Chapter 6
853 Words
Claire looked at me with guilt written all over her face.
"Wendy, please don't be mad. I believe you didn't post those photos. I'm the one who made Alex misunderstand. I'm sorry.
"I'll move out right away. I'll disappear from the city for good. See, I've already packed everything."
She stepped aside so I could see the bags and boxes all packed up inside.
"I was actually supposed to leave today, but my doctor said I can't overexert myself. I need to rest and stay off my feet, so I had to delay..."
I glanced around and spotted the pregnancy books and prenatal vitamins right there by the door.
"You can't leave because someone's pregnant, isn't that right?"
Claire's eyes darted away. She stayed quiet, her lips parted like she wanted to say something but couldn't.
I looked her straight in the eye. "Who's pregnant? Is it you?"
Her eyes went red in an instant. She hung her head low and begged.
"Wendy, I'm so sorry. Please, stop asking..."
She didn't say a word, but she might as well have spelled it out in neon lights.
But didn't she tell me at the cafe that she and Alex had only slept together twice? Once seven years ago, and once on Christmas Eve.
I felt like a complete fool.
Best friends forever. Through thick and thin, ride or die. I'd have taken a bullet for her.
All of it was garbage.
"Claire, we're done."
I said it one word at a time. I didn't have the strength to say anything harsher.
Claire flinched like I'd stabbed her. She sucked in a sharp breath, grabbed the wall, and doubled over in pain.
Alex rushed over and helped her inside.
"The doctor said you can't get worked up like this. Take a deep breath. Calm down."
He guided her carefully to the couch, then came back to the doorway with a frown.
"I brought you here to apologize, not to push her over the edge."
With that, he grabbed me and pulled me into the elevator.
When we got downstairs and he tried to put me back in the car, I yanked my arm free.
"So who's the one who's pregnant?"
Alex's throat moved. He gave me a stiff answer.
"Claire."
Hearing it out loud made my blood run cold.
"And yesterday, when you said you wanted to adopt a kid. You meant your kid with Claire, didn't you?"
Alex's eyes flickered. He gave a quiet "Yeah... We've gone back to being just friends. But the baby didn't ask for any of this. When the child is born, it makes the most sense for us to raise it together."
I couldn't believe what I was hearing. "I want a divorce. I'm not raising another woman's child."
Our marriage was beyond saving. It was completely rotten.
I turned to walk away, but Alex grabbed my wrist.
"Why are you talking about divorce like it's nothing? Claire's body can't handle an abortion. If she goes through with it, she might never have kids again. Just because you lost your baby doesn't mean you get to take away her chance to be a mother."
It felt like he'd wrapped his hand around my throat. I'd never heard him say anything so cruel.
"The parents of that kid are responsible for it. Not me."
I pushed him off and walked away without looking back. I hailed a cab and went straight home.
As soon as I got there, I started packing.
Seven years of marriage. It took me seven hours to pack up every trace of myself from that house.
Then I called the head of my department.
"Dr. Reeves, that fellowship program in Ashford. I want back in."
Seven years ago, right after we got married, I'd turned down a promotion and a chance to study abroad. All so I could be the woman behind Alex and his racing career.
Six months ago, the hospital had picked me for a Berlin fellowship. I turned that down too.
Looking back, I couldn't believe how stupid I'd been. Throwing away my future for a man.
Dr. Reeves sounded cautious on the other end.
"I'm glad you want to go, but the team leaves the day after tomorrow. Can you be ready in time?"
"Absolutely," I said without missing a beat.
I'd already packed everything. I was more than ready to leave.
"I'll submit your paperwork to headquarters right away and get your visa expedited."
I hung up and felt the weight on my chest finally lift.
Morning light was creeping in through the window. I'd been up all night without even realizing it.
I splashed cold water on my face and walked out of the bathroom.
Alex was home.
He had dark circles under his eyes, bloodshot whites, and he looked completely worn out.
"Claire already made an appointment to terminate the pregnancy. She said she'd rather let down her own baby than let you down again."
His voice was hoarse, and there was a hint of blame in his eyes.
"Wendy, is this what you wanted? Are you happy now?"
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