CHAPTER THREE

“What on earth happened?” Daniel asked Ivy after the doctor had finished treating her. A wave of remorse washed over him as he stared at the dressing on her forehead. “I'm sorry. I can't understand why Sophia has become like this. She was never this kind of person before.”

When he arrived at the parking area, he thought he caught Sophia dragging Ivy out of her wheelchair. The sight frightened him, and he immediately got worried that Ivy might get injured.

After all, Ivy had suffered injuries to her legs because of him. He couldn't bear the thought of her getting hurt again because his wife was jealous.

“I hope you'll forgive her. She doesn't usually behave this way,” Daniel added.

They were inside a private hospital suite, where Ivy rested on the narrow bed after they left her wheelchair behind.

Ivy smiled and took Daniel's hand in hers. “Hey, don't misunderstand what happened. Sophia isn't responsible for this. I fell by myself... I think there's something wrong with my wheelchair.”

Daniel's eyes widened a little. “Do you mean Sophia didn't shove you?”

Ivy shook her head, gently biting her lower lip. “No, she didn't shove me. Please don't hold this against her. I wouldn't want you two to fall out because of me.”

Daniel's brows drew together as he remembered how harshly he had shoved Sophia aside. He didn't even bother to check whether she was hurt after she hit the ground.

How could he have misunderstood the situation so badly and accused her of something she hadn't done?

Remorse washed over him. Now that I think about it, I reacted without even finding out what really happened, he thought.

“I didn't know...” he muttered under his breath.

Ivy offered him a gentle smile. “You should go back to her and explain everything.”

Daniel looked at Ivy and realized that she was still the thoughtful woman he remembered. He nodded and replied, “I'll go and see her, but let me take you home first. We left your wheelchair at the company. I've already asked someone to arrange another one since the old one isn't working properly.”

“Alright... I can manage on my own for a while. Please don't leave Sophia alone too long,” Ivy said.

“There's nothing to worry about. I'll talk to her, and she'll understand,” Daniel assured her.

Meanwhile, Sophia met her best friend at a restaurant before heading home.

“What? You're expecting a baby?” Bianca's eyes grew wide with astonishment. “That's wonderful news!”

A bitter smile appeared on Sophia's face. “I'm not sure I can call it wonderful... You were right about what happened last night. The man you saw was Daniel. As it turns out, the woman he was with is the one he's always loved.”

“What the heck?” Bianca spat, curling her fingers into fists. “Are you telling me he's having an affair with his former girlfriend?”

“I don't know. I've always understood that he doesn't love me, but having it confirmed still hurts.

Maybe it's finally time for me to do what I've been putting off for so long,” Sophia replied, her chest tightening painfully.

“Have you lost your mind? Why would you walk away from your marriage, especially now that you've discovered you're pregnant? Raising a child alone isn't easy, girl. I say you should put that woman in her place. You're his lawful wife!” Bianca insisted. “If you can't confront her yourself, I'll do it for you.”

“And what would that solve, Bee?” Sophia shook her head.

“You should have seen the look on his face when he thought I'd pushed her. He didn't hesitate to shove me aside just to protect her. I don't think I could bear watching him take her side again...

Besides, I can only hold on to a man who actually wants to stay.”

Bianca's heart ached for her friend. She nodded before suggesting, “At least tell him you're pregnant. I'm sure the excitement of seeing his old flame again will fade once he realizes he's about to become a father.”

Sophia rested her hand on her stomach and gently stroked it. She remembered how forcefully Daniel had pushed her away. He hadn't even bothered to find out whether she was hurt... what if he did not want to have a child with her?

He might even demand that she terminate the pregnancy so he could be with the woman he loved.

Shaking her head, Sophia replied, “I'm not telling him about the baby. He never wanted to marry me to begin with... I'm certain the last thing he wants right now is to have a child with me. I would only stand in the way of his happiness.”

Bianca let out a deep sigh. She understood that Sophia had already made her choice, so trying to change her mind would be pointless.

“I'll stand by you no matter what you decide, girl. All I want is for you to find happiness,” she said.

Some time later, Daniel returned home and found Sophia sitting in the living room, waiting for him. The moment he looked at her, he remembered how cruelly he had treated her earlier, and guilt filled his heart.

“Sophia, listen, about what happened earlier, I—”

“There's something I need to tell you, Daniel,” Sophia interrupted.

Her expression was resolute as she rose to her feet and handed him the papers she had been holding.

Daniel stared at the documents, his face creasing with confusion. “What's this? Is it something related to work? Can't it wait until tomorrow? I wanted us to discuss—”

“No, it can't wait. These are my resignation letter and divorce papers. Daniel, it's time we went our separate ways. It has been long overdue,” Sophia declared. “Let's get divorced.”