Chapter 2

2.

Julian was truly the most responsible father in everyone's eyes. He had already bought enough supplies to last a two-month-old until they were three.

He excitedly filled the nursery before heading into the shower.

His phone on the bed kept buzzing. I picked it up and took a look.

It was a message from Jade.

"Julian, the baby is being fussy again. I feel so uncomfortable. Can you come see me tomorrow?"

"Want to see what a spicy mom-to-be looks like?"

She attached a selfie of herself in provocative lingerie.

I scrolled up to the morning messages. Julian had sent her the pregnancy tips with a caption.

"Once you've taken care of the baby, I'm going to make up for all the nights I couldn't touch you!"

I couldn't even bring myself to scroll further through those filthy words.

Ever since I got pregnant, Julian had stopped touching me. He claimed he didn't want to disturb my sleep and moved to a separate room.

Now I realized his coldness was just because he was getting what he needed from Jade.

My hands shook as I turned off the phone. Julian walked out of the bathroom just then.

He didn't even dry his hair before checking his messages.

His face was serious as he tried to hide his emotions, but I could see the faint smile in his eyes.

After a moment, he said, "Honey, some urgent meetings came up for tomorrow. I won't be able to stay with you."

I had clearly seen him message his other assistant minutes ago, telling them to cancel all his plans so he could be with me.

He was using such a pathetic excuse just because Jade asked for him.

I twitched the corner of my mouth and said softly, "Okay, that's fine."

Julian left early the next morning. He gave me the usual speech about calling him if I needed anything.

Shortly after he left, I went to the hospital.

After the consultation, I was wheeled into the operating room.

As I lay on the cold table, the doctor asked me seriously.

"Are you sure about this? Your body is weak. You might not be able to conceive again. It's not too late to change your mind."

I touched my stomach. I thought about Julian's excitement, the medicine in his study, and those chat logs.

Two versions of reality clashed in my mind. A moment later, I whispered, "I'm sure."

The procedure was quick. I sat up weakly and touched my empty belly.

On the surface, nothing had changed. But I knew the child was gone.

It was just like my relationship with Julian. It looked fine on the outside, but it was already rotting from within.

I leaned against the wall as I slowly exited the hospital. I saw Julian immediately.

He was kneeling halfway in front of Jade, smiling as he pressed his ear to her stomach.

The so-called urgent business was just accompanying his mistress to her check-up.

Julian turned his head and locked eyes with me. He stood up in a panic, leaving Jade behind as he rushed through the crowd.

The guilt and tension on his face were undeniable. He stammered, "Jasmine? What are you doing here?"

People were bustling all around us, but I could clearly hear his heart thumping from anxiety.

I gave him a mocking smile. I wondered if this man still had a soul.

When I didn't speak, he grabbed my hand and kept explaining.

"Honey, Jade doesn't have any family here, and her boyfriend is away. I'm just being a good boss and giving her a ride. Don't overthink it."

Sweat was beads on his forehead. His fingertips were trembling. It was a pathetic performance.

I chose to keep playing the fool. I comforted him gently.

"I believe you. I'll always believe you."

Julian let out a long breath. He squeezed my hand and smiled. "Honey, you're the best."

He put his arm around me and guided me to the car, asking why I was at the hospital in the first place.

His voice was full of concern. It was as if our encounter with Jade had never happened.

He was so natural at managing me. So practiced.

Once I was in the car, he spoke with deep emotion.

"Jasmine, the press conference is the day after tomorrow. I'm going to tell the world that everything I own belongs to our child."

"I'll give you and the baby the very best life possible."

I stroked my stomach and looked out the window. I didn't say a word.

He didn't know the baby was already gone.

And there would be no leading lady at that press conference.