Chapter 3

3.

Chase didn't make it home until nearly evening.

The moment he walked in, he looked at me with faux guilt.

"Lana's blood sugar dropped this morning and she got dizzy. I completely lost track of time. I'm sorry."

I nodded calmly. "Understood."

Chase looked puzzled. "That's it?"

I blinked and said softly, "She's your friend, and she's sick. It's only right that you prioritize her."

I watched the suspicion grow in his eyes and suddenly asked, "When I'm in labor, if Lana says she's not feeling well, who will you choose?"

Hearing that question seemed to relax him. It was as if him being a jerk and me being difficult was the only dynamic he understood.

He didn't notice that my tone was purely one of curiosity.

Chase thought about it and said firmly, "Obviously you're more important."

Looking at his expression, I remembered the day we got our marriage license. He had the same look when he promised to love me forever.

I let out a soft laugh but said nothing.

Chase wasn't happy with my reaction. He kept staring at me, waiting for me to say something sweet.

But I just went back to scrolling through my phone, looking at baby gear.

Eventually, he slammed the bedroom door in frustration.

In the past, if Chase said something nice or bought me a small gift, I would have been overjoyed.

Back then, I saw every word and every gesture as proof of his love.

But I'm not that stupid anymore. I won't settle for his cheap affection.

When I finally went to the bedroom to rest, Chase was already dressed and heading out.

"Lana's chest feels tight and she's out of meds. I'm going to go check on her."

He didn't hear me say anything, so he turned back at the door.

I noticed his gaze and asked why he hadn't left yet.

Before he could respond, Lana's phone call came through again.

He gave me one last look before disappearing out the door.

That night, Chase didn't come back.

And for the first time in two years, I had the deepest sleep of my life.

Usually, whenever he was with Lana, I'd stay up all night, calling and texting him incessantly.

I'd wait for him to come home just to start a screaming match, demanding to know why he stayed out.

Chase would just watch me spiral with cold eyes. Sometimes he'd mock me, saying I looked like a bitter, resentful hag.

He forgot that I wasn't always like that.

Because of him, I had become the person I hated most.

The next morning, I was woken up by the sound of laughter in the living room.

I pushed open the door to see Lana lounging across Chase's lap, acting like a spoiled child.

Hearing the door, she jumped up, acting flustered.

"Skye, you're... you're awake? Please don't misunderstand. I was just craving seafood and acting silly with Chase!"

Chase looked at her with concern. "Lana, don't move so fast. You'll trigger your heart again."

Then he shot me a reproachful look. "Skye, don't you dare start bullying Lana just because you're pregnant."

Lana's permanent sweet smile stiffened instantly.

"Skye, you're pregnant?"

A sharp smile tugged at the corners of my mouth.

"That's right. It finally happened."