Chapter 6
+25 BONUS
After my discussion with Audrey, I slammed the office door open with a forceful swing. When I saw Jerome standing outside, I slapped him hard across the face.
“If you don’t settle this today, don’t bother coming home!” I spat before storming off.
Back home, I dug deep into the farthest corner of a cabinet and retrieved Jerome’s premarital health check report. It felt like a relic from another lifetime.
The first time I’d suspected Jerome of cheating was because of a strand of long hair on his suit–one that wasn’t mine. To make up for it, Jerome had prepared a lavish candlelit dinner and apologized profusely.
He’d presented all kinds of evidence to prove his innocence, ultimately turning the blame on himself for making me feel insecure and insisting I was imagining things.
Coincidentally, the next day, a new employee had been abruptly fired. I’d chosen to believe him then.
And then came the second time, the third, and the fourth time.
A lipstick stain on his shirt. The lingering scent of unfamiliar perfume.
At first, he’d made up excuses. But eventually, he’d stopped trying.
All he would do was repeat over and over that he loved me. He would swear that the women were seducing him and that his heart belonged only to me.
I never believed a single word.
When I still had feelings for him, I considered divorce. But then, Dad had suffered a sudden stroke, and the doctors had warned against any emotional shocks for him.
On top of that, my pride wouldn’t let me admit I’d made such a colossal mistake. So, I’d endured. This fragile, paper–thin marriage dragged on for a few more years.
Looking back, I realized I had already lost the moment I started forcing myself not to lose. When I first heard about Audrey’s pregnancy, I’d assumed she was just another schemer trying to manipulate her way into Jerome’s life. But it turned out the pregnancy was real. And worse, Jerome wasn’t just an unfaithful partner–he was a despicable human being. What about all the other women in the past? Did they have their own untold stories too?
A chill ran down my spine as I thought of the implications.
My hands trembled as I dialed a phone number
Chapter 6
+25 BONUS
That afternoon, Audrey informed me that Jerome had agreed to her conditions. Soon after, Jerome showed up at home, bearing flowers and gifts.
I stood at the door and let him put on a show.
“Harley, I cleared out your shopping cart.”
When I didn’t respond, he chuckled softly and approached me, his gaze deep and calculating. “Harley, I swear this is the last time. From now on, it’s just you, me, baby. Doesn’t that make you happy?”
Jerome reached out to embrace me, but I stepped back and avoided his touch.
Exhaustion weighed heavily on me.
and our
“If having children was so important to you, you shouldn’t have married me in the first place.”
Jerome maintained his mask of tenderness. “Harley, if you’re upset, you can yell at me or hit me, but everything I’ve done has been for your sake.”
Liar.
Nausea churned within me, and through blurred tears, I glared at him, wishing I could tear him apart.
“Of course. Without marrying me, how else would you have gotten the money to start your business?”
Ignoring my hostility, Jerome set the flowers aside and began unpacking his bags, proudly showing off his purchases.
“I got some supplements for your dad to help with his recovery and his favorite coffee beans. How about we visit him at the nursing home together tomorrow?”
His smile grew eerily gentle, almost sinister.
“They say he’s in good health recently. He would be happier if he knew that we’re adopting a child.”
That was a threat! He was using Dad’s health to manipulate me into compliance.
Rage consumed me, making my body tremble.
“Sure,” I answered.
If that was how Jerome wanted it to be, I’d play along.
The next day, we visited Dad at the nursing home. He lit up when he saw us.
“Dad, Harley and I have decided to adopt a child.”
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