Chapter 63
Jared paused for a moment before replying, “Mm, you must’ve exerted yourself too much in the first two months. I’ll prescribe some medicine for you. Remember to take them and rest well.”
I mumbled in response and sprawled over the table unhappily. “If I had known being pregnant was this exhausting, I wouldn’t have gotten pregnant in the first place!”
He chuckled. “What nonsense are you talking about? I’ll be joining you on your business trip in a few days. I can take care of you.”
Stunned, I asked shyly, “You’re coming along just for me? Or…”
“That’s not it. I have business there too.”
“Okay. I’ll contact you then!” I replied, feeling reassured. Jared was a great friend—attentive and thoughtful.
After hanging up, I remained sprawled on the table, utterly drained. I was two months pregnant now.
I had originally planned to finalize my work, get a divorce, and leave J City. But life was unpredictable. What should I do now?
If Ashton wanted this child, I could stay. I had already endured Rebecca’s presence for two years. With my child in the picture, things couldn’t get any worse, could they?
Compared to my child not having a father, my worries seemed insignificant.
For the next few days, the rain poured relentlessly. Some areas in J City flooded during the rainy season, and the company was considerate enough to let us leave work earlier than usual.
I knew Ashton would be with Rebecca, as she was terrified of thunderstorms. Instead of going back to the villa, I stayed at Glenwood Apartments with Macy.
Since Macy had stopped working at her bar after the drug incident, she devoted herself to cooking at home. I was grateful for the time we spent together.
After sorting out my thoughts, I no longer clung to the hope that Ashton would come looking for me. Still, I often found myself lost in thought.
Sometimes, if I sat too long, my limbs would go numb. Jared had given me several medications and reminded me to take them on time, but I often forgot. Macy had to remind me constantly.
A week of torrential rain finally gave way to clear skies, and the sun made its return to J City.
The audit process for Fuller Corporation had started, and I was occupied with work at HiTech. Meanwhile, Macy told me she wanted to travel alone for a few days.
I understood her frustration. She had been wrongly accused of possessing drugs. If Clinton hadn’t helped, she would have been in prison. We both knew Rebecca was behind it, but with Ashton protecting her, there was nothing we could do.
So, I supported Macy’s decision to take a break.
Since she wasn’t around, there was no reason for me to stay at Glenwood Apartments. I decided to return to the villa, where at least Mrs. Eriksen’s presence would keep me from feeling too alone.
After work, I drove back to the villa, only to find Rebecca standing at the entrance beside Ashton’s black Jeep. She was dressed in a long, flowing blue dress, looking like a Greek goddess.
“How gorgeous,” I murmured, bitterness twisting inside me.
My heart shattered into pieces, giving way to a surge of anger and resentment.
I should have slowed down, but instead, I floored the accelerator, heading straight for Rebecca.
My darker instincts took over. If Rebecca were gone, I wouldn’t have to endure this torment any longer. I wouldn’t have to wonder if Ashton would stay or leave.
For a fleeting moment, I truly wanted her to die.
But just as I was about to hit her, Ashton stepped in front of the car. His expression was thunderous.
I slammed the brakes, my mind reeling. What had I almost done?
Ashton strode over and yanked open the car door, pulling me out roughly. “Scarlett, what the hell are you doing?”
Weakly, I collapsed onto the ground. His grip tightened as he steadied me, his anger barely restrained.
Tears welled in my eyes as I pleaded, “Ashton, please ask her to leave.”
Clutching his hand, I whispered desperately, “Ashton, I love you more than you can imagine. Seeing her here is driving me insane. Please, ask her to leave. If she stays, I don’t know what I’ll do to her.”
I had finally laid my heart bare. There was no more pretense—just raw, unfiltered emotions. The cruelty, the selfishness, the desperation—I showed it all.
As our eyes met, Ashton’s expression softened. His lips pressed into a thin line before he pulled me into his arms.
He leaned in, pressing his forehead against mine. In a low, raspy voice, he murmured, “What a fool.”