Chapter 10) This is our room

I walked toward the door and peeked through the peephole.

What was William doing here at such an inconvenient time?

I glanced back. Justin was still sitting calmly on my couch—ironic, considering I was trying to convince him there was nothing between William and me.

And now William had shown up.

I opened the door slowly and stepped outside.

William stood with an expressionless face, arms crossed.

“Who’s inside?” he asked coldly.

Trying to stay calm, I said, “It’s just my neighbor.”

He didn’t seem too bothered. “So, are you ready?”

Ready?

I hadn’t expected him to come so soon. I needed more time.

“No, I’m not,” I said quickly. “Sir, I don’t have any help with packing. It’ll take me hours—maybe a day or two…”

He cut me off. “Doesn’t matter. I’ll send my staff to do it.”

I forced a polite smile. “Thank you so much, but I have a guest inside right now. I’ll call you once they leave.”

William didn’t check or question further. He just gave a slight nod and walked toward the elevator.

“Phew!” I sighed in relief.

I walked back in and closed the door. Justin was staring at me with a blank expression.

“Who was that?” he asked.

“Nothing…” I replied casually, then tried to change the subject. “So… are you sure you’ll offer me the job?”

He didn’t press the issue. “Are you doubting my capabilities?”

I smiled. “No, but you never really showed me your ‘true power.’ I only bumped into you that night. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have known you were someone important.”

After a few more minutes of light conversation, Justin got up and left.

As soon as I saw him go into his house, I quickly sneaked out of my building, and then out of the society gate.

William’s car was already waiting outside. Without hesitation, I got in.

"This isn’t a good idea. I shouldn’t be sharing a house with my ex."

But the money...

It was tempting.

Then again, I’d have to go through childbirth. That pain—ugh.

Sure, surgery was an option. But I’d heard many women gain weight afterward, and I didn’t want that either.

Society always praised women for their strength to bear children—but most men only cared about what they could take from us. Sexual satisfaction. Control. Ego.

As I was stewing over my thoughts, William asked, “Have you eaten anything?”

I replied flatly, “No.”

He turned away without another word.

I was confused. Why ask if he wasn’t going to feed me?

I narrowed my eyes at him, annoyed.

But he stared straight ahead, stone-faced.

Memories began to flood in.

A Few Years Ago

“Babe, how do I look?”

I had worn a blue frock for my birthday—the one I was most excited about. I’d already celebrated with family and friends, but I was saving the dress for William.

He didn’t respond. Just stared at me.

“Babe?” I asked again, “Tell me how I look!”

He smiled, walked toward me, and gently pulled me into his arms. His intense eyes locked with mine, and then he kissed me so deeply, it felt like he might swallow me whole.

I blushed and pushed him away slightly. “Answer the question!”

“You look so beautiful,” he said, “I can’t take my eyes off you.”

At that time, I had no idea he was lying about his background—pretending to be a struggling man. I loved him blindly. Everything had changed since then.

Back in the present, I turned my head away from him.

What the hell? Why am I thinking about this cheater?

He had betrayed me—and Natasha. He was a selfish man.

And I was being stupid for letting these memories get to me.

His house came into view.

Correction—his mansion.

So, this is where I’ll be living now? I thought sarcastically.

It was stunning. A dream house for most.

But it was also terrifying. What if he tortured me here? I wouldn’t even be able to call the police.

I took a deep breath, prayed silently, and stepped inside.

The interior was breathtaking. Expensive. Elegant. Modern.

Everything about the place screamed wealth.

And yet...

He had once told me he couldn’t even afford meals. That he was jobless.

Liar.

Back then, I had taken care of him—fed him, supported him.

We had lived in the same tiny apartment for two months. He’d held me at night, cuddling me to sleep... but never crossed any lines.

I shook off the memories.

“Let me show you your room,” William said.

I nodded.

He led me to a beautiful ground-floor room—spacious and well-furnished. I was relieved. As my belly grew, stairs would be a nightmare.

The room was luxurious. I sat on the bed—it was so soft, I nearly melted into it.

Excitedly, I asked, “Where’s the bathroom?”

He pointed.

I dashed to it.

Was this a bathroom or a luxury suite?

There was even a mini cupboard. I opened it eagerly—and froze.

Women's clothes.

A lot of them.

I stormed out of the bathroom. William was still there, sitting on the couch, reading.

I looked at him and said, “There are too many women’s clothes in the bathroom closet. Sorry, but I can’t wear clothes worn by your exes.”

He looked up and replied calmly, “I asked my staff to put those in. They’re brand new. For you.”

“For me?” I blinked in disbelief.

He didn’t answer. Just returned to his magazine.

“Okay, then... you may leave,” I said, trying to sound casual.

He didn’t move.

I assumed he had more to say. I walked over and sat on the couch beside him.

“What do you want to say?” I asked.

He looked at me. “Nothing.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Then why are you still here? I know how to bathe. You can go.”

I didn’t want to say please leave—that would’ve been too rude.

He stared at me for a long second and then said, “Do you see that photo?”

I followed his gaze.

A large portrait of William hung above the bed.

“Yes,” I said.

“What do you think?”

I shrugged. “It’s your mansion. You can hang your photo anywhere. But this is my room. I need privacy.”

He leaned back, folded his arms, and said calmly:

“This is our room from today.”