Susanna Abbott sat quietly on the living room couch, clutching the divorce papers, her mind heavy with thoughts. She closed her eyes, recalling that cold winter day three years ago when Aaron Abbott woke up from a car accident-induced coma to find himself married to her.
From the start, their marriage was doomed. She was an orphan with no power or influence, while Aaron was a powerful and influential figure. If it weren't for a twist of fate where she caught Maria Abbott's attention, their lives would never have intersected.
Susanna longed for family and affection, but Aaron was as cold as ice. In three years of marriage, they had been intimate only once, and that was an accident.
When Susanna discovered she was pregnant, she saw a glimmer of hope. Maybe this child could be the bond that would make their marriage whole. She mustered the courage to text Aaron, asking if he would come home for dinner.
[Aaron, I booked a table at Fantasy Cuisine tonight. Can you join me? There's something important I need to tell you.] Susanna's message carried a hint of caution.
A moment later, her phone screen lit up with Aaron's terse reply: [I have something to discuss too.]
Susanna's heart raced with excitement at his response. She rarely dressed up, but tonight she pulled out a silk dress from her closet and applied light makeup for the occasion. Fantasy Cuisine was a renowned romantic restaurant, and Susanna had managed to secure a reservation with a friend's help.
As night fell, candlelight flickered, and the soft melodies of violin and piano filled the air. Aaron arrived a bit late. He pulled out the chair across from Susanna and loosened his tie.
Susanna smiled expectantly. "Aaron, you're here. I ordered your favorite dishes; they should be out soon."
Aaron's face remained expressionless as he placed a cold set of divorce papers in front of Susanna. "These are the divorce papers. Look them over and sign if everything's in order."
Susanna was stunned, staring at the papers in disbelief, a wave of despair washing over her. "Aaron, why do you suddenly want a divorce? Is there some misunderstanding between us?"
Aaron replied coldly, "No misunderstanding. We shouldn't have been married in the first place. I've given you enough time and chances over these three years."
Desperate, Susanna tried to salvage their marriage with the news of her pregnancy. "Aaron, what if I told you I'm pregnant? We're about to have our own child. Would you still want a divorce?"
A flicker of surprise crossed Aaron's eyes. "You're pregnant? Wasn't that last time an accident? Didn't I tell you to take care of it?"
Susanna's gaze faltered. "I mean, what if I was?"
Aaron scrutinized Susanna with a skeptical look before his tone returned to its initial iciness. "Even so, it wouldn't change anything. I won't acknowledge or want your child."
His words cut through Susanna's heart like a thousand sharp knives, leaving her breathless.
Three years of marriage, living in separate bedrooms, Susanna knew Aaron didn't love her. She had tried her best to fulfill her duties as a wife, hoping to reach him over with kindness. But she had underestimated Aaron's coldness. His heart was like ice, never melting for anyone.
Even their child was seen as a burden, unacknowledged by the Abbott family. Tears blurred Susanna's vision as she instinctively touched her belly.
"Baby, Daddy doesn't want you, but I'll work hard and give you all the love in the world," Susanna whispered, her voice trembling with emotion.
Aaron left the divorce papers and walked out, leaving Susanna alone in the restaurant, sitting in a daze for what felt like an eternity. She fought back tears and eventually signed the papers, accepting the harsh reality.
The next morning, Susanna was jolted awake by a commotion. Groggy, she got up and saw the housekeeper, Calliope leading a woman towards her bedroom.
"What are you doing?" Susanna snapped, anger flaring. In three years of marriage, she had never felt so disrespected in the Abbott household. Who was this woman?
Erica Jones stood at the doorway, casting a disdainful glance around the room. "This place is a mess. I can't stay here. The room on the south side is perfect for Aaron and me as our bridal suite."
"Bridal suite?" Susanna's face went pale. Clinging to a sliver of hope, she asked, "Who are you?"
Erica looked Susanna up and down. "You must be Susanna. I'm Erica, Aaron's fiancée."
Susanna's heart turned to ice. She couldn't believe that just a day after being kicked out, Aaron's lover had shown up. "So, you're Ms. Jones. What are you doing here?"
Erica's voice dripped with arrogance. "I'm here to set up my wedding room, of course! Aunt Maud said I could choose any room I wanted. I don't like your room, but it will make a good storage space. Just clear it out."
Susanna could sense the hostility and provocation from Erica. She knew about Erica, Aaron's first love, who had disappeared when Aaron was in a coma. Rumor had it that the Jones family had opposed their engagement, forcing them apart. Now, with Erica back, Susanna realized she had always been a placeholder. She was being pushed out with Erica's return.
Erica lifted her chin arrogantly, pointing to the divorce papers she had already noticed. "Susanna, I know you and Aaron have discussed divorce. I suggest you sign it soon. If you push Aaron too far, you might lose everything you've gained so far. You wouldn't want anything to happen to your family, would you?"
Susanna's heart churned with rage and pain. "Did Aaron send you to threaten me?"
Erica sneered, "What do you think? Aaron and I were meant to be. If it weren't for unforeseen circumstances, you wouldn't even be here! What can a powerless woman like you do to us?"
Susanna was furious but struggled to find the right words. She knew that to these wealthy people, she and her family were insignificant. She had to protect them and her unborn child.
"I signed the papers yesterday. Didn't Aaron tell you?" Susanna said coldly.
Erica smugly picked up the papers. "Great. Don't worry, as long as you leave, I won't harm your family."
Susanna began packing her things, her heart filled with a mix of hope for the future and a farewell to the past. She gently touched her belly, whispering, "Baby, from now on, it's just you and me. We'll face this new life bravely."
As Susanna was about to leave, Erica caught a glimpse of the pregnancy test paper in her hand. Her face changed instantly. "You're pregnant?"