I trembled as I looked into Caleb's cold, determined eyes. So, this was how the man I had shared a bed with for years truly saw me.

"If that's how you feel about me, there's nothing more to say. Let's get a divorce," I said quietly, forcing myself to stay composed.

His eyes flashed with surprise, but it was fleeting.

He crouched down, grabbed my chin roughly with one hand, and raised the other as though ready to strike me. "Don't think I won't hit you just because you're a woman!

"Yvonne just wants a child! What's wrong with me helping her? You sit at home all day doing nothing but overthinking, and now you have the nerve to talk about divorce?

"Forget it! Don't even dream about it! Divorce? How would that make me look? In this lifetime, I'll only ever be a widower, never divorced!"

He released my chin with a sharp glare and turned to Yvonne.

The abrupt shove sent me stumbling backward, landing painfully on the ground. A dull ache spread through my lower abdomen, and cold sweat beaded on my forehead.

Meanwhile, he was tucking stray strands of hair behind Yvonne's ear, his tone soft and caring. "Yvonne, are you hungry? Let's go home and get you something to eat."

She nodded weakly, leaning against him as if she could barely stand. "Caleb, I'm so hungry I don't even have the strength to walk. Can you carry me?"

Without hesitation, he scooped her up in his arms, comforting her as he walked away, "Don't worry. Once you've eaten, you and the baby will feel better.

"And since you like her cooking so much, I'll make sure she changes up the menu every day to suit you!"

His words stung like a slap to my face, and Yvonne's smug glance only made it worse.

Unfortunately, I lacked the strength to argue. I clutched my abdomen, gasping for breath.

"Caleb!" I cried out. "My stomach hurts... Can you help me up?"

The hallway was crowded with people passing by, their curious gazes burning into me. Yet no one stepped forward to help.

I had no choice but to plead with him.

He turned his head, glanced at me, and let out a mocking laugh. "Don't tell me you're going to say you're too weak to stand now?

"What's the point of competing with Yvonne? She's just a friend. If there were anything between us, you wouldn't have married me in the first place.

"Honestly, your act is pretty convincing, but instead of wasting time here, why not hurry home and reheat the food for us?"

He turned to leave, but Yvonne clung tighter to his neck, pouting sweetly. "Caleb, maybe you should check on her. What if Laura really isn't feeling well? I don't want to cause a fight between you two."

Her words sounded considerate, but the way her arms tightened around him revealed her true intentions.

With a cold snort, Caleb walked back toward me. He gave me a disdainful look and nudged me with his foot.

"Get up," he barked.

The force sent me backward, and I felt a warm rush between my legs. My heart sank.

The baby...

This was all my fault. I didn't protect my baby.

Tears streamed down my face as I slumped to the floor.

Caleb, about to berate me again, froze when he noticed the blood staining my jeans. His eyes widened in shock.

The commotion caught the attention of a doctor stepping out of her office.

Noticing the crowd, she hurried over, and her face changed the moment she saw the blood. "Didn't I tell you to rest? Your pregnancy was already fragile. Now... it's unlikely we can save the baby.

"We need to perform an emergency D&C surgery immediately," the doctor added, signaling for staff to bring a stretcher.

Caleb's face turned ghostly pale. He grabbed the doctor's arm, his voice trembling. "Baby? You mean... she was pregnant?"

The doctor cast a dark look at Caleb before snapping, "Stop wasting my time and let me save this patient! You're holding your mistress and worrying about someone else's life!"

With that, I was wheeled toward the operating room.

In a panic, Caleb hastily set Yvonne down and ran after me, grabbing my hand.

"Laura, I didn't know you were pregnant. I swear I didn't mean for this to happen. If the baby's gone... we can try for another one."

I pulled my hand away coldly, wiping it on the sheet as though his touch had tainted me. Then I shut my eyes, refusing to look at him.

When I ignored him, his fear grew. He shook my arm desperately, but the nurses held him back and barred him from entering the operating room.

Standing outside the doors, he shouted frantically, "Laura! Don't be scared! I'm right here. I won't leave until you're safe!"

I could hear his voice, raw and desperate, but it stirred no emotion in me.

Where was he when I needed him most?

When I was in pain, he was holding another woman and kicking me to the ground.

My heart had shattered beyond repair. I no longer had the strength to love him.

He kept insisting his relationship with Yvonne was purely platonic, but no friend would carry another's child.

His actions spoke louder than words. He had never loved me.

The one he cared for was always her.

When the sharp curette scraped against my womb, I clenched the bedsheet tightly, tears slipping from the corners of my eyes.

The little life I had cherished so deeply took one look at a father who did not love their mother and decided to leave.

When the procedure ended and the doctor finished cleaning my womb, the tears I had held back finally broke free. I sobbed uncontrollably.

My child was gone. My husband was gone. All I had left was myself.

After a brief rest in the observation room, I saw a tall figure walking toward me.

