and care. But all his words did was disgust me.

I pushed him away.

Julian’s arms froze midair, and his smile briefly stiffened.

But just as quickly, he seemed to have figured something out.

“Are you upset because I didn’t show you the gold bracelet in time?”

He stepped in front of me, smiling.

Then, like a magician, he pulled the gold bracelet from his pocket and held it out in his palm.

“How could I dare delay anything my wife asked for? I left the meeting early and rushed to the bank, worried I wouldn’t make it in time. Here it is, safe and sound.”

He looked at me with a flattering smile, as though seeking praise.

I took the gold bracelet. My hand tightened around it until my knuckles went white.

Just as I was about to confront him, my phone vibrated.

It was a message from my father. He said he had uncovered something and wanted me to return home.

I forced back the questions that rose to my throat.

I took a deep breath and made up an excuse. Then, I headed for the door.

Julian did not suspect anything and handed me my coat.