Chapter 8%
I was ready to leave the traitorous couple behind when Edgar suddenly threw a stack of divorce papers onto the table–already signed. To my relief, I felt no panic. No hesitation. I was ready to walk away from him and start anew, with a little more peace of mind
But Edgar didn’t look pleased. Instead, he pulled Grace close–his younger cousin, a woman I recognized all too well. He smiled at me, but there was no warmth in it.
“Next month, I’m marrying Grace,” he announced coldly. “And I invited you, not as family, but as her personal complement. A man’s instinct is to protect his offspring, and I refuse to let a stranger take the role of my child’s mother”
Grace turned to Edgar, eyes wide in disbelief. Was she surprised he was publicly acknowledging their relationship? Or was she reveling in my pain?
I could see the smug smirk tugging at his lips.
And me? I smiled sweetly. I hadn’t expected Edgar to reveal Grace’s true status–especially not after he spent the morning threatening me to come back to him
Disgust churned in my stomach. He had betrayed me in the cruelest way imaginable. And yet, for the first time in a long while, I felt free. Free from parasites that have only care in my money, regardless of that I am also a human who has a heart
“Oh, Sharon, don’t be sad,” Grace cooed, her voice dripping with condescension. I can take your place in Edgar’s heart. And i’d love for you to help dress me up for the wedding”
I clenched my fists tightly, willing myself to stay calm despite the storm inside me. But I refused to let them see my pain. Instead, I smiled syrupy sweet, as if their betrayal meant nothing to me!!
“Whatever you say,” I replied smoothly “You’re right. You can take my place.. as the companion of a shrew
Edgar’s expression darkened, his fists clenching at his sides. Did he expect me to crumble? Did he think I was some weak, fragile woman who would quietly accept their cruelty?!
If so, he was sorely mistaken
“And one more thing.” I added, my voice unwavering. 1 won’t be attending your wedding. It would be a cheap joke if I did. So don’t waste your energy provoking me, Edgar”
Without another word, I turned on my heel and walked away leaving the two of them frozen in place, unsure how to respond
They wouldn’t care about my pain. Even if I stood at their wedding altar, I’d only be torturing myself.
And while I couldn’t deny that my feelings for Edgar still lingered–years of memories weren’t so easily erased–I was done letting them control me
After spending the afternoon at a boutique, I returned to my apartment in the evening. Though I had spent the day sitting behind a desk, exhaustion clung to my body like a heavy cloak
I parked in the basement, entered the elevator, and pressed the button for the ninth floor. Just before the doors closed, a hand slipped through the gap, forcing them open. A man stepped inside
My pulse quickened. Sweat almost wet my entire face
Something about him felt… familiar. His dark clothes, his hidden expression. But I quickly dismissed the thought. Stop being paranoid, I told myself
The elevator ascended in tense silence. But when we reached my floor, he stepped out alongside me.
I frowned. A coincidence!!
I kept walking So did he
My breath hitched. I quickened my pace
Why is he following me?
A nervous energy coiled in my chest as I reached my door, my fingers hovering over the keypad. Just as I was about to press the code, the man suddenly grabbed my wrist.!!
“Who are you?” I demanded, my voice sharp. “What do you want?”
I raised my voice, hoping someone would hear me
And then, as if fate had answered my silent plea, the door to the neighboring unit creaked open. A man stepped out, holding a garbage bag
I didn’t hesitate Instinct took over, and I darted behind him, gripping his shirt tightly.
“Please,” I whispered urgently “Help me.”
My neighbor’s expression remained unreadable as he turned to the man, stepping forward as if to confront him!
The stranger hesitated Then, without a word, he backed away–disappearing into the emergency stairwell.X
texhaled shakily, relief washing over me But fear still gnawed at my nerves
Who was he? Was he one of Edgar’s men?
I glanced up at my neighbor, only now realizing I was still clutching his shirt. Flushing with embarrassment, I let go immediately.
“Sorry,” I murmured, taking a step back “You live here?”
He nodded, his expression unreadable. “Who was that guy?“!
I don’t know I admitted.
He studied me for a long moment before speaking “Be careful. You might not realize something
His words sent a shiver down my spine
“What do you mean?” I asked.
But he didn’t answer. Instead, he simply turned and walked toward the elevator, disappearing inside.
Ifrowned, unsettled by his cryptic remark.
Did he think I had done something to put myself in danger? Had unknowingly made a mistake?
Shaking my head, I dismissed the thought and entered my apartment.⠀
After ordening dinner, I took my pregnancy vitamins–the ones prescribed by Doctor Liam, Iran a gentle hand over my stomach, murmuring softly.
“You two stay safe in there. Once you’re born, f’ll have two little bodyguards
I was just about to close my eyes when a sharp noise jolted me upright.
A woman’s voice
An argument.”
1 Strained to Listen Feeling curious about what I heard.
“Greg, please don’t I swear I didn’t do that Greg Nol
Shat sound. Scream, It sounds temble.
My heart slammed against my ribs. What is that? I felt the feathers all over my body shudder!!
The voice wasn’t coming from inside my apartment, it was coming from outside.
My hands trembled as I threw open my bedroom door.
“Oh my God!“%
