Chapter 1

Lessie's POV 

I rested my hand on my chin, watching my husband deep in conversation with his four friends. Today was supposed to be our anniversary, but it feels far from it.

When he told me this morning that we’d be going out, I was pleasantly surprised—he’d never done anything like this before. I followed him to this upscale restaurant, filled with excitement, only to find myself ignored while he chatted away with his friends.

Bored, I took a sip from my glass and looked around, avoiding our table. Every other couple seemed to be in a romantic mood, fitting for a day like this. I sighed, thinking of our table.

My eyes drifted back to my husband. He was smiling, laughing, and talking excitedly.

I have to admit, this is probably the fourth time I’ve ever seen him laugh or smile. He smiles at others, but never with me.

Most of their talk was about business and finance—things I don't understand, so I couldn’t join in. Even his two females knew a lot about it, so the conversation flowed easily between them.

Taking a disinterested sip from my glass, I started to regret coming here. I would have been better off staying home than enduring this embarrassment. Should I just leave? Maybe I should, rather than sitting among people who aren't even trying to include me in their conversation. I felt like a complete stranger here

I placed my glass back on the table and was about to stand up when Steve suddenly rose to his feet.

Curious, I glanced at him, deciding to stay seated to see what made him stand up.

"Steve, what’s going on? Why are you standing?" Tyla, one of my husband's female friends, asked.

"Guess who just messaged me?" Steve exclaimed, clearly excited.

I raised my eyebrows with interest but remained silent.

"It’s your phone, not ours, how are we supposed to guess?"

"Trust me, you'd all be shocked if I told you who it is."

"Just tell us, Steve."

"It's Judie."

"Judie? What's going on with her?"

"She's back in the country!"

Everyone jumped up, shouting, "Are you serious?" Their excitement was palpable.

Their screams even drew attention from nearby tables, but luckily, no one seemed bothered.

As for me, I had no idea who this Judie person was, so I could only rest my head on my hand, feeling completely lost.

"Yes, she texted, asking for someone to pick her up at the airport," Steve added.

"So, who’s going?" Tyla and Lora exchanged glances, looking at the others.

Suddenly, I noticed everyone’s gaze landed on one person—my husband. What puzzled me even more was that his face had turned a deep shade of red, as if he were embarrassed!

I couldn't help but feel uneasy. His reaction wasn’t like this before; it only started… wait, it only started after he heard the name Judie.

"Tyla suggested, 'Freddie, will you go?'"

I glanced at Tyla, noticing her gaze fixed on my husband. She was clearly waiting for his response. Would he really go, knowing... surely he realizes I'm here, right? So he wouldn't…

"Yes, I'll go pick her up," my husband said as he stood. I stared at him, wanting to ask if he realized I was right here with him.

How could he go pick up another woman while I was sitting beside him?

When he rose, I quickly grabbed his hand, but his cold gaze made me withdraw in embarrassment.

Still, I couldn’t stay silent. “You’re leaving to pick up some girl? What about me...? It’s our wedding anniversary today, and I don’t understand why you’d want to leave for her.”

As I waited for his response, the next sound I heard was Tyla’s chuckle.

“Judie isn’t just some stranger. She’s one of us, and she’s even closer to Freddie,” she said, drawing out the last words, making me feel a pang of jealousy.

With Tyla’s words hanging in the air, I felt the eyes of all his friends on me.

Ignoring their stares, I awkwardly asked, “What do you mean?”

“She’s my ex-girlfriend,” my husband replied calmly, while I struggled to process what I’d just heard.

His ex-girlfriend?

And he wants to go pick her up?

On our wedding anniversary?

My mind raced with countless questions, leaving me unable to think straight. My head was spinning, and I felt on the verge of tears.

Without another glance at me, my husband headed straight for the door, and suddenly, I found it hard to breathe.

“Ah.” I gasped for air, drawing everyone’s attention.

“Lessie, are you okay?” Collin rushed over to me, followed by the others.

Of all my husband’s friends, Collin was the only one who treated me a little better; the rest never cared or showed any concern.

“My... my... my...” I struggled to speak as tears streamed down my face, each breath a painful effort.

Out of the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of my husband. He glanced at me briefly, then snorted before finally walking away.

I cried even harder, knowing from his expression that he thought I was pretending to stop him.

“Freddie, your wife isn’t well! Come back!” I heard his three friends rush outside, pretending to call him back, but I knew they wouldn’t return.

The realization made me feel even more bitter. Thankfully, my breathing had eased a little. I turned to Collin. “I’m fine now, thank you.”

“Are you sure?” Collin asked, sounding concerned.

I nodded. “You can go. I’ll be fine.”

I heard Collin sigh before he started to leave.

As I watched him leave, my thoughts spiraled, imagining how my husband would react to seeing his ex-girlfriend. Bitterness welled up inside me. I’m his wife, so it’s normal to feel this way, but I hated it. He was with his ex, and yet I was the one feeling miserable—so unfair!

Suddenly, I struggled to breathe again, this time worse than before. A sharp pain shot through my stomach. I couldn’t even scream before everything went black.

*****

The sound of beeping machines filled the room, and the scent of antiseptic lingered in the air. I slowly opened my eyes to see a nurse standing beside me, smiling reassuringly. There was no need to panic; I could tell my condition wasn’t serious, probably just something minor.

But who had brought me to the hospital? I couldn’t remember anything after losing consciousness.

Suddenly, the air around me felt heavy. I turned to see a tall figure at the door.

It was my husband. For a moment, I forgot how he had left me for his ex, lost in the sight of him. Despite everything, I couldn’t deny how attractive he was. His handsome face stirred something sweet inside me.

I smiled at him, knowing he must have rushed to the hospital for me after leaving his ex. 

“Freddie,” I called out softly.

“Lessie, you’re pregnant, and my ex is back. I want her, so let’s end this.”