Divorce After Deception

After being discharged from the hospital, I was taken aback to find Jrue at home.

As I entered, his expression softened under the warm light, the severe lines of his face relaxing a bit.

"Why are you home so late? I ordered takeout for us; come and eat," he said.

"I noticed some suitcases in the bedroom. Are you getting ready to head back for Thanksgiving?"

"You're expecting now. Let the housekeeper handle these tasks; don't wear yourself out," he added.

His words reminded me of the packing I’d been doing before my hospital visit. I had assumed Jrue would spend all his time with Lilian, so I hadn’t bothered to tidy up before leaving. Now, he provided me an excuse that allowed me to avoid confronting the truth.

"Yes, I’m getting ready for the trip back home," I replied nonchalantly.

I glanced at the food on the table—heavy with smoked paprika and drenched in a thick tomato sauce. Just looking at it made me feel queasy.

"Lilian told me the takeout from this place is great. I ordered you a few dishes to try," Jrue said.

"Jrue, I can’t handle spicy food. It gives me hives. You know this, right?"

Of course, he didn’t know. But he knew that Lilian loved spicy food.

"I overlooked that. But look, I bought a lot of supplements for you. They’re supposed to be really good for pregnant women."

His face turned awkward at my straightforward reply, and he quickly tried to shift the topic.

I followed his gesture and saw the living room, scattered with brightly colored packages. Just the sight of them suggested they weren’t cheap. I took a deep breath and met Jrue’s hopeful gaze.

"Return them. I don’t need them."

Upon hearing my refusal, Jrue's expression finally hardened.

"Melanie, I know you’re upset about Lilian. But I only see her as a sister, not the way you think."

"She just got back in the country and doesn't know anyone. I'm the only one who can help her. Could you understand and stop being so upset? You have a baby to consider now, even if you don’t want to do it for yourself."

It was rare for Jrue to speak gently to me, yet my chest felt like it was weighed down with stones, the humiliation suffocating. Mentioning the baby was like twisting the knife.

"I know you’re angry about me calling you my assistant the other day. I was wrong. I just didn’t want to explain everything at that moment."

Listening to Jrue’s justification, I could only muster a scornful smile.

Just then, Jrue's phone rang. I glanced at the screen. It was Lilian again.

"Jrue, can you come over? My dog, Fluffy, is sick, and I want to take him to the vet."

Lilian’s panicked voice streamed through the phone. Jrue listened, then lifted his head to look at me, clearly torn.

I suddenly wanted to understand my place in Jrue’s priorities.

"Jrue, there’s a family gathering tonight. We should leave early to beat the holiday traffic."

"It’s getting late. Could you skip going to her this time?" I pleaded.

Yet, as Lilian's voice quivered with tears on the other end, Jrue still turned and left the house.

"Take a cab, but be cautious not to jostle the baby. I need to check on Lilian first; I'll join you later."

As the door closed, I couldn’t help but laugh bitterly at myself.

Why did I set myself up for this humiliation when I knew what the outcome would be?

Slowly, I crouched down and hugged my midsection, seeking some comfort.

But my baby was already gone.