Chapter 3

Ethan froze. Chloe clutched her belly and looked up at him, whispering something in his ear. Ethan turned back to me. "Luna, you don't need to lie like that to get my attention."

"Whatever happens," he stated firmly, "I won't abandon Chloe."

Then they walked away together, not glancing back. At that moment, my heart finally broke completely. A child unwanted shouldn't be brought into this world. And a marriage cracked beyond repair was bound to shatter.

After the procedure, I went home. The house was still dark and empty. He hadn't returned for days. I didn't call to ask where he was. I simply rested at home after the loss, starting the quiet recovery period, and also spoke to my lawyer about divorce.

The next time I saw Ethan was on Chloe's Insta post. Ethan, who usually hated taking photos, was wearing a silly cartoon headband for a maternity photo-shoot with Chloe. Their hands rested gently on her belly, their gaze tender as they looked at each other. They looked exactly like an expectant couple, deeply in love and waiting for their baby. This time, I silently clicked the 'like' button.

After days of silence, Ethan called. He told me to come to Bennett Manor for dinner that evening. I had already packed much of my stuff, and the lawyer had the divorce papers ready. It was time to tell him and his family. So I agreed.When I arrived at Bennett Manor, my usual seat at the dinner table was occupied. By Chloe.

Ethan's mother, Martha, was holding Chloe's hand and speaking to her warmly. Martha, who hadn't smiled at me in five years, hadn't stopped smiling since I walked in. Martha had never approved of me as a daughter-in-law, and my five childless years only made things worse. I had thought this pregnancy might finally ease the tension between us. Now, it didn't matter.

Seeing me, Chloe offered an apologetic smile. "Luna, after Aunt Martha heard I was pregnant, she insisted I stay here at the manor. She said it's easier to take care of me. Please don't misunderstand..."

Tired of her act, I ignored her and pulled up a chair to sit down. Martha looked me up and down. Still holding Chloe's hand, she turned her focus on me, her tone serious. "Luna, after five years married to Ethan without a baby, my wish for a grandchild simply couldn't wait any longer."

"Poor Chloe," Martha continued, patting Chloe's hand. "Such a lonely child, losing her husband. Thank goodness Ethan has been there to look after her."

"Now that Chloe is carrying a Bennett grandchild," Martha declared, looking me straight in the eye, "I've brought her to stay here at the Manor. You won't object, will you?"

I was used to Martha's way of pretending to ask while actually lecturing. But now, I truly didn't care what happened between Chloe and the Bennetts. I met her gaze calmly.

"I have no objections."