Jobless? Nope, Just Ruthless

Pauline hurled a grocery bag at me. A solid potato slammed into my belly, and a sharp pain shot through my abdomen."Julie Kane! I've been holding back for too long! You prance around all dolled up every day—anyone would think you're selling yourself on the street! No decent boss would keep someone as indecent as you!"I froze.Where was this coming from?Three months ago, Logan told me she was coming to help since I was in my third trimester."I'm traveling a lot for work," he'd said. "I'll feel better if Mom's here with you."It sounded reasonable. His promotion had him out of town constantly, and I was struggling to keep up. Besides, Pauline and I had always gotten along fine during her brief visits. So, I agreed.At first, she was a saint—cooked every meal, wouldn't let me lift a finger."You've got a full-time job," she'd said. "No need to bother with cooking."Honestly, I never expected the classic mother-in-law meltdown. But one joke—one stupid joke—and everything flipp

I quickly created a private group chat, pulling in my entire team.Not having a family of my own had always made me cling tighter to the people I trusted. My team wasn't just colleagues—they called themselves my "work family."I fired off a message:[@Everyone, if Logan contacts any of you, here's the story—no big deal was signed, and I've been fired.]I stared at my phone, every second dragging out painfully. Logan could not get a straight answer from anyone before I got to them.A reply finally came through—from my assistant.[You planning a surprise for your husband? He just asked me about it! I almost spilled the beans—don't worry, I'll play along. I'll make it sound worse. Got it!]I exhaled in relief, then sent another message:[My marriage is in serious trouble. I'll explain everything when I can, but for now, if Logan reaches out, make sure everyone sticks to the same story!]The responses rolled in fast. No questions. No hesitation.[Got it.][Got it.][Understood.

Logan's scowl deepened. "What the hell are you saying? We agreed to sell the current house and use the money to upgrade! You've seen the contract!"Besides, my mom's a housewife with no income. Where's she supposed to get the money?"Fine, I get it. You're still holding a grudge over what happened earlier."But seriously, think about it. My mom's been taking care of you day and night. And just because she said a few things, you're making this a big deal?"Okay, fine! I'll apologize on her behalf. Happy now?"Noticing the growing whispers around us, Pauline launched into full drama mode. "I knew this would happen!" she wailed. "Getting old means being despised! It's all my fault—my big, stupid mouth! I just keep causing trouble for my poor son and his wife!"She raised her hand like she was about to slap herself. "I should just slap myself—""Aunt Pauline! No!" Yana stopped her. "If anyone's to blame, it's me! I'm young and foolish. I said the wrong things and upset Julie."She

While waiting for my scheduled induction, Logan called. "Julie, let's be fair—don't you think you're partly to blame?"Since you got pregnant, we haven't had sex once! No man can go that long without it! You, as a wife, haven't fulfilled your duties. So how can you turn around and accuse me?"I let out a cold laugh. The audacity."That's why you went out and found a mistress? Seriously? Logan, how did I never realize you think you're some noble lord? Wife gets pregnant, so you get to take a concubine to 'keep you entertained'? You're pathetic."Take a good look at yourself. You really think you're that important?"Suddenly, Pauline grabbed the phone. "You wretch! What kind of nonsense are you spouting?"Calling yourself the wife? Please. Don't kid yourself. Take a good, hard look in the mirror. That face? You're not even fit to shine Yana's shoes!"Once my grandson is born, Yana will take her rightful place. And you? You'll be dragging that little bastard around, begging to be l

Yana broke down completely. "Logan! I'm still young—I don't want to go to jail! I'm pregnant with your son!"The cops glanced from my very round belly to Yana's, their faces oozing 'seriously, dude?' vibes. One of them impatiently waved Logan forward.Under the heat, Logan yanked the pillowcase tighter around his waist and shot me a death glare, teeth grinding. "Julie! You win! Fine. You want a divorce? I'll sign the papers. But let me give you some advice—don't make a decision you'll regret for the rest of your life."Once we're divorced, I'll marry Yana, and we'll be just fine. Happily ever after. Meanwhile, you? You and your baby won't get a single cent from me!"I didn't even blink as he snatched the pen and scrawled his name across the divorce papers. The lawyer slid the documents into his briefcase.Finally, I let out a laugh.Without a word, I reached back, untied the fake pregnancy belly strapped to me, and launched it straight at Logan's face."Baby? What baby?"Logan