Chapter 2

"Calvin, don't be so nervous," said Susie softly. "The doctor already told us–I'm perfectly healthy and fully qualified for IVF."

"But IVF is so painful," Calvin's brows furrowed. "The thought of you going through that hurts me."

A blush rose on Susie's cheeks. "It's just fate playing tricks on us. If I'd come back a few years earlier, we wouldn't even need IVF now."

Her words stabbed at me. My chest tightened, and tears nearly spilled over.

Just then, Calvin noticed me. His frown deepened.

"Were you following me?"

I did not answer him. Instead, I fixed my gaze on Susie.

She feigned irritation and chimed in sweetly, "Calvin, with our kind of relationship, Angela would surely understand. Why would she ever need to follow us?"

Ha. She thought I was the same woman who swallowed every insult in silence?

I let out a quiet laugh. "If you and Calvin are planning to have a child together, what does that have to do with me? The way I see it, you two are the real husband and wife."

Calvin's face turned ashen. "What are you saying? I told you before–Susie and I are like siblings!"

However, fresh from surgery, my body would not let me stand long. A dull ache spread across my abdomen, and I had no energy left to argue. I turned, intent on walking away.

Susie suddenly stepped forward, blocking me.

"Angela, wait. We're nearly done with the check-up, so why don't we all go together? Otherwise, I'd feel guilty, like you're angry with me."

I waved her off impatiently, giving her the lightest push. She collapsed dramatically to the ground, clutching herself and crying out in pain.

Panic flashed in Calvin's eyes. He shoved me hard and barked, "Are you insane? Don't you realize Susie is trying to have a baby?"

Without another word, he scooped her into his arms and rushed off.

Watching their retreating figures, I felt no regret. If she was going to have a child, what about me?

The day Susie reappeared in his life, I already knew our marriage was finished.

Back home, my phone buzzed. Susie had updated her social media feed: a photo of Calvin's face, taken from the angle of a doting girlfriend.

The caption read: "How lucky I am. After all these years, you've always been there whenever I'm hurt."

Comments flooded in beneath the post.

"Wow, our big boss is such a softie at heart?"

"Of course, childhood sweethearts always get special treatment."

"So you finally chose him to have your baby? Congrats!"

Not long after, Calvin himself commented, "Don't start rumors. I don't want Angela upset. Susie and I are only doing IVF."

Someone quickly replied, "Please. Everyone knows about your feelings for Susie. If someone hadn't meddled, you two would've been together ages ago."

His so-called friends had always believed I was the one who came between them.

The truth? Five years ago, Susie was the one who broke things off so she could study abroad. During Calvin's darkest days, it was I who stayed by his side.

I typed out a reply, "If they're destined to be together, then they will be. Don't worry, the day is coming soon."

Then I posted the abortion procedure receipt on social media. The caption was, "Baby, don't blame me for being heartless. Someone else is going to have your father's child, too."

In less than a minute, my feed erupted–likes, comments, shares.

However, they were all from my side of the circle. Not a single one of Calvin's friends reacted.

Moments later, my brother called. Then my father-in-law. Then, Calvin–again and again. I did not pick up any of them.

My brother finally sent a message. [Ian told me everything. You've just gone through an abortion . I'll ask him to pick you up–you need someone to take care of you for now.]

I packed lightly, dragging my suitcase toward the door.

However, before I could step out, the lock rattled violently, and Calvin burst through the door.