Chapter 4

Julian’s self-righteous anger froze on his face.

Even Yvonne looked completely stunned.

I massaged my temples, feeling an overwhelming wave of exhaustion. I stood up.

"Forget it. If she wants to stay, let her stay. I have a nursery ready at the Vance family estate anyway. I’ll just take my baby and live there."

"I'm full. I'm going to bed."

I had just washed up and crawled into bed when Julian pushed the door open.

He carried a plate of sliced fruit, creeping toward me like a guilty dog.

He reached out, wanting to touch my stomach.

"I'm so sorry, Chloe. I didn't know you were pregnant. What I said earlier..."

I rolled over, turning my back to him and avoiding his hand. My attitude was ice-cold.

I really didn't want to hear his repetitive, meaningless apologies.

"I'm sorry."

"It's my fault."

He never lacked apologies, but he also never hesitated to hurt me.

Didn't he find his own words hypocritical?

But I was too exhausted to even argue with him. I kept my eyes closed and muttered, "I'm tired. I don't want to eat."

Julian had no choice but to set the plate down.

He leaned in closer, wanting to hold me.

But before his fingers could even brush my shoulder, Yvonne’s voice echoed from downstairs.

"Julian! Can you help me give Leo a bath? I cut my finger while cooking and can't get it wet!"

Julian let out a sigh of frustration. He stood up and walked out.

I curled my lips in a cold mock.

Yvonne must be terrified right now, which was why she was desperately trying to keep Julian by her side.

But that was fine with me.

At least I could get a peaceful night's sleep.

Throughout the night, Julian was kept incredibly busy.

"Julian, can you come over and help me look at some schools for Leo?"

"Julian, Leo wants you to play Legos with him. Just for a little bit, please?"

"Julian, Leo seems to have a fever. Can you come check on him?"

...

The next morning, when I woke up, Julian was still asleep in the nursery.

I walked downstairs and saw Yvonne busy in the kitchen.

She noticed me and offered a sweet, gentle smile.

"Miss Vance, you're up? Breakfast is almost ready."

"But I made everything according to Julian's taste. I hope you don't mind."

I ignored her banter and walked closer.

With a smirk, I asked, "Miss Reed, first an allergic reaction, now a fever. You only have one son. If you keep using him like this... aren't you afraid you'll accidentally kill him?"

Yvonne’s smile faltered.

Seeing that Julian wasn't around, she dropped her innocent act.

She glared at me, her eyes venomous.

"Are you going to tell Julian?"

"Chloe, save your breath. I am the mother of his son. Do you think he will believe you or me?"

"Let me tell you the truth. I have no intention of divorcing Julian. Blood is thicker than water. With Leo here, I will be tied to Julian for the rest of my life. He can never leave me."

She looked at me with pure provocation.

"If you don't mind the disgust, feel free to stay as his mistress."

"While the three of us live happily ever after."