Threads Unbound, Hearts Unmade

"I didn't realize the birthday girl got here so early. It's my fault. Walking around with this belly is a struggle.

"Nate didn't want me riding in another car. He was worried I'd be uncomfortable, so he insisted on picking me up himself."

With that, Evelyn proudly stroked her stomach, her gaze lingering on my belly.

It felt like she was silently saying, "You're pregnant too, but look who's really being taken care of."

Her words sent a ripple of laughter through the room.

"Nathan's been doting on Evelyn since they were kids."

"Once the baby's born, are you two planning to tie the knot?"

"Don't forget to invite us to your wedding!"

Caught in the flood of congratulations, it felt like no one remembered I was still Nathan's wife.

They seemed to have forgotten this wasn't an engagement party at all.

Nathan had only organized this party to ease his own guilt.

Looking at their faces, I couldn't help but feel a wave of nausea.

Just as I was about to stand and leave, Nathan's attention suddenly shifted to me.

With a frown, he said coldly, "This is your birthday party. How can you just walk out like that?

"It's only morning sickness. Tough it out. It won't last forever."

But the next second, Evelyn gagged.

Nathan's expression tightened as he gently eased her into a seat. He dug into his pocket and pulled out some medication.

With a cup of water ready, he carefully helped her swallow the pills.

Laughter and teasing bubbled up around us again.

I shut my eyes.

My birthday party had turned into a showcase of their affection.

They acted like a married couple, sharing laughs and stories with their friends.

Meanwhile, I was left alone, slowly fading into the background.

There wasn't even a cake to mark the occasion.

The whole situation felt almost laughable.

Apparently, this was Nathan's version of a birthday party for me.

I held back my tears, burying the bitterness deep within.

Maybe I should be the one congratulating Nathan.

In just two days, I'd be out of his life for good.

The title of "Mrs. Cresswell" could finally belong to the woman he truly cared for.

That night, I chose to stay.

I sat quietly in the corner, watching the farce of a birthday party unfold around me.

It wasn't until the room was empty that Nathan realized I was still there. He stepped forward and offered me a ride home.

Though he was my husband, it felt like I was heading back to a stranger's house.

Before he could speak again, Evelyn stepped forward and caught his arm.

"Nathan, I'm tired. I need to go home and rest."

He gently brushed her hair back. "Is the baby acting up again? Let's get you home early."

Without another word, he wrapped his arm around her and walked away.

Once again, I was stuck riding in the bodyguard's car.

I felt like nothing more than a clown.

I touched my cheek, waiting for tears that never came.

At the height of suffering, it seemed pain could simply burn itself out, leaving only numbness behind.

I couldn't begin to fathom what was going through Nathan's mind.

If he truly cared for his childhood sweetheart, why would he marry me and have a child with me in the first place?

If he wanted the world to see just how much he adored Evelyn, why didn't he just divorce me?

Why would he insist on keeping our child, condemning both of us to a life of mockery and ridicule?

I barely slept that night.

By late morning, the doorbell jolted me awake.

Evelyn had arrived, accompanied by her parents—Donald Lowry and Joanne Sykes.

The moment Joanne saw me, her lips curled into a sneer.

"Did you forget you're pregnant with another man's child? How dare you still call yourself Mrs. Cresswell?

"I'm curious how your parents raised such a disgraceful daughter."

Donald looked at me with equal disdain.

"Enough. There's no point in wasting words on someone like her."