Kate Brillantes POV.
I invited Kian over to my house again, making up an excuse to get her attention. I wanted to spend time with her and be close to her, pulling her away from her wife. Poor Kian doesn’t realize I'm just using her. But her wife, Asteria, is even more oblivious. Every time Asteria lets Kian go, she’s losing her little by little, and soon Kian will be mine. I don’t really care anyway.
I won’t let them be happy while I’m left behind. What happened to me with Yusei and Cyra won’t happen again. I was the loser then, but not this time. I’ll do everything I can to win. I’ll have the last laugh. Just wait and see. I smiled when my phone rang, a sign that Kian was waiting for my reply.
Kian: I'm on my way.
It was a short message, but it was enough for me. I don’t care if she stops me. The important thing is that I can be with her. As she was getting close, my acting skills needed to come into play again. I went to the gate and waited for her. A few minutes later, I saw her car approaching. I smiled softly as she got out.
"Are you feeling all right?" she asked, coming closer and looking at my stomach. She couldn’t even look me in the eyes. I held my head, pretending again.
"My head still hurts a little," I lied. She nodded.
"Does your stomach still hurt?" she asked.
"Just a little." It’s a good thing she won’t touch it right now. I always worry that if she touches my stomach, she’ll discover my secret. We went inside together. I walked ahead and opened the door for her, then guided her to the sofa.
"Sit first," I said.
"Kian," I called to her.
"Can you please not leave me?" I asked, trying to make her feel guilty. She hesitated, but I made my expression look even more pained.
"Alright," she finally said coldly. At least in the end, I got what I wanted. I told you so.
Asteria Celeste Averix Levington POV
When I woke up, she was already gone. As usual. I started to frown. Why is it like this? She was sweet yesterday, and now she leaves without a word today. I wish she would at least wake me up before she leaves so I could say goodbye and kiss her. But no. I started thinking about that troublemaker again. Maybe she’s with her. It’s annoying. I got up abruptly. Is this really how she is? Am I really the pregnant one here? It feels like I’m the one struggling while Kate is acting like the wife. Why can't she balance her time between us?
Maybe I should buy her a balance sheet so she can learn. Good thing other people always make time for me, like Sorin. Where is that homewrecker? I should go to her place next time. Who can tell me? I know it’s nearby and that the house is pink, unlike the mostly white ones here. I’ll try to find it later. I’ll reprimand that girl. Does she always want Kian with her? What about my son and me?
I went downstairs and was greeted by a smiling maid.
"Good morning, Ma'am," she said.
"Good morning. What's for breakfast?" I asked, smiling back.
"Waffles and sandwiches. There's also rice and a side dish," she answered. I walked to the kitchen and saw the prepared food. I turned to her.
"Join me," I said. She didn’t refuse and sat down. I started serving myself but noticed she hadn’t taken any yet.
"Eat now," I urged. Since she was a bit older than me, I took a plate and placed it in front of her. She quickly chose her food.
"Ma'am, later," she still refused. I insisted.
"Now, don’t be shy. You’re part of my family," I said with a smile. She didn’t argue further and started taking food.
"Has my wife left yet?" I asked while we were eating. She looked at me quickly and nodded.
"She was in a hurry," she added. I nodded in response. After we ate, I rested. I sat on the sofa and thought. Can I start looking for that house now? It’s in the next neighborhood. Maybe it’s better if I walk to get some exercise. I went upstairs and took a shower. I put on a blue shirt and went downstairs.
"I'm leaving for a bit," I said. She stopped sweeping and looked at me.
"Aren't you bringing anyone with you? How are you feeling?" she asked worriedly. I just smiled at her.
"I'm just going nearby," I answered and left.
Kate Brillantes P.OV
I moved closer to Kian.
"Are you feeling alright?" she asked with genuine concern in her voice.
"What do you think the gender of our baby will be?" I asked her. If I were really pregnant, I would already know by now because it’s been a few months. But since I’m not, I have no idea.
"Anything is fine. But it would be nice if it's a boy so he can inherit from me," she smiled. When talking about the baby, she becomes so enthusiastic and lively.
"But if it's a girl, she would look like me," I joked. I leaned in to kiss her, noticing the tears welling up in Kian’s eyes. When our lips met, I could sense her surprise. She hadn’t expected this.
Asteria Celeste Averix Levington POV
I didn't bother ringing the doorbell at Kate's house. I found out where she lived by asking her neighbors. One of them, busy watering plants, gave me the information I needed. I walked straight to the door and opened it slowly, shocked by what I saw. My eyes widened, and I couldn't move from where I stood, just watching them.
I saw Kian gently push the woman away, but Kate tried to kiss her again, and this time my wife responded. I wanted to rush in and stop this, to confront them both. I had thought Kian only cared about our child. If I hadn’t decided to come to Kate’s house, I wouldn’t have discovered what they were doing. The baby Kate was carrying was indeed Kian's.
My suspicion was right; Kian always coming home late was because of this. They must be doing this every day. Maybe I won’t go back home, or perhaps I shouldn’t be with Kian at all. Our relationship has become tiresome, full of constant fighting. One day we’re sweet, and the next we’re arguing again. It’s repetitive and no longer enjoyable.
I went to a nearby park and sat on a bench, letting all my anger out. I cried and cried until my tears ran dry. Suddenly, someone extended a hand holding a handkerchief.
"When we first met, you had difficulty walking. And now your tears are falling," said the person.
"Felix?"
"Yes, it's me," he said, sitting next to the swing where I was.
"Is there a problem?" he asked with concern.
"Yes," I replied sadly.
"I know how to cheer you up. At least you can forget your problems for tonight. You’re pregnant, so try not to stress," he said, helping me stand and guiding me to a nearby garden filled with butterflies. It was hidden away, easy to miss.
"It's beautiful," I said happily, momentarily forgetting my troubles.
"I told you. This would help you forget your problems for a while," he said with a smile.
"Felix, thank you."
"Thank you?" he asked, uncertain.
"Yes, thank you for being here and accompanying me. I really needed someone to talk to. My best friend is busy preparing for her wedding, and I don't want to burden her with my problems."
"It's okay. Just remember there are people who won't let you down, especially at your worst moments."
"Thank you again," I said, feeling genuinely grateful.