Love Has Reached Its End, Never to See Each Other Again in This Lifetime

Julian leveraged what mattered to me as a threat, all to benefit Evelyn.

"Also, get up. Stop pretending to be weak. I know you're tough as nails," Julian snapped coldly before leaving with Evelyn.

The office was bustling. I caught looks of pity and scorn from people passing by.

I clutched my belly, sitting on the cold floor, feeling dead inside.

I realized then that there was no way Julian deserved to be my kid's dad.

Later that night, I lay in the operating room.

As the chilly anesthesia entered my veins, I closed my eyes and thought back to the year Bright Group was on the brink of bankruptcy.

Back then, Julian and I were penniless.

We holed up in a crappy basement. In winter, we huddled together for warmth. We'd share a plate of pasta. He'd insist I eat while he sipped the broth. Despite everything, his eyes were full of hope for the future.

He used to say that once Bright Group recovered, we'd start a family.

He promised our baby the best of everything and dreamed of us being the happiest family of three.

I'd smiled and nodded, locking away those promises.

Years later, when Bright Group was thriving again, we began trying for a baby, filled with hope.

But the doctor said I'd have trouble getting pregnant, so I started various treatments.

Every week or two, I'd get shots to boost ovulation, leaving my body dotted with needle marks.

Now I was pregnant, but our child would never get to see this world.

Eventually, the surgery ended.

When I opened my eyes, I realized I had been crying throughout. The pillow was soaked.

Ultimately, I was the one who had to smooth things over with Kevin.

At dinner, Kevin seemed annoyed and nodded for me to come over.

I took a deep breath, managed a smile, and repeatedly apologized, lifting my glass.

After downing two drinks, my vision started to blur.

Through the haze, I noticed Kevin's sleazy gaze lingering on me.

He grabbed at me, trying to rip my clothes off.

This greasy, pot-bellied man pinned me down with his weight.

My face went pale. I felt like throwing up, and fought back with all I had.

Suddenly, the door flew open.

Julian burst in with his eyes blazing, flipped Kevin off me, and kicked him hard.

Just as he started to scoop me up, Evelyn chimed in, all bitchy, "Julian, no wonder the big shots only want to deal with Caroline. I guess I just can't learn her tricks."

Julian stopped dead, his eyes locked on me.

He barked, "Caroline, this how you close deals? Spit it out!

You can't even hold a candle to Evelyn, an intern. At least she's got some self-respect."

It hit me then. Evelyn set this whole thing up. She wanted Julian to get the wrong idea.

Something was definitely off with the drinks.

My lips trembled as I tried to speak, but looking into Julian's dark, suspicious eyes, I fell silent.

I thought, "Forget it, he's always despised me. Why would he believe me now?"

Julian dragged me back home, leaving bruises on my wrists.

Soon after, Bright Group's work chat blew up, with everyone anonymously gossiping about me.

[I knew it. Caroline's been sleeping her way through those tough clients. Shame on her.]

[Isn't Caroline Mr. Cadman's wife?]

[Mr. Cadman never said so. I bet this bitch is trying to hook him.]