Chapter 1
At our post-wedding reception, Ethan Montgomery suddenly got up to leave.
I found out it was because his student, Lila Carter, had a power outage in her dorm.
I stepped in front of him, in a soft, pleading tone.
“Why don’t I get her a hotel room and have my assistant go pick her up p>
Before I could finish, Ethan shook his head.
“She’s skittish—nothing like you. A hotel might not be safe, and I’d be held responsible if something happened to her p>
My heart dropped. Anger flared, sharp and bitter.
“Is she really afraid of the dark… or does she just want you to be there for her p>
His face fell. He turned to leave, but I called out again.
“Ethan. If you walk out that door today, we’re done p>
His eyes dropped to my stomach.
“Take it easy. Emotional stress isn’t good for the baby p>
With that, his figure disappeared down the hall.
That night, Lila posted on social media.
[Huge thanks to Professor Montgomery for coming to my rescue! My bad, I accidentally tripped the circuit breaker p>
The photo was taken from the passenger seat of Ethan’s car.
In her hand, she was holding two iced coffees.
The table was still full of steaming dishes, but no one touched them.
My father set down his wineglass heavily.
My mother held my hand, her expression cold with displeasure.
Ethan’s parents rushed to smooth things over.
“Chloe, Ethan just takes his responsibilities too seriously. That student was probably really terrified p>
My mother cut them off sharply.
“For heaven’s sake, what student is more important than his wife and unborn child? This is our family’s post-wedding reception—what does he take our daughter for p>
My father looked at me, steady and serious.
“Chloe. What do you think p>
I sat down, my face calm.
“Let’s eat. The food’s getting cold p>
I lowered my head and gestured for my parents to help themselves to the food.
They didn’t know this wasn’t the first time Ethan had abandoned me for Lila.
Last time, we’d planned for him to come with me to my prenatal appointment.
At the last minute, he said something urgent came up.
I assumed it was work and told him I could go alone.
But I ran into them at the hospital.
Ethan was supporting Lila, who’d apparently sprained her ankle.
When he saw me, he said Lila had been hit by a car.
Looking back, Lila had spoken vaguely, making it sound like a serious accident.
In reality, she’d only been grazed by an elderly man on a bicycle.
But every single time, Ethan believed her.
My parents didn’t bother hiding their disdain for Ethan’s family.
They left without finishing their meal, tails between their legs.
I forced myself to make it home, and all my strength left me in an instant.
Nausea rose in my throat, and I swayed unsteadily.
“Chloe p>
My mother hurried to hold me up. I reassured her.
“I’m fine. Just tired p>
Once home, I locked myself in my room.
That was when I saw Ethan’s message, sent not long before.
[She’s really upset. I’ll be back late. Go to sleep first, don’t wait up p>
There was not an ounce of apology in his message.
A moment later, I saw Lila’s post again.
I’d added her years ago, when she’d dropped off documents for Ethan.
Back then, she’d called me Mrs. Montgomery so sweetly.
I never thought she’d be this blatant, blatantly rubbing it in my face.
We’d dated for five years before we got married.
He was devoted to his academic career; I ran my own studio.
We supported each other. We admired each other.
I rarely bothered him with my own problems.
When I was sick, I went to the hospital alone.
When something broke at home, I called a repairman.
I thought that was love. Maturity.
Now I understand: I was just at the bottom of his priority list.
I placed a hand over my stomach, still flat, but holding a new life.
How bitter the irony was.
He could abandon his pregnant wife and his entire family for another woman.
Then I heard the sound of a car engine outside.
I walked to the window and pulled back a corner of the curtain.
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