Chapter 2: Back-Stabbed

Elena’s POV

I crumpled onto the floor, heartbroken by Lucian’s painful words and his cruel distrust. Not to mention Lydia’s betrayal.

Drawing my knees into my chest, the tears flowed from my eyes as I choked back sobs.

I’ve loved Lucian for so long. Our marriage couldn’t end like this. It just couldn’t.

Our marriage hadn’t started with love. Lucian’s grandmother had been my benefactor.

I was an orphan, and she’d stepped in to fund my education.

Once I’d finished school, she insisted that Lucian marry me.

Lucian had resisted at first, but He had no choice but to compromise with his grandmother. Which suited me just fine, since I’d always had a crush on Lucian.

It was a secret, intense crush, one that I kept close to my heart. Lucian didn’t reciprocate my feelings.

Not at first. But I believe that I could win him over.

Lucian had been cold and distant at first. But over the past few months, something had shifted.

And now we were having a baby.

Wiping away the tears from my cheeks, I stood up.

I couldn’t just sit here and let him walk out on me.

Deep down, I honestly believed that if I could just explain everything to Lucian, he’d realize that I’d done nothing wrong.

So, I decided to go to the hospital to get the real medical report, so I could show Lucian that I was a loyal and devoted wife after all.

At the hospital, I found my obstetrician and asked her to print off the original medical report for me.

But as I stood out in the hallway, waiting for the report, I heard a familiar voice.

"This is wonderful news."

Turning my head, I saw that the voice was coming from an office, the door slightly open.

"Lucian and I couldn’t be happier."

Lucian?

Furrowing my brow, I crept towards the office. Peeking inside, I was shocked to see Lucian and Lydia sitting at a desk across from an obstetrician.

Their backs were turned to me, but it was them for sure.

What were Lucian and Lydia doing in an obstetrician’s office?

Together?

"Well, you’re not very far along yet, but so far, the baby looks perfectly healthy," the doctor said, flashing them both a smile.

Baby?

Lydia was…pregnant? My mind began to race.

"Pregnancy hormones can affect your wife's mood. As the father of the child, you should take her out into nature more often. It will help her stay in a good mood," the doctor said.

"I will, doctor," Lucian replied, his voice protective. "I’ll make sure she gets plenty of rest."

What?!

Lydia was carrying Lucian’s baby?

A wave of shock washed over my entire body, making my vision blur.

Something inside of me snapped. Lucian had accused me of cheating on him, when really, he was the one cheating on me?

I flung the door open. Lucian and Lydia both froze, their heads whipping toward me.

"Elena?" Lucian frowned, his voice cold. "What are you doing here?"

"What am I doing here?" I choked out. "I’m watching my husband and my best friend stab me in the back. That’s what I’m doing!"

I looked at Lydia’s stomach, then back at Lucian. The truth hit me like a physical blow.

"Is it true? Are you really carrying his child?"

Lydia didn't look guilty. Instead, she stepped closer to Lucian, a smug smile playing on her lips.

"Yes, Elena. I’m pregnant. And Lucian is the father."

"Enough! Stop making a scene," Lucian yelled, his eyes full of impatience.

"If you want to act like a madwoman, do it at home. Don't embarrass yourself here!"

Normally, I would have shrunk away—I used to fear his disapproval more than anything. But now, I couldn't back down.

"You’ve been having an affair this whole time..." I marched toward them, my voice trembling.

"Stop being dramatic," Lucian snapped. He immediately stepped in front of Lydia, shielding her from me as if I were the monster.

"This has nothing to do with Lydia. She’s fragile right now. Don't you dare touch her."

Lucian held her tightly in his arms, as if she were his wife. And I was like a monster with bared fangs and claws.

His hateful gaze hurt me. I held back my tears—there was no more ironic scene than this.

"Lucian, don't do this to me..." I reached out my hand, begging my husband to tell me it wasn't true.

But he turned a blind eye to me and held Lydia's hand tightly.

The way they looked at each other... Clearly, they’d been sneaking around for some time.

It was written all over their faces.

Suddenly, I realized something. "Is this why you lied about the medical report?" I asked Lydia, my face incredulous.

"So Lucian would think I was an adulteress and kick me out? You framed me?"

Lydia didn't snap back. Instead, she shrank back into Lucian’s chest.

"Elena, how can you say such horrible things?" Lydia sobbed and clutched Lucian’s arm tighter.

"I’m pregnant so I am weak. Lucian is just protecting me. Your affair has nothing to do with me. You felt Lucian couldn't give you more companionship. Don't try to drag me into your mess just because you're bitter."

Her words were like slaps to my face. I couldn’t believe this!

My blood boiled. Infuriated by her audacity and overcome with anger, I lunged for her.

But Lucian caught me mid-lunge and shoved me hard in the chest.

Caught off guard, I stumbled backwards a few steps. And then…

Thud.

My body landed on the hard ground.

Lucian marched over to me, menace in his eyes.

Towering over me, he glared.

“Lydia is far kinder than you! She's nothing like someone as despicable as you!” He hissed. "You disgust me. How dare you barge in here like this and start tossing out accusations? You’re nothing but a cheating woman! Pregnant with a another man’s child!

I can’t even stand to look at you. You’re pathetic."

Looking up at him from the floor, I saw the pure disdain and hatred in his eyes.

His cruel words settled into my heart like thorns. There wasn’t even a glimmer of guilt in his expression.

He didn’t care about me. He never had.

While he glared down at me, the thorns in my heart turned to ice.

And my love for Lucian died, like a withered rose left out too long in the bitter cold.