Chapter 2

Elena's POV

After leaving the bridal shop, I thought I had seen everything clearly.

Until I got home, opened my phone, and saw the photo Sebastian had posted on social media—him tenderly holding an ultrasound picture, his hand wearing our engagement ring so glaringly obvious.

The caption read: "Protecting our precious little one."

I collapsed onto the couch, staring at that photo on my phone screen.

This had been our agreed-upon plan. Once Isabella's pregnancy was stable, Sebastian would "announce" our "good news" on social media at the right time. Then after the wedding, I would leave for a few months under the pretense of honeymooning abroad while Isabella gave birth. Publicly, we would claim I had the baby overseas—our love child.

A perfect plan, a flawless lie.

I just never expected that seeing this photo would cause my heart such agony.

Below the photo were dozens of comments, all congratulations from friends.

"Sebastian, congratulations!"

"Elena is so lucky to have such a caring husband."

I let out a bitter laugh. If they knew the truth, would they still say that?

I kept scrolling and found another post from Sebastian about diet:

"Reminder for her: No sushi, soft cheese, or high-caffeine foods during pregnancy. Remember to buy folic acid and calcium supplements."

Seeing this post felt like being punched in the chest.

Sebastian remembered what Isabella couldn't eat, remembered what supplements she needed, remembered every single one of her prenatal appointments.

And me? Last time I was sick with a fever, he was still working late at the office until midnight.

"So you CAN be this thoughtful," I whispered to the phone screen, "just not with me."

I closed social media but noticed an unread email.

The sender was Dr. Williams, Chief Architect at Royal London Hospital. Two months ago, they had sent me an invitation to join their design team for a new children's hospital project.

I had declined then because I didn't want to miss my wedding with Sebastian, didn't want to leave him.

Now it seemed like the perfect irony.

I reopened the email.

"Dear Elena,

I know you were unable to accept our invitation previously due to personal reasons, but this project is extremely important to us. If you change your mind, the position remains open for you.

The project is expected to last three years, with excellent compensation and significant career advancement opportunities.

Looking forward to your response.

Best regards,

Dr. James Williams"

Three years. Long enough for me to forget everything here and start fresh.

I glanced at the calendar on the wall. Two weeks until Sebastian and I were supposed to get married—June 15th.

How ironic. I had drawn a big heart around that date in red pen, eagerly anticipating the day I would become Mrs. Knight.

Now that date could mark the beginning of my new life.

I started typing my response:

"Dear Dr. Williams,

Thank you for your patience. I am honored to accept this position.

I can arrive in London and begin work by June 15th.

Looking forward to working with your team.

Best regards,

Elena Grace"

The moment I hit send, I felt an unprecedented sense of relief.

My phone rang—my best friend Chloe.

"Elena, I just saw Sebastian's post. When are you planning to announce the pregnancy?" she asked excitedly. "Oh my God, you're finally going to be a mom!"

I was silent for a few seconds. Chloe didn't know about the surrogacy arrangement yet, let alone the truth I had just discovered.

"Chloe, we need to meet and talk."

"Of course! I actually have something to tell you too. Our usual spot at Starbucks?"

"Sure, see you in thirty minutes."

...

At the coffee shop, Chloe sat across from me excitedly, holding a stack of wedding planning materials.

"Elena, I've prepared so many surprises for you! Look at this bouquet design, and this cake..." she flipped through the materials enthusiastically, then suddenly noticed my expression. "What's wrong? You don't look happy."

I took a deep breath. "Chloe, the wedding is off."

The materials in her hands scattered across the table. "What?"

"Sebastian and I aren't getting married. I've accepted a job in London. I'm leaving in two weeks."

Chloe's face went pale. "Elena, you're kidding, right? Seven years together and you're just calling it off? You guys just had a fight, didn't you?"

"It wasn't a fight." I shook my head. "Some things... can't be fixed no matter how hard you try."

"But you're about to have a baby! I saw Sebastian's post..."

"That's not my baby." I interrupted her. "That's his and Isabella's baby."

Chloe's mouth fell open, unable to speak for a long moment.

After I explained the whole situation, Chloe slammed the table in fury. "That BASTARD! How DARE he do this to you! After everything you've sacrificed for him all these years? How could he betray you like this!"

I lowered my head, trying to suppress the overwhelming sadness in my chest.

"What's even worse," Chloe's voice trembled, "if it wasn't for saving him, you could have..."

"Chloe." I raised my hand, stopping her from continuing. "Don't. It's all in the past. There's no point talking about it now."

Chloe opened her mouth but ultimately just looked at me with sorrow.

We sat in silence, then Chloe asked quietly, "Does Sebastian know about your decision?"

"He will soon enough." I picked up my coffee. "Once everything is completely over."