Betrayal is not Defeat

Chapter 2

I stood there and could not say anything, not like I was surprised or something. We have been married for years and the only time the marriage ever worked was when he was still struggling.

I had expected the worst actually—his coldness, his late nights, his fury, and even the divorce. It was ringing all over his actions.

Now, this is it. Who would ever believe I forfeited everything for this same man?

“I really believe that is the best for both of us. I will have my lawyer start the process soon.” He flinged the papers at me while cleaning the lipstick on his lips.

I was still looking unsurprised. “So Ethan, what you're trying to say is that after eve—.”

“After everything, right? What exactly did you do for me?” he asked. His manner of words wasn't new to me, but his heartlessness was. “Now listen, I got to the top on my own, everything I have is all mine!”

“But…what will you gain from doing this to me?” My tone was a bit low—betrayal was dancing in front of my every eye. “You know we can talk about this Ethan, you can't just—”

“I can't just do what? I can do whatever I want, and get married to whoever I choose to.” He interrupted me again, and the finality in his voice left no room for argument.

His words had always been sharp, but tonight, they cut like glass.

I swallowed hard, the weight of his betrayal pressing down on my chest. This was extremely difficult for me to take, even though I had expected it.

It was obvious he had made up his mind already. This was the man I loved.

“Ethan, why exactly are you doing this? Because of Vanessa?”

“Why don't you get it? I don't love you anymore, Sophie, didn't you notice?”

“But you know I love you Ethan.”

“That's good to hear, but I do not think Vanessa would want to share me with you. So I would prefer you pack your things and leave at this moment.” Ethan grabbed his car keys and turned toward the door.

“Where will I go, Ethan?” My voice barely carried across the room.

He didn’t even look back, he was done with me. “That’s up to you, not me.”

A shuddering breath left my lips as I watched him disappear through the door that night. Soon, he drove out of the house, probably to meet with his lover.

It is up to me?

I felt like the walls were closing in on me. The house that was once ours, the place filled with memories of laughter and love, was now nothing more than a cold, empty space.

I did not have anywhere to go at the moment.

No home.

No money.

Nothing.

Then I picked up my coat and walked out. The moment I stepped outside, the cold night air that hit me was merciful compared to the reaction I had just received from Ethan.

As I walked aimlessly on the road, my feet were still carrying me forward. The blind love I had for Ethan made me ignore my parents' warning.

And then, this was my reward.

My sight was covered with tears in my eyes; they fell, bitter on my cheeks. Suddenly, I felt a sharp pain inside my stomach.

I staggered, moving front and moving back, my hands were on my stomach. My sight became more blurry as the world around me started spinning.

Something was definitely not right with me.

Before I could take another step forward, my knees were on the ground, and my eyes were closed. I could only see darkness as I fell to the ground.

***

After what felt like hours, I woke up. I had the feeling that the sun was up, and the day had become bright and fair through the sun that shines on my eyelids, but I didn't want to sit up. I was too tired to do that.

"Sophie Carter… Sophie Carter." I heard someone calling my name repeatedly. It was a soft and calm voice, making me flutter my eyes open.

Then...I saw a woman in a white coat standing beside the bed, watching me with care.

My eyes had been opened already, but still blinking against the bright white light above me.

The strong smell of disinfectant filled my nose. I was in a hospital.

I panicked immediately as I tried to sit up, but the pains in my abdomen made me freeze. I swallowed hard, and this time, I could see the doctor clearly.

“Doctor Angela, why…am I here?” The tone of my voice came out weak, barely above a whisper.

Her hospital was not far away from the street we stayed at, so seeing her was no surprise.

“You collapsed on the street,” the doctor explained, flipping through a chart. “A kind stranger brought you here.”

A kind stranger? Of course, it wasn't Ethan. My husband…. No, my ex-husband…he wouldn’t care if I lived or died.

But then, I saw Dr. Angela's face. She was about to say something, but hesitated, which made me worry a bit. “Is something wrong, doctor?”

She took a slow breath before speaking. “Mrs. Sophie Carter, there is something important I need to inform you about.”

There was something about the way she spoke, gently and carefully—that made my heart beat quicken.

My worry increased. What is it that was wrong with me?

“Doctor…” My voice trembled. “What is it?”

She looked at me, really looked at me, and I saw something in her eyes—memories. Memories of all the appointments, the endless tests from years back.

She knew my past. She knew the years Ethan and I had spent chasing something we could never have.

I braced myself for any news that came out of her mouth. My heart was hammering.

Then, after her moment of hesitation, she spoke. “Mrs. Carter… you are pregnant.”

The words didn’t register at first.

I am Pregnant?

I remained still and did not breathe.

“You’re about three weeks pregnant…” The doctor’s lips kept moving, but I couldn’t hear her anymore.

My hands shook as they moved to my stomach, pressing lightly against the place where a life grew inside me.

I could not believe I was carrying his baby.

After all those years of waiting… after he had obviously given

up on me… now, I am pregnant.

The words repeated in my head, but they refused to sink in.

This couldn’t be real.