Chapter 2 Let's Get A Divorce

Ryan's voice startled Jenessa. The checkup report crumpled in her hand as she shoved it back into her pocket. He darkly stood in the doorway.

"N-Nothing," she stammered, pretending to be calm.

Why was he back? Shouldn't he be comforting his precious Maisie?

Ryan's gaze swept over Jenessa, taking in the wine-stained dress and damp tendrils clinging to her face. She looked like a mess, pitiful and helpless.

"What happened to you?" His voice was rigid, devoid of warmth.

Jenessa remembered his attitude towards Maise and felt a fresh stab of pain.

It seemed there were two Ryans; one for the woman he loved and one for the woman he barely tolerated.

Keeping her emotions in check, she forced a smile and explained, "I just got back. Haven't changed yet."

An itch tickled her nose, erupting into a violent sneeze. The wind must've gotten to her on the way back.

Ryan's frown deepened. "Drop the pitiful act. The party's been over for hours. Go change your clothes and hop in the shower. I don't want you getting sick and adding to my troubles."

The smile on Jenessa's lips evaporated. "Sorry," she mumbled.

She was pregnant now, she recalled. She couldn't afford to get sick.

Without another word, she retreated to the bathroom. The hot water washed away the physical chill.

As she stepped out, wrapped in a towel, she froze. Ryan unexpectedly stood in the doorway.

A startled yelp escaped her lips as she clutched the towel tighter.

Ryan's gaze was unwavering. "Why are you covering up?" he said, his voice calm. "There's nothing I haven't seen."

Heat flooded Jenessa's cheeks, memories of their passionate sex flashing before her eyes.

But the impending divorce cast a long shadow, chilling the warmth.

He produced a pill and a glass of water. "Take this. It's cold medicine."

Jenessa hesitated, her mind on the tiny life growing within her.

"I think I'm okay. No need for pills. Maybe some water...?"

"You look awful," Ryan countered, his tone firm. "We're seeing Grandma tomorrow. Don't get sick now."

Torn between concern for the baby and the pressure from Ryan, Jenessa persisted, "Warm water will be fine. I won't get sick."

Impatience flickered in his eyes. He shoved the pill in his mouth, then took a sip of water.

"What are you—"

Before Jenessa could finish, Ryan leaned over and cupped her chin. Then, his lips were on hers.

The pill entered her mouth along with the water. He held her head, forcing her to swallow.

Jenessa crumpled in his grasp, her head dizzy. She was completely defenseless against him.

The brief kiss awakened Ryan's lust. He shoved her to the bed. His eyes, usually cool, burned with primal hunger. He straightened up and loosened his tie, fixing eyes on her rosy lips.

Just as he leaned in again, Jenessa snapped out of her haze. "No!"

Her voice startled them both. Reaching out with trembling hands, she pushed against his chest.

"What?" Ryan frowned, bewildered.

He lunged for another kiss, but she turned away, refusing to meet his gaze. "Ryan," she forced out, her voice shaking, "let's get a divorce."

The desire in his eyes flickered and died.

He pinched her chin and forced her to look at him. His gaze was unrelenting. "Say that again."

Jenessa's heart hammered against her ribs. Ignoring the storm of emotions threatening to engulf her, she met his gaze. "Let's get a divorce," she repeated.

A flicker of something complex crossed Ryan's features. "Why?"

Jenessa faltered. Why? Because he didn't love her, obviously.

Because his heart belonged to Maisie. Because she wanted to grant him his wish, allowing him to be with the one he loved.

She'd rather end things on her own terms than wait for him to.

"Because..."

Jenessa started, but Ryan cut her off, his voice laced with impatience. "Is this about money? Are your parents strapped for cash again?"

The question hung heavy in the air. Jenessa's eyes widened.

Her parents were once on the verge of bankruptcy. They could float by due to Ryan and Jenessa's marriage.

Shame burned Jenessa's cheeks. It was true. Her parents had milked their marriage to get whatever benefits they could get.

Seeing her reaction, Ryan misinterpreted her silence. He scoffed, saying, "Don't pull this, Jenessa. Whatever you want, just name it. Don't throw a tantrum and expect me to cave."

Jenessa's fists clenched at her sides.

So that was what he thought; that she was using divorce as leverage to extract more benefits.

A bitter, cold smile twisted Jenessa's lips. "Don't worry," she said, her voice surprisingly calm. "I don't want anything. Just a divorce. We both know it's inevitable. Now or later, what's the difference?"

Ryan didn't answer, his gaze unreadable. An unsettling tension filled the room.

Jenessa grew nervous. Unconsciously, she clung to some hope. "Or... do you not want to?"