Chapter 2
I maintained a perfectly neutral expression as I nodded.
“Fine.“]
Without waiting for their reaction, I turned and went to the bedroom to pack my things.
Having decided to leave for good, I didn’t want to leave any trace of myself behind.[]
The sounds of celebration continued to filter through the door. I paused momentarily while folding clothes.
“Ava, let’s name the baby Graiva. ‘Forever remembering Ava,‘ that way, even if he calls someone else ‘mom‘ someday, he’ll never forget his birth mother.“]
Even without seeing it, I could imagine Griffin’s devoted expression as he spoke those words.
Yet my heart, already shattered, crumbled further.
I suddenly remembered how just last month, I’d rushed home carrying souvenirs I’d specially bought for Griffin from abroad.[]
But at our doorstep, I’d encountered Griffin and Ava returning from a stroll, hand–in–hand.
Unlike Griffin’s horrified expression, Ava looked at me with confusion, questioning if I’d come to the wrong door.]
“Are you lost? This is my home,” she said.]]
I remained silent, my eyes fixed on Ava’s pregnant belly.
Ten months away, and my husband had moved his first love into our home–and she was pregnant.[]
What had happened during that time was obvious.
Until Griffin nervously stepped in front of Ava to introduce me.[
“This is my wife, Nora.”
I’d expected Ava to show some restraint after hearing this, but instead, she acted like the lady of the house, even inviting me like I was some guest.
As we passed each other, she whispered just loud enough for only me to hear:[]
“I hear you’ve been married to Griffin for three years? But a replacement will always be just that–never as good as the original!“]
“The moment I returned, you were pushed aside, weren’t you?“]
All the lunging from ten months apart from Griffin instantly transformed into white–hot anger. Fury surged through me like a tidal wave. I couldn’t contain myself anymore–i swung my arm and slapped her hard across the face.[]
The commotion was loud enough that neighbors called the police.]]
We were all taken to the station, but since it was a domestic matter, the police couldn’t intervene much and sent us home.
As soon as we arrived, my in–laws who had rushed over after hearing the news launched into a tirade against me–they berated me for causing such a scene that had neighbors gossiping. They even said I’d wasted my education by resorting to violence, and threatened serious consequences if anything had happened.[]
They had known all along about Griffin and Ava, and even actively supported their relationship.[]
In just one year, Ava had become their ideal daughter–in–law.
Only I had been kept in the dark.)
The taste in my mouth was pure bitterness.
While Griffin approached me with red rimmed eyes, attempting to take my hand as he explained.]
“Nora, I never meant to betray you. Just because Ava’s health is falling–doctors say she has six months at most. Her only wish is to experience motherhood and have a child of her own.”
“After all, she saved my life, and I couldn’t bear to let her die with regrets…”
“I considered discussing it with you, but you were abroad, and I didn’t want to distract you from your studies. So I planned to tell you when you returned
“If you’re willing, we could raise this child together, okay?“]}
Such a momentous decision, yet he spoke of it as if it were a minor matter.]
