Chapter 7

Vanessa shot Cindy a mocking smile.

In her head, Cindy was just another pretty girl who could probably do better if she put her energy into, you know, actual work instead of drama. But hey, if you didn't respect yourself, who else would?

Cindy caught the look and turned red with fury. Out of nowhere, she clutched her stomach and leaned against the doorframe, her voice all weak and shaky. "S-Scott, my stomach... it hurts..."

Scott turned at once, panic flashing across his face. Without hesitation, he jumped up and rushed straight to her, leaving Vanessa behind.

Vanessa just sat there watching as Scott scooped Cindy up and bolted to find a doctor. Cindy, despite looking like she was about to pass out, somehow found the energy to smirk at Vanessa like she'd just won.

Vanessa sighed, motioning for a nurse to come over and remove her IV. The rest of the meds? Yeah, not worth it. She wasn't sticking around for this circus.

As she stepped out of the hospital, her phone buzzed. Cindy, of course.

[Did you see that? Your boyfriend was freaking out over me. He's so scared for our baby. Face it, Vanessa—you're nothing to him.]

Attached was a picture of Scott, mid-freakout, grilling a doctor like the perfect concerned dad-to-be.

Vanessa didn't bother replying. She slid her phone back into her bag and walked away, alone.

***

Back home, Vanessa hadn't even settled in before Scott showed up, all frantic energy. "Why didn't you tell me you were coming home? Done with the IV already? Are you still in pain?"

His concern? Fake.

It was disgusting.

Seven years. What had she even gotten out of it?

"I'm fine," she said. "Why would I need to let you know? You're so busy—always PERSONALLY taking care of things at work. Gotta look out for your employees, right?"

The sarcasm wasn't lost on him. Scott reached for her hand. "I was just worried, okay? She's pregnant and all alone. If something happened—"

"Totally." Vanessa nodded. "Pregnant and abandoned—that's rough. But I wonder... does the guy even know she's pregnant? Or was he just in it for the thrill? Men like that? They don't deserve to breathe. Karma's coming for them."

Scott froze, his forced smile barely holding up.

"Yeah... uh... let's not talk about her. I'm just glad you're okay. Don't go back to work for a few days. Our anniversary's coming up—how about we go out tomorrow? Spend some time together?"

Vanessa tilted her head, her voice honeyed with mock curiosity. "Aren't you worried about leaving her? You're really just... letting her handle everything herself?"

"She's got nothing to do with me. Why would I stick around her? You're my girlfriend—you're the one that matters."

Vanessa almost laughed out loud. If only Cindy could hear him right now. The king of liars, putting on a show.

That night, Scott actually stayed home—first time in forever. Vanessa didn't bother talking to him, using the classic "not feeling great" excuse to escape to bed early.

But Scott? He wasn't done. Keeping his phone close like a lifeline, he slipped out of bed once he thought she was asleep.

Vanessa got up quietly, padding to the door and listening through the crack.

"Be good," Scott murmured, his voice low and sweet. "I'll make it up to you, okay? That ring from Lora's you've been eyeing? I'll grab it. Just rest—you've had a rough day. I'll send someone to bring those pastries from Bellamy's in the morning."

Vanessa stifled a bitter laugh.

Seven years. Seven wasted years on this man.

What a joke.

***

The next morning, Vanessa sat at the table, barely touching her breakfast.

Scott noticed, his voice dripping with fake concern. "Not your thing? Just say the word, and I'll have them make whatever you want."

Vanessa looked up, locking eyes with him. "I want those pastries from Bellamy's."

Scott froze, his face doing that quick panic-flash before he plastered on a strained smile. "But... you've never liked their stuff."