Revenge On My Ex-husband

Chapter five

Family Dinner.

From the moment I saw Lora that night, I knew exactly what this marriage meant. She wasn’t just my contract wife. She carried my child. And that changed everything.

I could feel the weight of it already. She didn’t need to say a word. I already knew.

She’s carrying my child. And yet she looks so fragile, so unprepared. I can’t let anyone, especially Vivian, touch her. But I can’t show her I care. Not yet. She must believe this is a cold contract.

Her hands were small in mine as we walked to the car. I could tell she was nervous, uneasy. Good. She needed to be careful. This wasn’t just a play. This was survival. And she had to act like she was just my wife. Not my child’s mother.

My head snapped toward Lora. Her hand was pressed lightly to her stomach. She looked calm, but my instincts screamed danger.

“Lora,” I said sharply. “What happened? Are you hurt?”

“I’m fine, baby. Just a small cut,” she said softly. “Mom helped.”

My fist clenched. Vivian had done something. I could feel it. I didn’t even need confirmation. She always tried to manipulate situations. She wanted to hurt Lora. To humiliate her. To get at me.

“Show me,” I demanded. I scanned her carefully. Nothing major, but I wasn’t taking chances. My child was inside her. One mistake and…

I stepped closer, protective. “Are you hurt anywhere else? We’re going to the hospital if needed.”

Lora shook her head. “No. Really, I’m fine.”

I didn’t reply. My eyes were fixed on Vivian. That woman would pay for this.

My father interrupted, curious. “So what happened? Why is she hurt?”

Vivian smirked. “Oh, it was just a mistake. I was helping her plan the family dinner. She got a small cut while checking some arrangements.”

I narrowed my eyes. Trap. I could see it in her tone. I would not allow Lora to be humiliated in front of the family. Not now. Not ever.

I stepped forward and took Lora’s hand. “We’re leaving. Now.”

I scanned the room, noting every possible threat. Vivian’s smile was too sweet. Her eyes glinted with a dangerous light. She was planning something, I knew it. She always did. Always thinking she could manipulate everything.

I took a deep breath, holding back the urge to lash out. My hand tightened around Lora’s. I let my cold façade slide just enough so she would feel the protective weight behind it.

I have to stay calm. She can’t see how worried I am. She can’t know that I feel everything she feels. She can’t know that this contract isn’t just a deal for me. It’s about her… and the baby.

Before I could move her away from Vivian, a sudden commotion drew my attention toward the grand staircase. Two figures were descending.

My eyes locked on the first: a man. Mid-thirties. Dark hair, sharp features. He stopped mid-step, his eyes scanning the room, and then he froze. My pulse quickened as my mind pieced it together.

Just then, I saw the look on her face; she seemed shocked, her steps staggered back.

“Jackson?” she called.

I can't help but ask. However, seeing the tears in her eyes, I could guess. He must be someone from his past, and the fact that Chloe is beside him means nothing good.

I felt a flicker of anger spike inside me. I looked at Lora. Her eyes widened, her breath caught. I could see the shock and fear flicker across her face. Her hand moved toward her stomach again instinctively.

Damn it. This was supposed to be controlled. I should have seen this coming.

My protective instincts kicked in fully. I couldn’t let them even think about touching her pride, her peace, or worse, the baby she carried.

I leaned slightly closer, my hand brushing hers again, not in comfort, but as a silent claim. “I’ve got you. No one will touch you. Just calm down,” I muttered.

The room seemed to freeze. Vivian’s smile brightened again.

“Chlo, your brother came home with his wife, and here you are with your fiancé. I guess tonight is a call for a proper introduction.”

“I don’t need any proper introduction from anyone. I’m leaving with my wife,” I replied defensively.

“That’s improper, Jackson. At least say hello to your sister's fiancé.” My father dragged.

I moved instinctively, placing myself slightly in front of Lora, my posture rigid, unyielding. “Stay behind me.”

Lora’s eyes flicked up at me. I kept my gaze straight ahead, outwardly cold, inwardly boiling with protective fire. I could feel her tension, her heartbeat. I let my silence speak instead of words.