Chapter 3

3.

The moment I posted, my phone exploded with likes and comments.

But not a single like came from Elias’s friends. They had all silently agreed to ignore it. But I bet they were on the phone with Elias right now, celebrating.

A moment later, my phone started ringing off the hook.

My parents, and Elias’s parents, were all calling.

Elias was calling nonstop too. I didn't answer any of them, just sent a text to my parents.

"I'm coming home today. I'll tell you everything when I get there."

I quickly packed a suitcase. As I was leaving, I ran into Elias pulling into the driveway.

He got out of the car and stormed toward me.

"Charlotte Evans, what the hell is this? You'd really go through with that procedure over this?"

"Why didn't you tell me you were pregnant?"

His barrage of questions made me physically sick. But at this point, there was no reason to argue with him anymore.

I ignored his fury, grabbed my suitcase, and walked down the steps toward the gate.

He grabbed my arm forcefully. "Is this fun for you? I told you, I'll cut her off after she has the baby. I've already compromised this much for you, how much further do you want to push me?"

His shameless words echoed in my ears. I couldn't take it anymore. I violently shook his hand off and looked him straight in the eye.

"Don't you dare ruin your pure, innocent friendship on my account. Tanner was right, you should follow your heart."

"Why would you want a difficult woman like me? You should go find someone who is more generous."

"I emailed you the digital copy of the Settlement Agreement. Make sure you sign it."

With that, I broke free from his grasp, pulled open the gate, and walked out.

His impotent roar followed me from behind: "You'll regret this!"

How could I possibly regret it? I was just thankful I had finally seen him for who he truly was. I would be so much better off without him.

When I got to my parents' house, they rushed to me, asking why I was getting a divorce.

My mom's eyes were red; she had clearly been crying.

I told them everything about Elias.

My mom hugged me, her heart breaking for me. "I told you from the beginning that man was no good."

My dad was silent for a moment before saying, "Good riddance."

My lip trembled, and I finally broke down, crying in my mother's arms.

They never approved of Elias from the start. They said they saw no love for me in his eyes.

But I had chased Elias for seven years before he finally agreed to date me.

Back then, I wouldn't listen to anyone's advice. I always believed I could make him fall in love with me over time.

Clearly, I had failed. We had still ended up at divorce.

I had bet all my time and energy on a man who didn't love me back. That was a choice I made, and I was the only one paying the price.

I waited a long time, but Elias still hadn't signed the papers. Finally, after I had my lawyer, Liam, officially file a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with the court, he sent me a reluctant text message.

"I'll pick you up tomorrow. We're meeting at The Terrace Bar at the country club. Let's get everyone together and talk this out. Can you stop this drama? I'm exhausted. I'm being torn in two between Savannah and you."

"I apologize to you. Can't you try to understand my situation? I said I'd keep my distance from her, but she's pregnant and needs someone to look after her, especially since her husband isn't around."