Threads Unbound, Hearts Unmade

"I can't even bear to look at her."

Without another word, Donald and Joanne began lugging their suitcases upstairs.

I watched them leave, trying to make sense of everything myself.

How could they raise such a shameless daughter?

I was left alone in the living room.

Evelyn stepped forward, a mocking smile playing on her lips.

"It doesn't matter that you're married to Nate and carrying his child.

"You'll never stand a chance against me and my baby.

"By the way, Nate's already said that once my baby is born, they'll be recognized as the firstborn and carry the Cresswell name.

"As for your illegitimate child, Nate's only agreed to take them in as a foster. They'll still have your last name."

Evelyn's smug grin barely even fazed me.

I'd grown numb to her petty tactics long ago.

I moved aside, prepared to walk away.

But before I could take a step, Evelyn collapsed to the floor, tears pouring down her cheeks.

"I'm so sorry, Valerie. It's all my fault," she sobbed.

Her anguished cries sent Joanne and Donald rushing in.

In a fit of rage, Joanne lunged at me like a madwoman.

At that moment, the villa door swung open, and Nathan rushed in.

Just as I was about to speak, Joanne shoved me, sending me sprawling to the floor.

She slapped me hard across the face, screaming filthy, vulgar insults.

"Mrs. Lowry—"

Nathan intervened, a flicker of pity in his eyes.

But before he could say another word, Evelyn broke down and threw herself into his arms.

"Nate, you said once the baby was born, my parents could stay with us.

"My place is too small. There's no way it can fit five people."

"All I did was ask Ms. Sanchez if she was comfortable with it, and completely out of the blue, she slapped me."

With that, Evelyn brought one hand to her face, the other instinctively shielding her stomach.

Her sobs intensified, bursting out uncontrollably.

The noise made my head spin.

The spot where I'd been struck throbbed. It was probably already swollen.

Meanwhile, Evelyn's palms remained smooth and pale.

Sensing Nathan's troubled gaze on me, I wiped away my tears and stood up silently.

It didn't matter anymore that he had once vowed to protect and cherish me for life.

Just when I needed him the most, he became the shield for another woman's reckless behavior.

Perhaps our marriage had been a mistake from the very start.

Since he couldn't let go of his childhood sweetheart, letting me go became the only option.

Tomorrow marked the day I'd finally leave him behind.

......

Worried about the baby, Evelyn insisted on going to the hospital for a checkup.

Meanwhile, Joanne demanded that I apologize.

Nathan stood between us, his gaze fixed on my swollen face.

In the end, he chose his childhood sweetheart over me.

"Valerie, I'll take Evelyn to the hospital first.

"My mom just came back from abroad. When I return, I'll take you to her.

"I made a promise to Evelyn, so I hope you understand where I'm coming from. I don't want to be the kind of person who doesn't keep their word."

This was the man who had shared my bed for three years, yet here he was, bragging about the promises he made to another woman.

He seemed to have already forgotten the vows he once made to me on our wedding day.

Back then, he swore to love me forever.

Every promise—both the ones he honored and the ones he broke—was wiped away the moment Evelyn returned.

I swallowed the sadness in my heart. I was desperate for this charade to be over.

"Valerie, I love you," Nathan said.

Seeing my stoic expression, he quickly added, "No matter what you've done to betray me, my love for you has never changed."

His words struck me as downright absurd.