Chapter 3

Chapter 3

After wiping away my tears, I slipped into the backstage dressing room, found my old clothes from years ago, and put them on.

Then, I returned to the penthouse I shared with Miles.

Looking around, I suddenly noticed how much the place had changed over time.

The vase that once held fresh baby's breath stood completely bare.

The snack pantry by the sofa was filled with treats I never touched.

Belatedly, I realized his gentle attentiveness had disappeared long ago.

I pulled my gaze away and began packing.

Looking at the closet overflowing with designer dresses he bought me, I ignored them and pulled out the single dusty duffel bag I brought when I first moved in.

Only these worn-out clothes truly belonged to me.

Just as I was about to walk out, the front door swung open and Miles stepped in.

Seeing me gripping my luggage, he froze.

"Selena, why are you packing?"

"Are you really leaving me?"

"I am truly sorry. I should not have gone to the hospital to see Chloe on our wedding day!"

"Please don't abandon me!"

He lunged forward, trying to yank the bag from my grip.

Yet beneath his desperate facade, his cold thoughts rang out loud and clear.

【Why hasn't she snapped out of it yet? Who else would want her besides me? If she dumps me now, how will people look at me?】

【How am I supposed to maintain my devoted husband persona in the press?!】

I was never his lover; I was merely a prop for his public image.

That callous thought extinguished the very last ember of love in my chest.

I looked him in the eye and said calmly.

"I am done playing a part in your circus."

Miles's eyes went bloodshot.

"Selena, what do you mean by that..."

I didn't bother answering. I snatched my bag back and swung the door open.

I came face-to-face with Chloe Simmons, who had just raised her hand to knock.

She was dressed casually, looking startled.

"Are you... Selena?"

She glanced past me at Miles, her greeting laced with subtle reluctance.

A rush of frantic thoughts flooded my ears.

【You are pregnant and need bed rest! Why did you come here?】

【What if something happens to our baby?】

My eyes instinctively dropped to her waist. Beneath her fitted top, there was a visible, gentle swell.

I clenched my fists so hard my nails dug into my palms, forcing my expression to stay neutral.

The vasectomy certificate Miles showed me years ago was a complete lie.

My parents had a beautiful marriage and loved recording my childhood. Watching those sweet old home videos always made me dream of having a baby of my own one day.

Yet Miles told me he hated children and had already gotten a vasectomy.

To make him happy, I buried my maternal dreams deep inside my heart.

Noticing where I was looking, Chloe nervously shielded her stomach and stammered.

"Don't get the wrong idea, Selena. I just had a huge lunch and got a little bloated."

Miles rushed forward, pulling her behind him while scolding her with furrowed brows.

"You are in such a fragile state! Why did you run over here yourself? You should have called my assistant!"

Chloe gave a soft smile and pulled a watch from her purse.

"I remembered you said this watch was precious to you. I didn't feel comfortable leaving it with your assistant, so I wanted to return it personally."

I recognized that watch immediately. It was the very first gift I ever bought him with my own savings.

Back then, he put it on with pure joy, swearing he would never take it off for the rest of his life.

Miles glanced at the watch, frowned in annoyance, and tossed it carelessly onto the console table.

"It's just an old, beat-up watch. It doesn't matter if it gets lost."

"Your health is what matters."

My heart turned to ice.