Chapter 2

The next morning, I went to the hospital.

I had just paid the fee and sat down in the waiting area when I saw them.

Eden was holding Clarissa’s arm as they stepped out of the ultrasound room, walking slowly, carefully — like a couple out of a commercial for perfect love. They sat together, smiling over a glossy ultrasound print. Clarissa pointed at something on the paper, giggling softly, while Eden took notes on his phone, as if this were some sacred project they were managing together.

My hand went instinctively to my own stomach.

A dull ache throbbed there — not from the baby, but from the realization that I was truly alone.

I turned to leave before they could notice me, before I broke any further.

But Eden looked up.

“Lucia?” His brows furrowed, and his tone was instantly accusing. “Are you following me?”

Before I could even speak, Clarissa tugged gently at his sleeve.

“Eden, maybe she misunderstood. Let me go explain to her. We shouldn’t let this ruin your marriage.” Her voice was soft, trembling — the perfect performance.

“Don’t move,” he snapped, pushing her gently back into the chair. “You’re pregnant.” He said it like it was a holy word. “I’ll talk to her.”

I didn’t need to hear a single word. I turned on my heel, but Eden grabbed my wrist and yanked hard enough to make me stumble.

“What the hell, Lucia?” His voice was sharp. “Didn’t we already talk about this last night? Are you seriously stalking us now?”

Pain shot through my wrist. I pulled my hand free, leaving a red mark where he’d held me.

“I’m not here for you,” I said flatly. “You’re overthinking.”

“Then why are you here?”

I lifted the payment receipt between two fingers. “Doctor’s appointment.”

He frowned, confusion flashing across his face. “You’re sick? Why didn’t you tell me?” He reached for the paper.

Before he could snatch it, Clarissa was suddenly there — teary-eyed, trembling like a fragile bird.

“Lucia,” she cried, clutching my hand. “I never meant to hurt you. After Cameron died, I just wanted… something to live for. I begged Eden to help me. I swear, I never wanted to destroy your marriage.”

If she truly only wanted a baby, she could’ve gone to a clinic.

She didn’t need my husband’s DNA — or his affection.

And she certainly didn’t need to post it online.

I forced a polite smile, then gently pulled my hand away.

Clarissa gasped dramatically and stumbled backward.

Eden lunged forward, catching her in his arms like a hero in a bad soap opera.

“Clarissa! Are you okay?” he cried.

She clung to his neck, tears sliding down her perfect cheeks. “I’m fine… I just didn’t expect Lucia to…” Her voice cracked, fading into an artful whimper.

Eden’s expression twisted into rage.

“Lucia!” he shouted. “She’s pregnant, for God’s sake! You could’ve hurt her!”

“I didn’t touch her,” I said evenly.

“I saw it!” His voice rose. “You pushed her! If anything happens to Clarissa or the baby, I’ll never forgive you. I was going to drive you home after your appointment, but now? Forget it. You can get home yourself. I’m taking Clarissa.”

He wrapped his arm protectively around her and started to walk away.

I stood there, watching their backs — the picture of righteousness and tragedy — and something inside me snapped.

“Eden,” I called out.

He turned.

My voice was calm, too calm. “If I told you I was pregnant, and that I came here today to have an abortion… would you stay?”