Chapter 1

I went abroad for a year to further my studies and kept in touch with my girlfriend, Casey Wilbur, through video calls every day.

One day, I saw her first love post a photo with a caption.

[We are back together after ten years!]

In the photo, my girlfriend was visibly pregnant, holding his arm and smiling sweetly.

The post was deleted when I refreshed the page, but I was certain of what I saw.

That was her.

The scarf around her neck was one I designed myself—the pattern came from the initials of our names combined with our zodiac signs.

I lost my composure and booked the earliest flight home immediately.

A year ago, my company arranged for me to study abroad as part of a plan to promote me and increase my salary upon my return. At the time, Casey opposed it because it meant delaying our wedding by a year.

Before I could persuade her, she suddenly changed her mind.

"My biggest wish has always been to study in Francena. Since I can't do it, you should go and experience it for me, but you have to video call me every day!"

I agreed happily. However, she would decline my call whenever I called her, saying it was too late or she was busy with work. After a while, I got used to it and we only communicated through texts or by sharing photos.

After seeing that photo, I could not stay calm anymore.

Casey's first love, Alex Copper, had stayed in touch with her all along!

I could not tolerate it anymore. I just wanted to see her as soon as possible.

When I returned, I saw two familiar figures from a distance—it was Casey! She held Alex's arm, supporting her back with her hand, her stomach visibly large, and her face had gotten rounder.

My mind went blank. I did not even realize I walked over to them.

When Casey saw me, her smile froze on her face.

"Leo, why did you come back so early?"

I pointed at Alex. "You should ask him. He posted that photo to show off, didn't he? Explain yourself, Casey. I'm pretty sure I didn't get you pregnant from thousands of miles away!"

My words left Casey speechless. My sudden appearance clearly flustered her.

She grabbed my sleeve and stammered, "Leo, I—I am not—I mean—"

She could not explain why she was suddenly pregnant.

"You got back together with him and got pregnant with his child, right?"

She remained silent.

I let out a mocking laugh and declared, "We are done!"

Casey objected immediately. "No! Don't break up with me, please! I am just giving him a child. Once the baby is born, we are done! You said you didn't care about my past. Why are you breaking up with me now?"

Alex nodded in agreement. "That’s right, man. The child isn't yours, but Casey is. I just want a child of my own, that is all!"

I laughed out of sheer anger. "Do you even hear what you are saying? Do you think I am an idiot, Casey? We are breaking up!"

I shook her off and turned to leave, but Casey clung to me tightly. "I love you, Leo. Please don't leave me!"

"Leave me alone!"

"No! Please, don't leave me!"

By then, a crowd had gathered around us. People started pointing fingers at me and making accusations.

"How can you abandon her when she's pregnant?!"

"Don't worry, young lady. If he dares to leave, sue him! He can't just walk away after getting you pregnant!"

I was furious and about to explain when Casey suddenly clutched her stomach, crying out in pain. Her face went pale, and it did not look like she was faking it.

"My stomach hurts!"

I froze.

The next moment, Alex rushed over and shouted at me.

"What are you waiting for? Take her to the hospital!"