After Ten Years of Chasing, I Finally Walked Away

The hospital organized a sperm donation program.

My fiancée signed up her male "best friend" without hesitation—and listed herself as the recipient.

By the time I heard the news and went to confirm it, both families were already seated together, hosting a celebratory dinner for the pregnancy.

Amid the laughter and cheerful chatter, the so-called best friend suddenly seemed to remember something and asked casually, "Oh right, Rachel—have you figured out how you're going to explain this to Ivan?"

"Well, I don't really care, but for a petty little guy like him? Once he finds out who knows what kind of scene he'll make."

"If he ends up throwing a tantrum and refuses to marry you, don't pin the blame on me."

Before Rachel could respond, her mother cut in smugly, "He wouldn't dare! Our Rachel has the hospital director's full support—she's about to be promoted straight into the board."

"A man with Ivan's background marrying my daughter is already a blessing from heaven. What right does he have to make demands?"

Rachel rested a hand on her belly, her expression relaxed, even faintly disdainful.

"My mom is right. Besides, Ivan has been chasing after me for ten years, practically worshipping the ground I walk on."

"Asking him to give up marrying me would be no different from asking him to die. Just relax. I've got your back."

Their laughter pierced my chest like a blade of icy wind. I lowered my eyes, let out a self-mocking smile, and dialed my father's number.

"Dad, cancel Rachel's promotion for now," I said calmly. "I want to marry someone else."

——

When I pushed aside the screen and stepped in, Rachel was nestled in Tyler's arms. They were holding an ultrasound photo, chatting happily about who the baby would resemble in the future.

The moment I appeared, everyone's expressions soured, as if they'd just seen something filthy.

A flicker of panic crossed Rachel's eyes. She was about to pull away from Tyler, but he tightened his arm around her waist and led her toward me instead.

"Ivan, you came at the perfect time," he said, speaking first.

"I'll explain this for Rachel, so you don't blow things out of proportion."

"You know I don't plan on getting married. But my parents only want one thing in this life—a grandchild. That's why Rachel agreed to have the baby for me."

"If you're unhappy, take it out on me. Don't make things difficult for her."

Before I could respond, Rachel's mother stood up to play peacemaker.

"That's right, Ivan. We all agreed to this."

"We've known Tyler since he was little. He and Rachel are like real siblings—there's no way he'd ever do anything to hurt your relationship. You can put your mind at ease."

"And besides, the child is already conceived. You wouldn't expect my daughter to abort it and commit such a sin, would you? You're a grown man—don't be so narrow-minded."

Watching their seamless switch between public smiles and private arrogance, I felt nothing but cold amusement.

I took off my ring and tossed it toward Rachel.

"Auntie, you're overthinking it. I'm just here to cancel the engagement."

Then I looked straight at her.

"Rachel, we're done."

Her face immediately took on that familiar here we go again expression.

And why wouldn't it? Ever since Tyler returned to the country, I'd proposed breaking up more than ten times.

Each time, I ended up talking myself into staying—then crawling back obediently.

She was probably confident that after ten years of chasing her, I'd never find anyone better.

She frowned. "Do you really have to make a scene in front of my family?"

"Ivan, if I hadn't fought for you, my parents wouldn't have even approved of our marriage given your background."

"Besides, there's nothing between Tyler and me. What exactly are you being so upset about?"

"Because I don't want my wife giving birth to another man's child," I shot back.

"If I went and had a baby with another woman, would you be okay with that?"

Her eyes widened. "You wouldn't dare."