“The problem is, Jillian’s love for me is flawless. If it weren’t for that damn video, I’d have no reason to break up with her. But marry her? Then what? The rest of my life would be flat, boring, predictable. What’s the point? Can you imagine preferring your own hand over touching her? Because that’s where I’m at.”
He then lit another cigarette, drawing in a long drag, the smoke curling around him like a shroud of misery. His friends raised their glasses, nodding with sympathy, as if he were the victim.
He even brushed at the corner of his eyes, pretending to hold back tears, and downed his drink like a man betrayed by a cruel woman.
I had never seen him look so defeated before. And the fact that I was the reason he wore that look cut me to the bone.
So, to him, loving me and marrying me was agony. No wonder he always pushed me away in bed, claiming he was tired from work. But in truth, it wasn’t exhaustion. It was disgust.
And I had been such a fool. Running around to find doctors, cooking him special meals, trying every recipe to “restore his strength,” when all along, he just couldn’t stomach me.
The pregnancy test crumpled in my fist as my nails dug into my palm. Thin streaks of blood stained the white paper, blurring the black printed words. The red and black bled together like some cruel piece of art.
“Ethan, life’s too short. If you can’t bring yourself to dump her, then marry her. One woman for the bills, the rest for the thrills. What’s the harm?”
“Yeah, just let her stay home, raise kids, and serve your parents. It's just like you've got a first-class free maid!”
“Also, I heard Jillian’s so desperate to marry you that she doesn’t even want a dowry. That’s a bargain, man!”
“And as for those videos? I’ll delete them for you, no problem.”
I stared through the crack at Ethan, praying for even the slightest flash of anger, some shred of defense for me.
But he didn’t get angry. Instead, he nodded calmly. “You’re right. Women like Jillian don’t just walk through the door every day.”
My heart stopped. He wasn’t just tolerating their words, but he also agreed.
While I was still reeling from his cold calculation, Howard shoved his phone toward him with a grin and said, “Ethan, here are a few girls I know. Take a look, see if any catch your eye.”
I held my breath, eyes wide, waiting desperately to see Ethan refuse.
Jillian's POV
But then, I was crushed by disappointment.