Chapter 3

Chapter 3

I walked home like a hollow shell of a person.

When I pushed the door open, Devon was sitting on the living room couch with a frigid expression.

A tailored designer suit, immaculate dress shoes―a simple change of clothes radiated an aura of raw power and wealth.

This was the very same man who had held me tenderly in his arms this morning. How could he become a complete stranger in the blink of an eye?

Part of me desperately hoped there was some misunderstanding, or that this was just an identical twin.

Yet brutal reality shattered my illusions in an instant.

"When did you find out?"

I stood there, struggling to process his words.

Devon let out a mocking sneer.

"If you didn't know, why would Janelle run into you at the OB-GYN clinic? Don't tell me you're pregnant too!"

"Gwen, drop the act. It's pathetic."

It turned out that in his eyes, I was nothing more than a scheming, calculating woman.

Fighting back the tears burning my throat, I choked out a question.

"And what about you? Don't you have anything to explain to me?"

He chuckled as if he had just heard the most ridiculous joke.

"Isn't it obvious? Janelle went abroad, and I needed someone to pass the time with. You got lucky because you looked a bit like her."

"I was planning to keep playing along for a while, but you had the nerve to show up right in front of her. We have nothing left to talk about."

A bitter laugh escaped my lips. Staring at him with raw hatred, I snarled through clenched teeth.

"Devon, does your Janelle know you're legally married to me?"

He scoffed coldly.

"That fake marriage certificate was just a little prop to keep you entertained. Only an idiot like you would believe it."

"I've already arranged everything. Once the paperwork is done, you're leaving the country immediately, and you will never cross my path again."

"And you'd better not try anything cute around Janelle. If you dare upset her, I can't guarantee your comatose father will keep breathing peacefully in that hospital bed!"

I snapped, lunging forward to shove him with all my might.

"You monster! Do you even have a heart? I gave you three years of my life! My dad treated you like his own son, and now you're using his life to threaten me?!"

His face darkened with rage, and he shoved me violently away.

My lower back slammed into the sharp edge of the table. I collapsed to the floor in agony, cold sweat breaking out across my skin as a sharp cramp tore through my lower abdomen.

"Gwen, don't test my patience. I will eliminate any obstacle that stands between me and Janelle. I've already been merciful with you, so don't push your luck!"

Suddenly, a whimsical nursery rhyme ringtone went off. Devon's expression softened instantly.

"Sweetheart, I'm on my way back right now. Just hang tight, and I'll make you your favorite ribs soon!"

The moment he hung up, that ruthless, arrogant mask returned.

"Gwen, stop begging like a stray dog. Have some self-respect."

My eyes burned with tears as I clung to the very last shred of hope.

"Devon... what if I really am pregnant with your child?"

He answered without a second of hesitation.

"Then get rid of it. No other woman is worthy of carrying my child!"

"Stop playing games, Gwen. Don't forget your father is still lying in that hospital."

My heart turned to ash. I gave up.