Chapter 2 update
Seven years.
For seven long years, Axel Armand loved Selina in a way he never truly stopped—even after he got married. His marriage to Vanesa was never a love story, but a decision. A bond he considered nothing more than a formality, a replacement for the emptiness Selina left behind when she walked out of his life.
And when Selina returned, Axel did not hesitate.
He chose.
In a private room of a luxurious restaurant, Axel stood before Selina, a black velvet box in his hand. His face—known for its coldness and near-total lack of emotion—now held a mixture of tension and hope.
“I waited for you for seven years,” Axel finally said. “And I don’t want to lose you again.”
Selina looked at him with tear-filled eyes. “Axel… are you sure?”
Axel went down on one knee—a gesture he had never once given Vanesa.
“Marry me,” he said firmly. “This time, I’ll fix everything.”
Selina broke into tears and nodded quickly. “Yes… I will.”
Axel smiled in relief, as if a massive burden had finally been lifted from his chest. But that happiness was not enough for Selina.
Her gaze turned serious. “What about your wife?”
Axel fell silent for a moment, then reached for his phone. “I’ll take care of it.”
Selina grabbed his arm. “I don’t want to start a marriage with another woman’s shadow hanging over it. Divorce her. Now.”
Axel looked at Selina for a long moment. There was no resistance on his face. Only decision.
“Alright,” he said shortly.
He opened his phone and searched for Vanesa’s name—then paused. His finger moved and pressed one option.
Blocked.
“I don’t want you feeling jealous because of her,” he said to Selina. “From now on, I belong only to you.”
Selina smiled in satisfaction.
Axel then dialed another number—the hospital that had previously called him several times. This time, he asked to be connected directly.
Vanesa slowly opened her eyes.
Consciousness returned along with unbearable pain. Her abdomen felt empty and sore. Her body was weak, her throat dry, and the steady hum of medical machines filled the room.
“My baby…” she whispered instinctively.
The last memories crashed into her mind—the accident, the blood, and Axel’s cold voice before the call was cut off.
The door opened. A nurse entered, her expression cautious and gentle.
“Mrs. Vanesa,” she said softly. “You’re awake?”
Vanesa nodded faintly. “My child… how is my child?”
The nurse fell silent for a few seconds.
Too long.
“I’m so sorry,” she finally said. “We did everything we could. But the fetus couldn’t be saved.”
The words struck Vanesa mercilessly.
“No…” her breath hitched. “No… I could still feel my baby earlier…”
Tears streamed down her face uncontrollably. Her hands trembled as she touched her stomach, now foreign—empty.
“We’ve been trying to contact your husband,” the nurse added gently. “The doctor would like to speak with him.”
Vanesa nodded weakly. In the midst of her devastation, one thing still remained—hope. Hope that Axel would come. That this time, she wouldn’t be alone.
Not long after, the phone on the bedside table vibrated.
Vanesa turned her head quickly, her heart pounding.
“Axel…” her voice trembled as the call connected. “I’m at the hospital… I—”
“Vanesa,” Axel’s voice came through, cold and formal. No concern. No panic. “We need to talk.”
Vanesa’s heart sank. “Axel, our baby—”
“I’m not calling about that,” Axel cut in firmly.
Vanesa went silent. Her hand clenched the blanket.
“I’m divorcing you,” Axel continued without hesitation. “I’ve already filed the papers. From now on, we have no relationship whatsoever.”
Vanesa’s world collapsed in an instant.
“What…?” her voice was barely audible. “Axel… I just lost our child…”
“That matter is over,” Axel replied coldly. “I don’t want to discuss it.”
Vanesa trembled. “You didn’t even come… you didn’t ask how I was… and now you’re divorcing me over the phone?”
“This is for the best,” Axel said flatly. “I’m going to marry Selina.”
That name pierced her ears like a blade.
“Your first love…” Vanesa whispered weakly.
“Yes,” Axel answered without guilt. “And the only woman I’ve ever loved.”
Vanesa’s tears fell freely. Her chest felt as though it were being shattered into pieces.
“Then,” her voice broke, “this child… the child you abandoned even before they were born… just consider them as never having existed.”
Axel was silent for a moment. But not out of regret.
“I hope you can act like an adult,” he finally said. “I’ll handle all the paperwork. Don’t contact me again.”
Click.
The call ended.
Vanesa stared at the dark phone screen with empty eyes. Her chest tightened. Silent tears continued to fall.
In a single night, she lost everything.
Her child.
Her husband.
And the last remnants of her dignity as a wife.