Chapter 2
633 Words
She wrenched her hand free and walked toward her bedroom like a hollow shell.
Cedric didn't come after her. She heard Wendy coaxing him from behind. "Ceddy, go check on Joy. I'd hate to be the reason you two fight."
"Let her cool down. She loves me. She'll come around."
His cold, indifferent words made every step Joy took feel like her feet were filled with lead.
And just like that, the past five years with Cedric began flooding back, scene after scene, like a film she couldn't pause.
She had met Cedric seven years ago.
Back then, his company was barely off the ground. Joy hid her identity as the daughter of a wealthy family and quietly pulled every string the Quinn family had—connections, resources, everything—to help him rise from a man with nothing to a titan of the business world.
After they married, Cedric had been nothing short of devoted.
When she was sick, he'd sit by her bed and refuse to leave.
When she was hungry, he'd cook her favorite soup himself.
Every time they went out, he'd hold her hand tight and never let go.
Every anniversary, every birthday, he'd show up right on time, gifts and all.
But everything changed after Wendy moved in.
All because she was his late brother's widow, he'd brought her home without a second thought.
It started with small gestures of concern. Then came the late-night calls—Wendy's legs were swollen, her feet were numb, dragging Cedric out of bed again and again.
He even skipped their wedding anniversary to take Wendy to a prenatal check-up.
Of course Joy got jealous. But every time, Cedric would swear up and down, "Her husband once saved my life. How could I turn my back on his wife and child? JoJo, you're the kindest person I know. You understand, don't you?"
Because she loved him, Joy trusted him completely. Trusted their love, trusted their marriage.
Until she saw him in bed with another woman with her own eyes. Only then did she realize just how wrong she had been.
If he wanted to warm someone else with his body, then she didn't want him anymore.
When morning came, she wiped her tears and made two calls, one to the hospital, one to her parents.
"I need to schedule a procedure. As soon as possible."
"Mom, Cedric cheated on me. I'm getting a divorce and coming to you. Dad's been wanting to hand the company over to me, right? I'm on my way."
"I told you so! I always said marrying beneath you would end badly. Come home. As for the baby, keep it if you want. The Quinn family could use an heir."
She hung up and tore the 500-billion-dollar check in her hands to shreds.
It was from her father-funds originally meant to back Cedric's new venture.
From now on, she would never waste another cent on that man!
Joy dug out their marriage certificate and was about to call a lawyer when her phone buzzed. A message popped up on screen.
It was from a group chat. One that Cedric's friends had set up to welcome her when she first married into their circle.
A: Congrats, sis! The big day's finally here. You're about to deliver!
B: Congrats congrats! It's been a long road! We're heading to the hospital right now to celebrate with you and Cedric!
Joy frowned. She was about to ask if they'd sent it to the wrong group when another message appeared:
C: You moron, wrong chat! This is the first wife's group. The side chick's in the other one! Delete it, NOW!
All three messages were recalled in an instant.
At that moment, Joy's grip on her phone tightened until her knuckles went white.
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