2

Chapter 2

I stared at the photo for a full ten seconds, feeling like all the blood had been drained from my body, my fingertips ice cold.

On the screen, Rebecca's Instagram story was blindingly bright.

In the photo, James was kneeling in front of her, his forehead gently pressed against her belly, his expression worshipfully tender.

And in the next photo—a pregnancy test result.

【Pregnancy: Positive】

【Gestational Age: 8 weeks】

My throat constricted sharply.

Eight weeks.

A full two months.

That meant James had gone through with the IVF with Rebecca more than two months ago.

He'd never thought to discuss it with me. Never asked for my consent.

So what was all that exhausting persuasion for? Just to ease his own guilt?

No wonder James had looked so joyful when he left earlier. It was because Rebecca was pregnant.

Right now, he was probably celebrating with her.

The night after the rain was eerily quiet. Even the wind sounded like a wail.

I leaned back on the couch, my eyes too dry and sore to focus on the screen, despair wrapping around me completely.

I couldn't believe that the man I'd loved for so many years had secretly had a child with another woman behind my back.

I'd been looking forward to our wedding. I'd even designed my own dress.

I'd been anticipating our beautiful married life. But now it had all turned to dust.

My phone rang, interrupting my thoughts.

It was my graduate advisor.

"Ellie, you're my best student." My advisor spoke patiently. "I still think you should reconsider. The competition for slots at the defense research base is fierce, and your work is more than qualified. If you go there, it'll change your life."

I'd turned down my advisor once before because of James. Now, listening to his earnest words, I said, "Professor, I'll go."

There was a pause on the other end. "You're not going to discuss it with your family? Once you enter the base, you can't leave for three years."

"I'm sure."

"When are you planning to leave? I heard you're getting married soon? How about I give you a week for your honeymoon?"

"No need. I can leave on the wedding day."

My gaze fell on the calendar, filled with reminders about wedding preparations.

Now it had become my countdown.

Ten more days. Then it would all be over.