Caleb's eyes were filled with worry as he took in my pale face. His trembling hands cupped my cheeks. "Laura, does it hurt? Don't worry, we'll have another baby. It's all my fault!

"I've already sent Yvonne home. From now on, I'll put the company on hold and stay by your side.

"I know you've misunderstood us in the past, but I promise. No more doubts. I'll give you the security you deserve."

He reached out, trying to pull me into his arms.

I remained motionless, letting him hold me tightly.

As I closed my eyes, my tears soaked into his shoulder. "Caleb, my baby is gone. The doctor said I was too exhausted, my body too weak. And being pushed... it was too much. I couldn't keep them."

I then asked, my voice trembling, "Do you know what I was doing before all this? Today is your birthday. I spent the whole day cooking a feast to celebrate."

I took his hand and placed it over my stomach. "This was supposed to be my best gift to you. But you destroyed it with your own hands.

"You killed my child. What makes you think I can ever forgive you?

"If you feel even a shred of guilt for me, then give me what I want most. A divorce."

Before he could respond, the door behind us burst open.

"Divorce? Fine! Do you really think Caleb ever loved you?"

Caleb glared at Yvonne as she walked in, cutting off her words mid-sentence, "Why haven't you gone home yet? Didn't I tell you to stay away from Laura and me?"

Furious, he shoved her out and locked the door.

"Laura, I won't divorce you." His voice trembled as he knelt beside me. "I know I've made mistakes, but please, give me another chance."

His hand, still resting on my stomach, quivered uncontrollably. His bloodshot eyes brimmed with regret, his hoarse voice barely above a whisper.

"I admit I've been wrong... so wrong. But I'll spend the rest of my life making it up to you. Laura, I can't lose you. The only person I've ever truly loved is you!"

I looked at the face of the man I had loved for over a decade. Memories of our happy times together flooded my mind, but they were overshadowed by the pain he had caused me.

Our child was gone because of him, never even getting the chance to see the world.

I did not hate him. I just did not care anymore.

Yvonne was still pounding on the door outside, yelling incessantly.

The chaotic noise felt like a metaphor for the life I wanted to leave behind.

Slowly, I removed Caleb's hand from my stomach and met his weary gaze. "But I don't love you anymore."

I was not trying to be strong, nor was I overcome by grief. My words were calm and steady, carrying a finality that left no room for doubt.

Without looking back, I stood up, clutched my stomach, and walked out of the hospital.

As I stepped into the taxi, I glanced back one last time.

Caleb stood there, his face pale and streaked with tears. But it no longer mattered.

-

At home, the mess in the kitchen greeted me. It was a reminder of the birthday dinner I had worked so hard to prepare just that morning.

By evening, I was packing my belongings, leaving behind a house full of memories without a second thought.

Once I was done, I checked into a hotel, determined to start over.

-

The next morning, I woke to hundreds of unread messages and missed calls.

I did not bother to listen to his voicemails. Instead, I sent a single text.

Me: [10:00 a.m. City Hall.]

-

When I arrived, Caleb was already there, looking disheveled. He was wearing the same clothes as the day before, reeking of smoke, with dark circles under his eyes.

"Laura, can't you give me one last chance?" His voice cracked as he grabbed my hand, desperation evident. "I didn't sleep all night. I can't live without you!"

Before I could respond, a car pulled up.

Yvonne rushed out as soon as it stopped, throwing herself into his arms.

"Caleb, I've been throwing up all night. I feel awful. Can you take me to the hospital?" she whimpered, tears streaming down her face.

Her arms wrapped tightly around his neck, refusing to let go.

Caleb hesitated, his hand hovering over her shoulder as he tried to push her away but seemed reluctant because of her pregnancy.

I let out a bitter laugh, clapping mockingly.

"So, this is your idea of asking for another chance, huh?

"How dare you even try to convince me to stay? If you're a real man, go in there and finalize the divorce with me right now!" My voice was icy as I turned and walked into the building.

Caleb tried to follow, but Yvonne clung to him like a leech, preventing him from catching up.

Eventually, they both entered together.

-

Yvonne was already running her mouth. "Caleb, I'm carrying your child. Now that her baby's gone, why not just marry me?

"Laura Carter, look at you. No makeup, no class. How could you ever hope to keep a man? Losing someone like Caleb is just proof you're destined for a miserable life!"

I looked down at the divorce certificate in my hands, feeling nothing but relief.

As Yvonne continued her tirade, I calmly rolled up my sleeves and slapped her across the face.

"You're pregnant, aren't you? How about doing your child a favor and keeping your mouth shut? Say one more word, and I'll shut that mouth of yours permanently!" I warned.

Seeing her stunned silence, I turned and slapped Caleb as well. "And you're no better. Claiming she's just a friend while sneaking around with her behind my back."

I smirked, my voice dripping with sarcasm. "A scumbag and a homewrecker. You're truly a match made in heaven!"