My Husband's Ex Toasts Their Past

"What? When did you two get married? And you're already having a baby?"

My words sent a shockwave through the table.

Under everyone's stunned gazes, Vanessa Graves' head snapped up toward Russell Grayson, and tears instantly spilled from her reddened eyes.

I smiled. "We signed the papers almost a month ago. The wedding's still being planned, but we'll let everyone know once we've set a date."

The classmates who'd been gossiping moments earlier looked embarrassed and mumbled a few awkward congratulations.

But a woman sitting next to Vanessa let out a scornful laugh. "Oh, aren't you just thrilled with yourself? If Vanessa hadn't been forced to end things with Russell back then, he never would've looked twice at you.

"Everyone knows how crazy Russell was about Vanessa. He would've given his life for her. In his heart, you probably don't even come close. If you weren't carrying his baby, do you honestly think he would've married you?"

A few people nodded without thinking, clearly on her side. I ignored the woman and fixed Russell a bowl of his favorite soup.

Vanessa had only moved back to the country six months ago. I'd watched Russell rip deals right out from under her, and watched him swear through gritted teeth that he'd make her life a living hell. He hated Vanessa that much. There was no way he'd ever go back to her.

But right now he sat in silence, his eyes dark and unreadable as he stared at Vanessa across the table. He didn't even glance at the soup I'd set in front of him.

The air at the table went still, and I frowned slightly, a quiet unease settling in my chest. Nobody knew the story between Russell and Vanessa better than I did.

Years ago, Vanessa had cheated on Russell with some trust-fund kid just to get herself a ticket overseas. She left nothing behind but a breakup letter before disappearing with the guy.

Russell rushed to the airport in tears, but he couldn't stop her. He fell apart after that, spiraling into depression for a solid six months.

Then one day, I gathered my courage, walked up to him, and told him how I felt. "Even if everyone else gives up on you, I'll still be right here.

"She doesn't want you anymore, but I do. I like you. Let's get together."

He just stared at me, stunned, but he didn't say no. And just like that, we stumbled into a relationship.

To help him get back on his feet, I poured every penny I'd ever saved into starting a small company for him, then used my family's connections to help him grow it piece by piece.

He used to hold me tight on countless late nights, whispering my name. "Thank God I have you, Holly."

And whenever I'd get a little jealous and bring up Vanessa's name, his face would twist with disgust. "Don't ever mention her again. Just hearing her name makes me sick."