Chapter 3

I didn’t react to the ring.

"Have you given any thought to our breakup?"

My question clearly set him off. His expression darkened.

"What do you mean?

"I’ve already apologized. Can’t you just let it go? It’s not even a big deal."

I shook my head, my expression frosty.

He frowned even more. His tone turned sharp.

"I’ve been giving in to you a lot, Isabel. Stop threatening me with this breakup nonsense. Which man would even want you if you left me?"

Right then, his phone buzzed.

Marie’s name lit up on the screen. A message popped up.

[I'm at home right now, Mr. Grant. I don't feel well. Can you come over?]

Charlie noticed me looking at it. He grew anxious and tried to explain.

"She’s still pregnant, and she worked hard at the proposal today. I need to check in on her just in case. Stay home and calm down, okay?"

Without waiting for a reply, he left in a hurry—no hesitation at all.

Maybe he was afraid I’d mention breaking up again.

Maybe he was just worried about Marie.

Either way, he left quickly and decisively.

I lay in bed, unable to sleep. My heart was drowning in disappointment.

When I finally got up to pack my suitcase, my phone lit up.

Another message.

[It doesn’t matter if you and Mr. Grant get married. My child is the one Mr. Grant really cares about. I’m the one winning right now, and my child will continue to lord over yours in the future!]

Then came another:

[Want to guess whose child will be born first, Miss Langdon? Yours or mine? And whose child will Mr. Grant love more?]

My hand clenched around the phone, fingers turning white. Rage and helplessness surged through me.

I blocked her number.

Then I took a screenshot of her messages and sent them to Charlie.

My abortion appointment was scheduled for the next morning.

Everything went smoothly.

Just a month ago, I had been overjoyed to learn I was pregnant.

Now, I had lost the child—and all hope.

The pain tore through me.

It hurt even more than seeing Charlie side with Marie, watching her lean close to him over and over again.

I dragged my weakened body to get the doctor’s report. As I walked out, I froze.

Charlie was just outside, gently helping Marie out of the gynecologist’s office.

They were chatting like a real couple, smiling and relaxed.

Marie spotted me first. She gave me a smug smile before quickly pretending to panic. She let go of Charlie’s hand and called out timidly, "Isabel…"

Charlie turned when he heard her.

The moment he saw me, he stepped away from Marie.

"Marie wasn’t feeling well last night. She overexerted herself at the proposal. Don’t get the wrong idea—I’m just here to accompany her for a checkup."

I glanced at Marie’s rosy cheeks. She didn’t look like someone in any pain.

Charlie, though, was watching her with concern, as if she might fall apart any second.

I said coldly, "I see your company offers amazing employee benefits. The boss even escorts his secretary to the gynecologist."

Marie rushed over and grabbed my hand.

"Don’t misunderstand, Isabel. This is all my fault. My tummy was hurting yesterday, and I didn’t know anyone else in the office. I had no choice but to ask Mr. Grant to come with me… Ah!"

Before she could finish, she suddenly released my hand, stumbled back, and fell hard.

Her belly slammed against the ground.

She immediately curled up in pain.