One

A cool breeze brushed against Ella’s face as she stepped into the hospital. The familiar scent of antiseptic filled the air, but she had long grown used to it.

The moment she reached the reception desk, a cheerful voice greeted her.

“Miss Ella, welcome!”

Carla beamed at her. She always looked forward to Ella’s visits, not only because she liked her, but because Ella never seemed to arrive empty-handed.

Ella smiled and placed a small package on the desk.

“Look at you, Carla! Always glowing. Is my friend in her office?”

“You’re in luck. She doesn’t have any appointments right now, so you can go straight in.”

“Of course, I’m the luckiest person to have a doctor as my best friend.”

Carla’s eyes lit up when she saw the package.

“Thank you so much, ma’am!”

Ella laughed softly and headed toward Jessica’s office.

She knocked gently.

“Come in!”

The moment Ella stepped inside, Jessica’s face brightened.

“Hey, girly!”

Ella dropped into the chair opposite her and crossed her arms.

“You should really learn how to address your patients properly. Stop talking to me like that.”

Jessica burst out laughing.

“Oh, please. You should be grateful to have a doctor as your best friend. Do you know how difficult it is to get an appointment with someone like me?”

“True.” Ella grinned. “I’m just messing with you.”

Her smile softened.

“I really am lucky to have you. Now, tell me—where’s my result? I’ve been feeling weak lately, and I just want to know what’s going on.”

Jessica picked up a paper and slid it across the desk.

“Your test result is positive. Congratulations, Ella. You’re one month pregnant.”

Ella froze.

For a moment, she simply stared at the paper.

“Wait… I’m pregnant?”

Jessica smiled.

“Yes, Ella. You’re pregnant.”

A second passed.

Then Ella shot to her feet, her face lighting up.

“Oh my God! I’m pregnant!”

She rushed around the desk and threw her arms around Jessica.

“Thank you so much, bestie! I love you!”

Jessica gasped and tried to pull back.

“Ella—can’t—breathe!”

Ella quickly released her, laughing through her excitement.

“Sorry! I’m just so happy. Richard is going to be thrilled. I can’t wait to tell him!”

Jessica smiled at her enthusiasm.

“Just try to stay calm, okay? And make sure you follow the prenatal advice I send you. We’ll also arrange your next appointment.”

“You’re the best, Jess. I should go now. I need to buy groceries and prepare Richard’s favorite dinner.”

She grabbed her bag, her excitement returning.

“Tonight is going to be so special. It’s our wedding anniversary, and now we have a baby on the way.”

Jessica pouted playfully.

“Ugh, stop making me jealous! Have some pity on your single best friend.”

Ella giggled.

“Then go and get married already! Bye, Jess. I’ll text you later.”

Jessica shook her head as Ella hurried out.

“She’s really happy.”

---

Later That Evening

Ella sat in the grand dining room, waiting patiently for Richard’s return. She had spent the evening preparing his favorite dishes, carefully arranging the table and making sure everything was perfect.

She had dismissed the maids earlier. Tonight, she wanted it to be just the two of them.

After checking the time for what felt like the tenth time, she walked toward the window and peered outside.

A sleek black limousine soon pulled into the driveway.

Her heart leaped.

Richard stepped out, his tall figure illuminated by the mansion’s lights. His expensive suit was perfectly tailored, and his jacket hung casually over one arm.

Ella hurried back to her seat, smoothing down her dress.

When the doors opened, she jogged toward him with a bright smile.

“Welcome home, babe!”

She reached out to hug him, but Richard caught her wrist before she could.

His grip was firm.

Cold.

“I have something to tell you.”

Ella’s smile faltered slightly, but she quickly recovered.

“I have something to tell you too! But let’s talk over dinner first. I made all your favorites. You’ll love them.”

Richard didn’t move toward the dining table.

Instead, he reached into his briefcase and pulled out a document. He placed it in front of her.

“Take a look at this. Let me know if you have any other requests apart from what’s written down.”

Ella chuckled and picked up the papers.

“What is this? Some kind of surprise?”

Then she saw the title on the first page.

DIVORCE AGREEMENT.

Her smile disappeared.

Her hands began to tremble as she read the words again, hoping she had misunderstood them.

She hadn’t.

Richard loosened his tie and watched her silently. There was no excitement in his expression, no trace of the anniversary he had once promised to celebrate with her.

To him, this was a decision that had already been made.

Ella was no longer the woman he wanted beside him.

Richard’s voice was calm and emotionless when he finally spoke.

“I don’t think I can continue this marriage with you. I’ve found someone else—the woman who truly makes my heart race.”

The room fell silent.

Ella stared at him, unable to understand how he could say those words on their wedding anniversary, in front of the dinner she had prepared with so much love.

Then Richard delivered the final blow.

“Let’s divorce.”