LOVED BY MY EX HUSBAND'S STEP BROTHER

CHAPTER TWO

“So what else am I supposed to do?” My voice broke completely now. “Tell me, Sonia, what else can I do?”

The tears came harder, unstoppable, dragging everything down with them. I didn’t even try to hold them back this time.

I felt her arms around me before I realized I was leaning into her.

“It’s okay,” she murmured, holding me close like I might fall apart if she didn’t. “It’s okay, baby, you don’t deserve this.”

I wanted to believe her. God, I wanted to.

Her voice shifted, then softer, but firm in a way that made my chest tighten.

“I’ll finalize the divorce papers,” she said quietly. “I’ll send them to you as soon as possible.”

Divorce.

The word settled heavily in my chest.

I returned home and sat on the living room sofa, staring at my phone. After calming down my anger, I had to face the reality of being divorced.

The house looks empty with just the cook in the kitchen.

After resting for a while, I walked up to the bedroom and began to pack my things. My hand moved mechanically, folding clothes and placing them in a suitcase. Hanging in the closet were the matching pajamas we bought on our honeymoon in London. On the dresser sat a small angel figurine we brought back from France. On the wall were photos we took on the beach, laughing, kissing under the sunset.

Each item silently spoke of past sweetness.

Yet now they stab my heart like knives. How had I not noticed the signs? How had I been so blind?

I opened the dresser drawer to retrieve some personal belongings. My wedding rings caught the light, mocking me. Then I saw it. The marriage certificate

With trembling hands, I picked it up and flipped to the first page, revealing two young radiant faces. My smile was so bright it hurt to look at it. Lucas’s eyes shone with pure joy.

It was 1 October, five years ago.

When Lucas confessed his love to me, it felt like a dream come true. Getting married to the love of my life.

The only man who stood by me during my hard times, he has always been there to defend and protect me from the people I

call family.

Olivia, are we really getting married today? With all the excitement in his voice,I promise to love you till eternity.

I had believed every word. I had thought that we were meant to be forever.

But now…..

I stared at my beaming smile in the photo, a strand of tears left my eyes. But before it fell down, I heard the familia sound of a car engine downstairs. My heart stopped. The garage door rumbled open, footsteps on the stairs.

“Sweetheart, I’m back,” Lucas' voice echoed from downstairs, cheerful and casual.

Panic seized my chest. I hurriedly shove the marriage certificate back into the drawer. I wiped my eyes frantically and tried to appear normal. The bedroom door was still open. I couldn’t let him see the suitcase.

Lucas pushed the door open, his face lightening up when he saw me. Without warning, he wrapped his arms around me from behind.

His embrace had once been my safe place. Now I only feel nausea rising in my throat. I could smell an unfamiliar scent on his skin, sweet vanilla shower gel. He had obviously showered somewhere else before coming home.

Are you okay baby? Look, I’m sorry about the drama my secretary displayed earlier, okay?

I nodded, I tried my best to resist the urge to shove him away.

He pulled an exquisite jewelry box from his jacket pocket. “Baby, look what I got for you.”

He opened the box with a flourish. Inside lay an exquisite diamond necklace.the stones caught the bedroom light, throwing rainbow patterns on the walls.

“It’s beautiful, isn’t it? Lucas’s eyes sparked with pride.” Turn around so i can put it on you.”

I mechanically turned around .I felt like a puppet with cut strings. Lucas’s fingers traced my neck as he fastened the claps. The cold metal pressed against my skin. The diamond felt heavy, suffocating.

“Perfect”, Lucas stepped back to admire his handiwork. His satisfaction was obvious.”

Tomorrow night is Grandma’s birthday party. The entire family will be there. With this necklace you will definitely be the most beautiful woman in the room.”

Do i need to go? I asked him.

Of course, you need to go." You’re my wife,” Lucas said, looking at me with what seemed like genuine affection. He learned to kiss me, but I quickly pushed him away.

“You should shower first,” I said, turning my face away.

"He nodded, seemingly unbothered.” Good idea.

He grabbed some clothes and headed to the bathroom. The shower turned on. Steam began seeping under the door.

My phone suddenly buzzed with a notification. I glanced at the screen. A f*******: message.

My blood turned to ice.

On the screen was a photo. A woman lying half naked with Lucas. Hickey and scratches covered her pale skin.

The photo literally shows the secretary with Lucas in a hotel room.

Below it shows a pregnancy test tube signifying negative, showing that the person is pregnant.

Below the image was a message that made my world crumble :[ Hello Barren, b***h, does the necklace look good ? I picked it out especially for you. And yes, the test tube belongs to me.

I am pregnant with Lucas Baby.]