Too Late—You Cost Me Both Our Babies

Chapter 2

A dull ache spread through my heart.

So this was the "important matter" he spoke of? Bringing his lover here to throw it in my face?

When Julian saw me, he smiled, stood up, and walked over. "You're finally back."

He reached out to support me, but I instinctively stepped aside.

He didn't notice anything amiss, and smiled. "This is Ruby. She studies law. I want her to intern here with you and learn as much as she can."

These words were like a sharp blade, ruthlessly piercing my heart. I stared at him blankly, overwhelmed by the bitter irony. Had he lost his mind? Planting his lover right under my nose? Wave upon wave of sorrow surged from the depths of my heart, threatening to drown me completely.

I lifted my eyes and looked straight at Julian, my voice hoarse and cold. "I refuse."

Ruby suddenly choked up. "Ms. Tylor, are you looking down on me? I know I'm from a small place. I suppose it's only natural you'd despise someone like me."

Julian's brows instantly furrowed, his gentle gaze hardening with displeasure. "Delilah, Ruby comes from a poor family. She's worked hard to get where she is. Why won't you give her a hand?" He paused, his gaze heavy upon me. In front of several colleagues passing by the office door, he said softly, "Don't forget you started out with nothing and no one to rely on too. You, of all people, should understand how hard it is to struggle to survive against all odds. So why are you looking down on people from poor backgrounds now?"

All eyes around us landed on me. I stood rooted to the spot, feeling as though my heart was being sliced by a knife. Yes. I was Lauren Tylor, who came from a small place. That poor girl he'd sponsored, saved, and helped escape the mountains. 18 years by his side, and the man I'd loved with every fiber of my being knew exactly where to cut deepest.

I slowly closed my eyes. Why argue? Why bother protesting? It was already practically over between us. I spoke calmly, "Fine. Let her stay as an intern." Once the divorce was finalized, none of this would have anything to do with me anymore.

The displeasure in Julian's eyes vanished. He stepped forward and leaned down to press a gentle kiss to my forehead. "I knew you were the kindest soul. Look at how pale you are. You must have been too busy with work at the law firm recently. I'll head home first and cook you something nice to help you get your strength back."

I lowered my gaze, silent, watching him turn and leave.

Ruby, who had just moments ago looked so docile and sweet, instantly transformed. She slowly raised her hand, extending her fingers before me. A huge, dazzling diamond ring came into view. A faint, triumphant smile touched Ruby's lips. "Ms. Tylor, is it pretty? This is the gift Mr. Ward bought me four years ago, when he first took me to a hotel."

Four years ago! These three words exploded in my mind like a thunderclap. I'd always thought he'd simply had a momentary lapse. But I was wrong. Four whole years. He'd been devotedly caring for another woman on the side, caught up in an affair with her. Yet when he came home, he was still gentle and considerate toward me, playing the part of the perfect husband.

I looked at the bright, radiant smile on Ruby's face and felt the world spin around me. My stomach churned violently, an intense wave of nausea sweeping through my entire body. I couldn't take it anymore. I spun around and rushed into the office bathroom.

Leaning over the sink, I retched uncontrollably. My stomach was empty. Nothing came up. Only bitter bile kept rising, scorching my throat, the pain ripping through me.

For four years, I had shared his bed. I had joyfully planned our future, longing for a baby. Yet he had already betrayed me, body and soul, thoroughly tainted.

Ruby followed me in, standing behind me, her voice soft. "Ms. Tylor, are you feeling awful? Four years ago, I was only 19, yet I willingly followed Mr. Ward. Even if I could only be his lover in the shadows, I had no complaints. Do you know why?"

I braced myself against the cold sink, trembling all over, unable to lift my head. I could only hear her light, airy voice slowly echoing through the confined bathroom. "Five years ago, my family wanted to sell me to an old man for the bride price to settle their debts. It was Mr. Ward who found me and gave me 300,000 dollars without a second thought. He helped me clear my family's debts and saved me from that living hell. He is my savior, and the only man I will ever love in this lifetime."

300,000 dollars. The number instantly drained every ounce of strength from my body. My legs gave way, and my knees hit the icy floor tiles hard. It was a number I'd never forget.