My Vitamins Were Swapped For Contraceptives

Christopher Harvey stopped Eliana just as she was about to walk out. His cold, strikingly handsome face betrayed a flicker of solemnity. His grandmother had suffered another medical crisis the night before, and he'd spent every minute until dawn at the hospital. Only when she woke up and questioned him did Christopher realize that Eliana’s strange behavior the day before might have come from some painful news she’d stumbled onto.

Now that Christopher had started the conversation, Eliana couldn’t ignore it. She turned and sat across from him on the sofa. He tugged his tie loose, irritation sharp in the movement. He pulled out a cigarette, then hesitated and set it back down.

When he finally looked up, their eyes met. Eliana’s were striking—and utterly empty. Her eyelids were red and puffy.

She waited impatiently for him to speak. It was strange, really—a man known for his decisiveness, suddenly unable to decide anything. Was guilt keeping him tongue-tied?

Seeing him struggle, Eliana decided to prompt him.

“I know about your child in Birmingham—the one Octavia had. Don’t worry, I won’t make a scene. I’ll leave today so you can bring them home.”

She set the signed divorce papers down in front of him.

Thinking back on how she’d foolishly stayed home every day this past year, eagerly waiting for their once-a-week meetings, she felt utterly ridiculous.

Christopher glanced at the divorce papers, a muscle in his furrowed brow twitching. When his gaze returned to Eliana, he caught the sarcasm threaded through her expression—and it nudged him to speak.

“Eliana, I know this situation is unfair to you, but Gage was born before we even met.”

To him, the fact that the child existed before their marriage somehow canceled out any notion of infidelity or betrayal.

Eliana stared at him. She wanted to laugh. She couldn’t.

“My grandmother isn’t well, and I don’t want her worrying over us. If you’re upset and want to go back to your family for a bit, I’ll come to get you.”

“Elisa, please take Eliana’s suitcase back upstairs.”

Christopher didn’t sign the divorce papers Eliana had presented. He instructed the housekeeper to return her luggage upstairs, then left.

Eliana sat frozen on the sofa, watching him walk away, her heart heavy. It felt like throwing a punch that never landed—no impact, just a suffocating ache that left her bewildered.

She wasn’t sure if his actions were for his grandmother’s sake or if he was genuinely reluctant to end their marriage. Whatever his reasons, Eliana couldn’t ignore the reality of their situation.

Her phone rang suddenly—it was Tessa Mason. Reluctantly, Eliana answered.

“Hi, Grandma…”

“Eliana, I need you to come to the hospital immediately. There’s something very important we need to talk about face-to-face.”

“Grandma, focus on getting better. Whatever it is can wait.”

Eliana suspected Mrs. Mason wanted to discuss Christopher’s child with Octavia—a topic she had no desire to revisit. But Mrs. Mason was insistent, leaving Eliana no choice but to go to the hospital.

When she reached Mrs. Mason’s room, she found herself face-to-face with someone she hadn’t seen in a long time.

Tall and slender, her hair falling in cascading waves down to her waist, she wore an outrageously expensive designer outfit. Her makeup was flawless, and she was undeniably stunning.

It was Octavia Jensen—Christopher’s first love.

“Eliana, you’re here!”

Mrs. Mason’s voice broke the silence.

“Octavia, explain everything clearly to Eliana!”

Mrs. Mason spoke in a tone that was almost commanding. She had little fondness for this woman known for her glamorous lifestyle. But given that Octavia had secretly raised Christopher’s child, Mrs. Mason felt Eliana deserved a full explanation—both emotionally and morally.

“I’m sorry, Eliana. You might already know, but I have a child, and the father is… Christopher.”

Octavia lowered her head, shedding her glamorous facade as she approached Eliana with a contrite demeanor.

“I know this isn’t fair to you. If my presence and that of my child have caused you discomfort, I’m truly sorry.”

“What are you implying? I asked you to explain when this child was conceived and whether you and Christopher have been involved since his marriage to Eliana. I need clarity!”

Mrs. Mason, unhappy with Octavia’s vague explanation, strained herself with anger, clutching her chest as she gasped.

“Grandma, please don’t stress. Take care of yourself.”

Eliana rushed to calm Mrs. Mason, who was still dissatisfied with Octavia’s hazy account yet aware that the child’s timing wouldn’t alter their predicament. She wanted Octavia to stop, but Octavia burst into tears.

“Eliana, I know I’m at fault, and I truly apologize. I didn’t foresee any of this, and I’m terribly sorry.”

Actors can summon tears instantly, and Octavia’s tear-streaked face stirred no sympathy in Eliana. She certainly wasn’t Mother Teresa and couldn’t bring herself to forgive the damage done to her marriage.

Unexpectedly, Octavia grasped Eliana’s hand.

“If hitting me will ease your anger, I’m at your mercy. I won’t resist.”

“What are you doing? Let go!”

Unwilling to make contact with Octavia, Eliana tried to free her hand, but Octavia fell to the ground before she could pull away forcefully.

“Octavia!”

Christopher suddenly entered the room, arriving just in time to witness what seemed like Eliana pushing Octavia. He immediately rushed to help her up.

Seeing Octavia’s tearful, helpless face, Christopher’s cold eyes shifted to Eliana, silently questioning her actions toward someone he cared about.

Yet he remained silent. Instead, he grabbed Octavia’s wrist and led her out of the room.

“Chris…”

Eliana instinctively wanted to follow and explain but hesitated, wondering if it was necessary.

Behind her, Mrs. Mason shouted insistently.

“Christopher, where do you think you’re going? Come back and explain, come back!”

“Grandma!”

Eliana understood Mrs. Mason wanted a proper explanation to clear things up, but she shook her head.

“There’s no need, Grandma, I’m okay…”

“Ah!”

Mrs. Mason sighed helplessly, knowing that Eliana was hiding her pain despite her brave demeanor. What woman could easily tolerate the thought of her husband fathering another woman’s child? But given the circumstances, Mrs. Mason offered consolation.

“Eliana, don’t be upset. I’ve clarified everything. Although the child is Christopher’s, he was unaware when Octavia secretly had him after their breakup. Christopher assured me there’s been nothing between them since your marriage—no betrayal.”

Mrs. Mason aimed to comfort Eliana while confirming her grandson’s innocence.

Eliana stayed silent. If Christopher had nothing to hide, he would have mentioned Octavia and the child the moment he found out. Yet he kept it secret, even setting up an office in Birmingham to spend time with them.

Feeling suffocated, Eliana couldn’t stay at the hospital any longer.

She’d driven herself to the hospital. As the elevator descended to the parking level, the doors opened to reveal a scene that froze her—Christopher and Octavia, standing in a dim corner, deep in conversation…