Chapter 4
He even went so far as to give Jenifer and her son the very name we once dreamed of for our own child.
Was he really determined to break my heart, piece by piece?–
“Baillie… how could you give the name we chose together to the child you had with another woman?“.
As soon as the words left my mouth, Baillie spun toward me, his voice sharp and low
“Veronical Watch what you say!”
the
I snapped back to reality, watching as Baillie rushed to explain himself to Jenifer. Only then did I realize my words had drained all th
color from Jenifer’s face.
My throat tightened. Instinctively, I wanted to step forward and say something–anything–to make it better.
But the warning in Baillie’s e
eyes stopped me cold.
Jenifer sat there in silence for a long time before her emotions finally spilled over. Through sobs, she said more than I had ever expected to hear
YOU
“If my child with you exists just to make up fo
up for what you and Veronica never had, I wish I’d never given birth at all! Baill
Baillie, I love you can overlook me, neglect me if you must, but Aster is innocent. I can’t bear the thought that he was only born to fill some gap in your life with someone else.“}}
She choked on her tears, voice trembling. “I always knew Veronica could never accept us–I’ve known since seven years ago. That’s why I did as you asked and stayed in another city, quietly raising our son and waiting for you. When you said today that we could finally come here, i thought… I thought maybe we could finally be together. But after seeing Veronica’s reaction… Baillie, take me and Aster back, please. I don’t want my child growing up watching other people’s scom
Her grief was overwhelming, and Baillie was frantic, agreeing to everything she said just to calm her down.
“Jenifer, listen to me. Aster is our child–he doesn’t represent anyone else’s regret. I love you, I love our son. I swear I’d never neglect you or him. I’ll give you both everything I can–everything you deserve.”
“Forget about what she thinks. This is my house, my family–the Lambert family. No one has the right to make you or Aster feel unwelcome here. I
He reached out to her, his voice softening. “Come on, don’t overthink it. The baby you’re carrying doesn’t want to see his mom crying
either.“I
To me, every word Baillie spoke cut deeper than the last.)
Of course. Every brick and board in this house belonged to Baillie, Who was I to think any of it belonged to me?!
I let out a bitter laugh..
After Jenifer and her son finally left, I handed Baillie the divorce papere I’d drafted days ago.ll
“Sign them.”
Baillie barely spared them a glance, pulling on his coat as he brushed past me.
“Veronica, you’re not young anymore. You’ll turn forty next year. Don’t joke about things like this ‘
“We’ve been marned twenty years. Now you want a divorce? What do you expect the media and our business partners to think of me?“%
I gave a hollow laugh.
So this was who Baillie and I had become i
Everything changed after we built our company together |
Ten years ago, it was my decision to sign a deal that turned our small business into the city’s leading firm almost overightS
But when it came time to assign roles, Badlie and I clashed
I wanted to stay on as managing director and keep pursuing my career.
But Baillie wanted me to step back, settle down, and play the part of the perfect wife
In the end, he made the decision for me he hired someone new to take over my positions
i I I was furious. But after his mother pleaded with me to keep the peace, I caved
After that, Baillie and I were never close again i
I tried everything I could to bridge the gap, but it
ane i could never lear away.
Whenever I tried to talk to Bullie about it, he’d dodge the conversation with work, or dismiss me with, “You’re overthinking (17
And so, here we are
Love gone, replaced by cold calculations and self–interest.
