Old Promises, New Rings

The following day, Jace left for work, leaving Celine and me alone at home. The air was thick with tension.

I was calling my assistant to confirm my schedule for the evening when Celine waddled over with one hand on her back. "Don't think your little act of obedience yesterday will make Jay like you!"

I looked up at her. As soon as she met my eyes, it was like a switch had been flipped inside her. "Mrs. Larkin was right yesterday. The baby in my belly is Jay's!"

Right after saying that, she arched her back a little to make her belly stand out.

I received a message from my assistant. "The flight will be delayed because of the rain."

My brows knitted. Celine mistook it as me reacting to her words and raised her chin. "You've been with Jay for seven years and still haven't had a child. Is it because you don't want one?"

Covering her mouth, she giggled. "You probably don't know this, but every time he's in bed with me, he says that you're so dull, like a dead fish, and I excite him in ways you never could!"

Celine expected me to explode or crumble, but I merely nodded apathetically. "I see."

I might have clung to some foolish hope for Jace the day before yesterday, but not anymore. I asked my assistant to book me another flight.

When my stomach started growling, I went into the kitchen to prepare lunch.

There was a note on the fridge—a meal plan that Jace had taken the trouble to consult the doctor about and carefully copied down himself the night before. He'd gone out early to buy the ingredients and reminded me countless times before leaving for work to cook everything exactly as instructed.

Every dish on that list was something I didn't care for.

I numbly set the food on the table. Celine barely took a bite of it before she clutched her stomach, crouched down, and curled up, sweat breaking across her forehead.

I watched coldly as she called Jace. "Jay, I just ate Rina's cooking and my stomach's killing me… Am I going to die?"

Jace sounded incredibly worried as he reassured her, "Don't be scared, Cece. You're not going to die. I'm on my way home right now!"

It usually took half an hour to get home from his office, yet he made it back in less than ten minutes. He burst through the door and scooped Celine into his arms.

Celine slumped weakly against him. "I… I think I just… saw blood. Is our baby… leaving me?" she whispered before breaking down into tears.

"Don't worry. You're not bleeding. I'll rush you to the hospital right now!"

He shot daggers at me. In all the seven years I had been with him, I had never seen him so frantic and out of control. He had never looked at me that way before, either.

"I told you repeatedly to follow my recipe to the letter. Why didn't you do as I say? If something happens to her or the baby, our wedding is off! I won't marry a vicious, scheming woman like you!"

I clenched my fists, anger surging in my chest. "Celine didn't even touch the food I made!"

Without hearing me out, he ordered his assistant to take me with them to the hospital.

…

After arriving at the hospital, I was dragged to the door of Celine's hospital room. Before I could plant my feet, his mother stormed over and slapped me hard across the face. Searing pain spread across my cheek, and I almost fell to the ground.

She didn't even bother to pretend anymore as she yelled at me, "You filthy slut! If anything happens to my precious grandson, I'll see to it that my son dumps you!

"I opposed your relationship with my son from day one, yet he wouldn't listen to a lick of sense! Now that he's met a real catch like Cece, you should stop clinging to him!"

For years, I had sent her gifts during every holiday to earn her approval, yet no matter what I did, she was never satisfied.

Clutching my cheek, I wanted to get out of there, but Jace's assistant pinned me down firmly. "Forgive me, Ms. Hollis, but Mr. Larkin said you can't go anywhere until Ms. Keaton comes to."

The doctor said Celine was fine. The phantom pain was brought on by anxiety.

The door swung open, and Celine was sitting on the hospital bed, clinging to Jace. "I thought I was going to die, Jace. Thank goodness you brought me to the hospital!"

He stroked her hair, his smile looking warm and indulgent. "So long as I'm here, nothing will happen to you, Cece."

His mother patted her chest. "You scared me out of my wits, Cece. Thank heavens you're okay!"

When Jace emerged from the ward and realized he had wrongly accused me, he lowered his head and took my hand. "I was wrong, Rina. I lost my head just now. Does your face hurt?"

He smacked his own forehead in frustration. "I'm sure you know Cece's pregnant and needs special attention. Anyone in my place would have been anxious. Don't be jealous. My heart and soul belong to you."

I couldn't help but sneer inwardly. His promises felt as cheap and easy as air.

"Let's get our marriage certificate next week and hold our wedding the day after," he continued, saying things that made me sick to my stomach.

"I'm not a fan of the baby's breath necklace, but if you like it, you can wear it. Also, you said you wanted to go to Finholm for our honeymoon. I've already planned half of the trip!"

Without saying a word, I nodded stiffly. He gently ruffled my hair. "Cece can't be left unattended. You must be tired. Head home, rest up, and come back tomorrow to look after her."

Without sparing him another glance, I made a beeline for the exit. I went straight home, grabbed my luggage, and headed straight to the airport.

Before boarding the plane, I took out my SIM card and tossed it into the trash. I bid farewell to Jace.