hapter 32
Everyone was stunned.
But with Mr. Reed present, they could only exchange glances and suppress their reactions. I was still in a daze when Leo shot Emma a cold look and pulled his arm away. Emma stumbled back, yelping in surprise.
Melody, teary–eyed, spoke up, “Ma’am, I don’t know what misunderstandings you have, but Mr. Reed and I are only former lovers. There’s nothing improper between us now.”
She glanced at me, her voice catching as she continued, “If someone has a problem with me, they should confront me directly instead of resorting to such petty tactics!”
Emma, infuriated, raised her hand to strike Melody again, yelling, “You little-!”
But Leo’s face had already darkened. He stepped forward, pushed Emma away, and barked, “Security, escort her out! And don’t let her back in!”
Emma was dragged out, shouting and protesting.
The top–floor office returned to silence, though the tension was now even thicker, like the
calm before a storm.
0
I wanted to explain, but Leo didn’t spare me a glance. He turned and left with Melody by his side, not looking back.
[Oh my god, this scandal is huge! Mr. Reed and I have a secret marriage and a child on the way, while my family barges in to slap the mistress! Which part do I even focus on?]
[Wait, I’ve been with Mr. Reed for five years, and there was never any hint of a relationship. How did I suddenly get married and pregnant?]
[Who’s the mistress here? Maybe I was the one who got involved where I shouldn’t. Mr. Reed doesn’t look like he has any feelings for me.]
Emilia scrolled through the increasingly outrageous chat messages, fuming. “What nonsense! They’re just spreading lies.
She started typing to clarify, but I shook my head, stopping her. “It won’t change their
minds.
Emilia put her phone down, hesitated, and asked, “So, what’s really going on between you and Mr. Reed?
I remained silent for a moment before murmuring, “You were right. A marriage without
love can’t last.”
My face was pale, and I looked as if I might break at any moment.
Emilia felt a pang of sympathy for me. “So, what are you planning to do?”
I pressed my lips together, meeting Emilia’s concerned gaze. Fighting back my emotions, I replied, “Don’t worry. I’ll handle it.
I placed a protective hand on my belly, my expression resolute. This time, I was determined to live for myself.
Back home, I ignored the countless calls from Emma, eventually blocking her number altogether.
At 10 p.m., Leo returned home.
I went up to him, ready to explain everything, but he spoke first, his tone cold. “I’ve already sent money to your mother. Don’t bother Melody again.”
My face froze.
He sent her more money? Anger rose within me lodging in my throat.
Taking a deep breath, I struggled to keep my voice steady. “Believe me or not, I didn’t bring my mother to the company, nor did I target Melody. I also asked you not to send my mother
any more money…
But Leo interrupted me coolly, “Laura, don’t make me regret marrying you.”
I felt like I’d been struck by lightning. The words stunned me, leaving my heart numb and
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iny vision dark.
By the time I realized it, Leo had already left.
Looking around the empty house, I finally felt the pain seep into my bones.
The next day was my prenatal checkup.
I sent Leo several messages, none of which received a reply. My eyes dimmed, and I ended up taking a taxi to the hospital alone.
Partway through my appointment, an unfamiliar number called. It was a headhunter.
“Ms. Evans, we’ve heard about your situation and understand the difficulties you’re facing. Would you be interested in considering other opportunities?”
“The CEO of Co–co really admires your work, and we believe you’ll have better growth there. We’ve sent you an email and hope to hear back soon.”
Surprised, I replied, “Thank you. I’ll seriously consider it.”
I opened my email to find a job offer waiting–complete with a company seal, offering a million in annual salary. The sincerity was undeniable.
I felt a flicker of hope.
Clutching my medical records, I exited the obstetrics department. The doctor’s words. echoed in my mind: Be mindful of your emotions; the baby is not very stable.
As I made my way to the payment counter, I looked up and nearly laughed aloud at the absurdity of the scene before me. Sometimes, laughter was the only way to cope with such
absurdity.
Melody was leaning against Leo, standing just ahead of me in line.
“I remember you once promised to give me a family,” Melody said.
“I remember,” Leo replied.
Chapter 32
Melody continued, “If I were to get pregnant too would you divorce her and marry me?”
Leo hesitated, seeming about to respond when he turned and locked eyes with me, who was watching them with an unwavering gaze.
