Chapter 3

As soon as I posted the update, my parents were stunned. Within moments, my mom called me, her voice filled with anger.

"Are you out of your mind, Leo? Weren't you supposed to get married as soon as you got back? What do you mean you broke up? Did you cheat on her?"

Before I could respond, she continued yelling, "I told you long-distance relationships don't work! Did you fall for someone else while you were away?"

I chuckled bitterly and replied, "It's her, mom. She's about to give birth to someone else's baby."

My mom's voice trembled with rage. "What?! This is my fault. I should've kept an eye on her!"

I sighed and tried to console her. "It's not on you, mom. It is what it is, so let her go."

"Fine. Take care of yourself. Your dad and I will come to see you in a couple of days."

My parents lived in our hometown that was just an hour away from the city. I did not refuse their visit as I knew they were worried about me.

As soon as I hung up, my phone buzzed with dozens of messages—some genuinely concerned, others just wanting gossip. I ignored them all.

Not long after, my boss, Felix Jones, called.

"Leo, our overseas business has officially launched. Over the past year, your work has been outstanding. As our primary liaison, we need you back to sign your appointment papers. Have you made your decision? It might mean spending half the year abroad. Are you okay with that?"

"Absolutely," I replied without hesitation.

"I've made up my mind."

Felix was ecstatic and immediately arranged for my contract to be prepared. He asked me to come to the office tomorrow, and I agreed.

After packing my things, I looked around the apartment. It was the place I had bought to prepare for my marriage. The interior was decorated to Casey's taste.

The thought of what might've happened here between Casey and Alex made me feel sick.

Anyway, I decided to sell it.

Just as I was finalizing things, the doorbell rang. When I opened it, I was shocked to see Casey's parents and her brother, Greg Wilbur.

Casey's mom stormed in and shouted, "How shameless can you be, Leo? Did you find someone else aboard, so you ditch my daughter?"

I frowned. "Did Casey tell you that? Did she also tell you she's pregnant?"

Her mom snapped, "Of course, we know! She's been waiting faithfully for you to come back and marry her, but you've disappointed her! She's in the hospital because of you!"

Before I could explain, Greg grabbed my shirt and punched me. I stumbled to the floor.

My neighbors heard the commotion and watched with folded arms. Casey's family painted me as a heartless man who had returned from abroad just to abandon his loyal girlfriend.

I roared, "I am not taking responsibility for someone else's child! Why should I raise someone else's kid?"

I grabbed Greg's wrist firmly, stared him down and said coldly, "I was abroad for a year, and Casey is eight months pregnant. I didn't come back in between. Do the math."

I pulled out the evidence on my phone and continued, "I recorded everything. Don't you dare to touch me again or I'll make sure your entire family becomes a trending topic on the internet!"