My Secret Boyfriend Regrets Breaking Up

My father’s voice on the other end of the line was thick with concern. "Why the sudden decision, Emma? Did someone hurt you?"

Tears pricked at my eyes, but I forced a light laugh. "I just... feel like a fresh start. A new identity."

"Alright. Whatever you need, I'll make it happen. Just give me three days."

He was silent for a moment before adding, "But I thought you were going to bring that boyfriend of yours home to meet me."

His words were a knife to the heart. "We broke up," I said, my voice rough.

"Well, out with the old, in with the new. My daughter deserves nothing but the best."

A beat later, he added, "I heard Julia has already agreed to be Jay's girlfriend. He's planning to propose in a few days. She may be our adopted daughter, but as her sister, you can't miss the occasion. Maybe some laughter and celebration will cheer you up?"

Bitterness surged in waves, crashing over me until I could hardly breathe. My hand drifted to my flat belly. Forcing a smile onto my pale face, I answered softly, "No… I have things to take care of."

After hanging up, I heard the faint click of the lock turning.

When I looked up, I met Jay's eyes—the same smiling, affectionate gaze I had once drowned in.

"What things do you need to take care of?" he asked.

I stared straight into those eyes, eyes that used to look full of devotion. How had I never seen that his love belonged to someone else?

Casually, I replied, "Taking care of you."

His brows arched in amusement as he pulled me into his arms. "Then tell me, how do you plan to take care of me? In bed?"

His hot breath spilled against my ear. Once, that kind of intimacy would have made me blush. Today, it only filled me with revulsion.

I reached out to push him away, then caught sight of the marks on his skin, the deep red hickeys scattered across his neck beneath his shirt collar.

My breath caught. Rage and grief surged all at once as I shoved him hard.

But I was still weak from the miscarriage. My strength faltered, and while he didn't budge, the world around me spun. My body tilted backward.

Jay caught me by the waist in an instant. Only then did he seem to notice my pallor. His brows furrowed sharply.

"What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell? I'll take you to the hospital."

The worry in his eyes looked real, so real it could have fooled anyone.

But I knew better. I knew it was nothing more than another mask.