Chapter 3

My supervisor quickly approved my four-year research application to Nord.

I believed only by getting away from Zayne and Jane could I find myself again. To be perfectly honest, I had tried to salvage what we had when I first found out about how close those two were.

I told myself that maybe I was overthinking it and they were just close friends, but every time I saw Zayne smiling with Jane or heard them talk so intimately, my heart felt like it was being cut.

I knew I couldn't lie to myself anymore.

That was because when Zayne and Jane were together, the happiness he showed on his face couldn't be faked. He had never had that kind of expression when he was with me.

So, when I received the research invitation from Nord, I turned it down at first, but now, I knew it was time to leave.

The day I decided I would be leaving soon, I got up early and started packing my things. I placed my clothes, books, and makeup into my suitcase. Then, I walked into the living room to start gathering the framed photos and decorations.

My eyes landed on the crystal photo frame. A wedding photo of me and Zayne was framed inside. Back then, our smiles were so bright, as if the world was filled with happiness.

But now, everything had changed.

I took a deep breath and tossed it into the bin.

Five years of marriage… All over just like that.

For the next week, I was busy working on my thesis and experiments, barely keeping in touch with Zayne as I simply waited for the divorce papers to go through and be officiated. Oddly enough, those days felt like a relief.

But as I was leaving the lab one evening, Zayne called.

"Wendy, are you done? I'm here to pick you up." His voice was low and gentle, as though nothing had ever happened.

I was surprised but nodded, "Okay."

Half an hour later, Zayne's car stopped downstairs.

I got in, and he glanced at me. "Been busy lately?"

"Yeah, lots of experiments to finish," I answered quietly. After all, I was about to leave. I needed to get everything settled.

"Oh, by the way, Jane is moving out next month," he said, choosing his words carefully. "She said she was worried about bothering you, so she'll leave early."

I paused, then looked down. "Oh, is that so? Tell her it's fine, I don't mind."

Zayne seemed surprised by my answer. He looked at me, as if he wanted to say something, but he stopped himself. I pretended not to notice, closed my eyes, and acted as though I was asleep.

The next day, I felt unwell. Since my period was also late, I went to the hospital.

After a series of tests, the doctor checked my ultrasound results and pushed up his glasses. "You're two and a half months pregnant."

I was too shocked to speak.

This child must have been conceived the last time Zayne and I were together, before Jane came back.

After leaving the hospital, I called Zayne.

Before he could pick up, I saw him walk through the hospital doors with Jane by his side, wearing his jacket. I heard the doctor remind her, "You've just gotten pregnant, so avoid any strenuous activity."

Jane was pregnant, too?

A chill went down my spine as my disbelief overwhelmed me.

Zayne looked up and saw me. He froze, then quickly walked over. "Wendy? What are you doing here?"

Looking at him, I could feel the pain deep in my chest.

"I…" I opened my mouth, but the words wouldn't come.

Should I tell him I was pregnant?

We were both having his child…

Would he choose me?

No, he wouldn't.

Then, why should I tell him?

"Wendy, why are you at the hospital?" Zayne pressed, worry in his eyes.

"I… I'm fine, just a headache lately." I lowered my head.

Zayne reached for me, but I pushed him away, clutching the ultrasound report and shoving it deep into my bag. "I have to go."

Zayne followed after me. "Wendy, let me explain!"

"Don't touch me!" I yelled, then turned and ran.

At that moment, Jane clung tightly to his arm.

"Zayne! You promised me! Don't let anyone else find out…" Zayne stopped, frozen on the spot as his hand fell helplessly.

I didn't look at them anymore as I simply walked away.

The biting wind blew on my face, and it was so painful.