Three years after the proposal, we still hadn't gotten our marriage certificate.

I used to pester Milo about when we'd make it official. He'd just laugh, "Aren't we basically married already? What's a piece of paper gonna change?"

I hadn't argued but felt disappointed.

When I found out I was pregnant, I thought it would push him to marry me and give our child a proper family.

Now I rejoiced that we never formalized it, saving me a lot of trouble.

I touched my belly. The life in there was gone, and my heart no longer beat for Milo.

He frowned. "Jessica is an old friend. She has just got back and doesn't know anyone else here. What's wrong with celebrating her birthday? Stop getting jealous over nothing?"

I gave a bitter smile. My belly still ached faintly from the miscarriage, yet I felt a strange relief.

My child wouldn't be happy to have someone like Milo as his dad.

When I didn't respond, he tossed a box onto the table like it was an afterthought. "Alright, Jessica shouldn't have hung up on you. Take this as her apology."

It was a pink necklace, missing some diamonds. It was her style, not mine. I never liked pink.

Then I recalled the bracelet on her wrist yesterday. It was the Prince family's heirloom, passed down to the wives.

I had begged to try it on after his proposal, which was a fair request, but he had refused, saying it was for our wedding.

Believing him, I waited patiently for three years. Now Jessica was wearing it.

The one in front of me? It was probably some castoff she didn't want anymore, and Milo passed it to me.

I snorted, tossing the box in the trash. "I'm not a dumpster for her trash."

Milo's patience wore thin. He shot to his feet, glaring. "Jessica picked that to make up with you. You're gonna treat her kindness like that?"

His voice was thick with anger, but I wasn't scared. "She got your heirloom, and I got her trash. That's her idea of an apology? Admit it, you care about her way more than me. I'll just step aside and make way for her."

He took a deep breath, his face dark. "Are you serious?"

I nodded without hesitation. "Yes."

His eyes widened in disbelief. "I'm trying to make this right, and you're still jealous of Jessica? Get a grip! For the child's sake, chill out!"

Milo stormed into the study, slamming the door.

Since Jessica came back, we'd been fighting nonstop for the past year. Whenever things got heated, he'd lock himself away, leaving me to cool off.

I used to hold out hope that he'd see my worth someday, so no matter how angry I was, I'd calm down, bring him milk, and massage his shoulders to make peace.

This time, I just packed quietly and left.

Dragging my suitcase down the street, I saw a young couple roughhousing.

The girl screamed at a bug and jumped into the guy's arms. He held her tightly, patted her back, and soothed her.

It reminded me of meeting Milo for the first time.

I was leaving my night shift when a group of drunks cornered me.

There wasn't anyone else, and they snatched my phone. I couldn't call for help.

I backed away, praying for a miracle until Milo appeared like a hero. He grabbed my hand, and we ran.

That moment branded him into my heart. From then on, I couldn't stop watching him.

He had a childhood sweetheart, Jessica. Everyone at school called them a perfect couple.

I buried my feelings, but my eyes betrayed them. Maybe that was why he proposed to me when Jessica left the country.

Sense told me that it might be just an impulsive decision, but I clung to the hope he'd been moved by me.

I had liked him for three years. When happiness was within reach, I had no reason to say no.

For two years, we were happy.

He'd check in with me, give me gifts on special days, and stay by my side when I was sick.

Gradually, I forgot about Jessica, believing Milo had fallen for me.

Then she came back a year ago, shattering my dream.

Compared to her, I was disposable. One call from her, and he'd drop everything and go to her regardless of time.

His broken promises and abandonment finally woke me up. He never loved me.

I planned to end this, hesitating when I found out I was pregnant. I clung to the hope that a baby might make us a real family and push him to choose me over Jessica.

But reality slapped me hard.

He didn't care about the baby, leaving me alone at home and letting Jessica hang up my desperate call.

He never even asked why I called. One-sided love always ended in loss.

But it was okay.

At least, I got out in time.

A few days later, I went to the hospital for a follow-up checkup.

I was on my way to pick up my medication when I ran into Jessica.

"Elaine? You here alone? Didn't call Milo?" she gloated, stopping me.

I shot her a cold look, ignoring her, but she grabbed my arm, batting her eyes innocently. "My bad. Milo is grabbing my medication. My cramps were killing me, and he insisted on taking me to the hospital. You're not mad, right?"

The emerald bracelet shimmered on her wrist, stinging my eyes.

I tried to pull away, but she screamed and fell back.

As if on cue, Milo rushed over and caught her in time.

Jessica put her hand on her chest, whining, "I don't know how I offended Elaine."

He patted her back and comforted her. When he turned to me, his face hardened. "It's fine you play runaway, but why stalk and push Jessica? When did you get so vicious? What kind of mom would you be?"

The mention of our lost child reignited my pain. I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms.

It was laughable that he had the nerve to question me when he was all over Jessica.

He thought I was jealous and throwing a tantrum, but all I wanted was to steer away from them.

"You're way off. I don't stalk people," I snorted, turning to leave.

Seeing their faces made me sick.

Milo grabbed my wrist and barked, "Apologize to Jessica!"

Jessica had fallen on purpose, a cheap trick, but he didn't see it.

I yanked free and slapped her smirking face, giving her the play she wanted.

She froze, unprepared for me to hit her in front of Milo.

He shoved me away and shielded her.

Still weak from the miscarriage, I collapsed and hit the ground. Pain shot through my belly, and blood seeped out.

He panicked, scooping me up and running to the ER. "Doctor! She's pregnant and fell. Save her and the baby!"

The doctor, the same one handling my miscarriage, glared at him. "What kind of husband are you? She miscarried days ago. She shouldn't be bleeding again."

Milo froze, staring at me and then back at the doctor. His voice shook. "What? She miscarried?"