“Don’t worry, baby,” I whispered, placing a hand over my stomach. “Mom will protect you, no matter what.”
I turned around and went straight to the law office. I asked them to draft a divorce agreement.
When I returned to the villa, the front door was left slightly ajar.
I pushed it open. Inside, Lily was lying on the couch, smiling brightly. Lucas sat beside her, hand resting on her belly.
“Lucas, the baby kicked me again!” she squealed, grabbing his hand and pressing it on her stomach.
His face softened with a tenderness I had never seen before. “It really moved.”
I stood silently at the entrance, my fists clenched.
Lucas looked up and saw me. His expression flickered.
He walked over quickly and spoke in a hushed tone. “Nina, Lily tried to harm herself again today. The doctor says it’s prenatal depression. Can you… stay away for a while? Just for her mental state.”
I laughed coldly. “This is my house.”
“She grew up with me. I can’t just leave her alone right now.” His voice softened, almost pleading. “Once the baby’s born, I’ll send her abroad—Hollywood, maybe. Let her start fresh there.”
I said nothing. I just turned and went upstairs.
Even from the bedroom, their voices carried through the walls.
“Ouch, the baby kicked again!” Lily’s voice was high and sugary sweet.
I curled up in bed, my back to the door, my tears soaking into the pillow.
Late at night, I felt the bed sink slightly. Lucas lay down behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist.
“Nina, I’m sorry,” he murmured, his voice rough. “We’ll have children. I promise.”
I froze.
He still didn’t know.
I hadn’t gone through with it. Our child was still here, growing quietly inside me.
Then, a sudden scream shattered the quiet.
“Don’t touch me! Get out of here! Don’t hit me!” Lily’s hysterical voice echoed from the next room.
Lucas shot up, didn’t even put on his slippers, and rushed out of the room.
All night, the hallway echoed with his soft, soothing whispers, trying to calm her.
By early morning, I dragged my weary body downstairs. My legs felt heavy, but I moved as if in a daze.
From the kitchen, the smell of fried eggs drifted into the air.
Lucas stood at the stove, frying eggs. Lily slipped behind him, gently wrapped her arms around his waist, and rested her cheek on his back with a sweet smile.