Revenge After Betrayed

Chapter.2

Chapter 2

“Maria, I’m sorry if my presence makes you uncomfortable,” Eva said, her voice sounding sweet yet carrying a subtle poison. A faint smile graced her lips, a smile that looked more like mockery. “But… do you two already have children?”

Before Maria could answer, Jenny quickly cut in with a cold, piercing tone. “She’s barren. How could she ever give me grandchildren? The Anderson family needs an heir, not a useless woman. It seems our family is truly unfortunate to have such a daughter-in-law.”

Jenny’s soft laughter echoed at the dining table, accompanied by a degrading gaze that pierced Maria’s chest. Her hand clenched the red skirt she was wearing, trying to steady her trembling body. But this time, she did not lower her head. Slowly, Maria raised her gaze, staring straight at her mother-in-law with calm eyes—so calm, far too calm for a woman who had just been insulted.

A faint smile appeared on her lips. That smile made Jenny falter for a moment. There was something in Maria’s eyes—not resignation, but a warning.

Maria drew in a deep breath, then turned to Elio. The man she once loved sincerely now sat back, chuckling softly with Eva, as if he hadn’t heard the insults thrown at her. The pain cut so deeply.

If only that day I hadn’t replaced my sister… the Anderson family would have lost face because the bride ran away. But I was the one who willingly became the substitute. And now? My sister has returned, while I’m nothing more than a worthless shadow.

“Oh, so the rumors were true after all.” Jessica finally spoke, her laughter hidden behind the elegant hand covering her mouth. “No wonder you don’t have children yet. I suppose… there must be another reason.”

Jenny nodded, her voice sharper.

“The doctor already examined her. Her chance of conceiving is only twenty percent. Very small. Truly unlucky of me to have such a daughter-in-law.”

Maria closed her eyes, holding back the tears that threatened to fall. She wanted so badly to scream—that today, the doctor had just confirmed her pregnancy, that all the insults would soon collapse. But seeing Elio, who didn’t even defend her, Maria knew… happiness would never be found in this house.

Even so, for the sake of her child, Maria could not be selfish. She could not remain silent.

“Elio… Mother… there’s something important I want to tell you.” Her voice trembled, but she tried to stand firm.

Jenny waved her hand as if shooing away a fly. “Wait a moment, Maria. I still want to hear Eva’s story. You know well, she’s like my own daughter.”

Maria bit her lip, forcing a smile. “Yes, Mother… but this is very important.”

Elio sighed in annoyance and finally glanced at her. “Can’t it wait until tomorrow? I want to enjoy this dinner in peace.”

The words pierced Maria’s heart like a blade. She froze. Her hands, clasped together on her lap, grew cold.

Eva turned, her voice gentle yet dripping with falsehood. “It’s okay, Elio. Let Maria speak. Who knows, maybe it’s good news.”

Jenny chuckled, patting Jessica’s hand. “You’re truly considerate, Eva. Unlike—” she stopped, but her eyes slid toward Maria, a mocking stare.

Tears began to pool at the corners of Maria’s eyes. With a hoarse voice, she said,

“I… I’m pregnant. I’m carrying your child, Elio.”

The dining room fell silent. Time itself seemed to stop. Maria looked at her husband with hope, longing to see a happy smile, to hear words of gratitude.

But Elio said nothing. His eyes were blank, no surprise, no joy. He glanced at her briefly, then shifted his gaze back to Eva. As if the news meant nothing.

Jenny slammed her spoon down, snorting disdainfully. “Really? Hm… let’s hope it’s not another illusion or misdiagnosis. You know how weak your body is.”

Those words struck Maria harder than any slap. Her chest tightened, her eyes burned.

Eva looked at Maria, her face unreadable. There was pity, but faintly—there was also triumph.

And at that very moment, Maria realized. The joyous news she brought tonight… had been cruelly shattered.

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After dinner, Maria remained seated in silence. Jenny had already left, while Eva approached Elio with a gentle smile.

“Elio, I miss my sister. May I speak with her?”

Elio smiled, nodding. “But be careful. You know her temper is bad.”

Eva stroked the back of Elio’s hand intimately. “Yes, I know. I know her very well.”

Maria stared at them, her blood boiling. “Why have you come back, Eva?”

Eva turned, a satisfied smile spreading across her face. “Of course… to take back what should have been mine.”

“Didn’t you leave him before, because he was only the owner of a small company?” Maria countered.

Eva chuckled softly. “That’s right. I only approached him because you liked him. Once I had him, I grew bored. He was small, worthless. So I handed him over to you. And you accepted him happily, didn’t you? But now… he’s successful. His company is big. And I’ve come back to claim him.”

Eva leaned closer, lowering her voice into a sharp whisper. “And I’m certain… your pregnancy is nothing but a lie. Seeking sympathy in such a cheap way… pathetic, Maria.”

Maria’s face flushed red with anger. She tried to stand tall, but suddenly Eva grabbed her hand, then pretended to stumble.

“Aahh!” Eva screamed, collapsing dramatically.

“Elio!” Eva cried out, her face pale with feigned weakness.

Without a second thought, Elio rushed forward, shoving Maria to the floor. He helped Eva up, panic written all over his face. “I told you! She has such a rough nature!”

Jenny approached, her face full of anger. “You know how she is, Eva. Yet you still wanted to speak with her.”

Maria winced in pain, her body hitting the floor hard. But no one cared.

“Stop pretending, Maria,” Jenny spat, her eyes filled with disgust.

“E-Elio… it hurts so much,” Eva’s voice was weak, her breath ragged. Her expression paled.

“Elio, please…” Eva’s tearful eyes looked up at him.

Without hesitation, Elio carried her in his arms. “We’re going to the hospital, now!”

Maria lay on the floor, trembling. Her eyes brimmed with tears, but all she saw was Elio’s back, growing more distant as he carried Eva with such care.

Meanwhile, Eva glanced back for a moment. A sly smile curved clearly on her lips. A smile of victory.

Maria was left behind. Alone. In real pain, and with a wound far deeper in her heart.

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