Chapter One
Quinn’s POV
I’ve spent three hours on Leander’s birthday dinner, my feet hurt. A braised short ribs are resting in the oven, roasted vegetables are ready, and the chocolate lava cake I practiced twice is on the table. I looked at myself in the mirror, wearing the dress he once told me I'm stunning, I know he would like this. I wanted this night to be perfect.
Because tonight, I’m going to tell him I’m pregnant.
The positive pregnancy test is in my clutch, wrapped in paper like it’s something special, not just a two pink lines that changed everything. We’ve been married two years. His grandfather arranged it to save my family’s small business, but we tried to make it real. We weren’t passionate, but things were steady. Like a house with strong walls but no paint yet. I thought we’d decorate it one day.
My phone buzzes. It was Sam, we worked together on a fashion spread last year and kept in touch with industry talk. I opened the message, thinking she’ll ask about the design conference.
"Hey, take a look at the new photos I took today. This is my friend—she's a traveler.”
Then three minutes, the photos arrived. I was just admiring the pictures when I noticed a man in the background with his arm around a blonde woman.
Only half of his body is visible, but I recognized that suit—there's no mistaking it. Those cufflinks were made by me personally. They're the only pair in the world.
And the woman with him is with a long blonde hair, hand on his back, looking at him like he’s everything. I know it’s Wren Harris, I have seen old photos of her in his desk drawer before, it was the ones I pretended not to see the first time I cleaned his table.
"Sam, can you please not post this picture on social media?" I sadly replied to her text message.
"Why?"
"Because that man in the picture is my husband."
"Oh my God, I'm so sorry."
I stared at the screen. Feeling like some cold water was poured upon me. I sighed heavily then I put my phone down and touched my stomach. The baby was too small to feel, but I thought I felt a little flutter. I will try not to ruin this special night.
I was planning to put the test by his plate with a blue bow and now it felt like a joke.
The door suddenly opened. Finally, he was here. “Quinn? Why are you still up?” He saw the dinner setup, he looked surprised, then looked guilty for a second.
“I was waiting for you,” I said with a sad smile on my face. “Happy birthday, Leander.”
He ran a hand through his hair, it was a sign that he's nervous, "I’m sorry, work was insane, we’re finalizing the merger, then everything went wrong. You should've not wait for me, by the way, the day is done but I’ll make it up to you, I promise. I will take you to that restaurant you love this weekend.” I only replied with a sigh because what else can I do? He's seems tired or perhaps; not quite interested to celebrate his birthday with me.
I looked at his suit that he's still wearing, it was wrinkled, with blonde hair on the collar. I wanted to scream, but I chose to stay calm. “I talked with Sam earlier, She showed me photos from the airport, a man in a navy pinstripe suit with custom stitching. She couldn’t tell who it was, but I recognized my work. So I knew it was you," I opened the topic about what I heard earlier, and I saw him froze and glancing at his sleeves, then tried to take my hands but I pulled it away.
“It was a coincidence, I swear,” he said. “I was picking up Mr. Stanton, his flight was late, and I ran into Wren by chance. Her driver didn’t come, she had many things to carry so I couldn’t leave her.”
“Did you tell her you’re married?” I asked.
"Nope, we never talk about our relationship, we only talk about our work, thats it." Then he looked away, and that was all I needed to know. He didn't even tell her that he's married, I was wondering, did he wear our wedding ring?
I reached for my clutch. “I have something to show you, I've wanted to tell you for days." I was about to show it to him when his phone rang, it was Wren calling, "Leander! My power’s out, there’s a storm, windows are rattling, I’m scared. I don’t know anyone here, I—”
“Okay, okay, calm down,” he said, grabbing his keys. “I’m coming, lock the doors and stay away from windows.” He stood up immediately and took his car keys then walkaway.
“Leander, please don’t go?” I found myself begging while holding his arm. “It’s your birthday. We were supposed to be together on your special day," I can't convince him, still he pulled his arm free gently. “She has no one else to be with, here, Quinn. I’ll be back when the power is back, I promise.” Then he left before I could speak. I listened to his car drive off, then I sat down.
I pulled out the test and held it as tears blurred the two pink lines, I wanted to shout as loud as I can.
"He chose to be with her than to be with us, my little one. But it's okay, I just hope this won't last long."
