Chapter 12
I watched him with an almost amused smile. Just as he ended the call, the ambulance pulled up.
He stood with a dark expression. “Elise, I’ll take you out to dinner another day.”
Then he dragged Lila out the door.
Then he dragged Lila out.
A dark trail of blood followed behind her.
I watched the whole scene unfold like a bad soap opera-oddly enough, my food still tasted great.
Until suddenly, I gagged.
Julian and I locked eyes. He jumped up, alarmed. “Are you… pregnant?”
“I don’t know.” I blinked.
My period had always been irregular. That’s how I missed the signs last time-when I lost the baby.
Travis had drawn so much blood from me I’d passed out cold.
When I woke up, the doctor told me I’d been pregnant… but the child hadn’t made it.
Julian scooped me into his arms. “We’re going to the hospital. Now.”
“Congratulations. You’re expecting.”
Julian spun me around in joy before gently setting me down.
He kissed my hand like I was made of glass. “Elise… I’ve never been this happy.”
“And then, without us noticing, Travis was suddenly behind us-staring at me, hollow-eyed.
Elise…”
A nurse grabbed his arm. “Mr. Langley! There you are! Your wife is hemorrhaging-we need your signature!”
He was dragged away.
The next day, we heard Lila had delivered twin girls.
Mr. and Mrs. Langley barely looked at them. Instead, they yanked Travis aside. “We’ve set you up with a suitable match. She comes from a solid family,”
Blair and Lila wailed behind them. “You can’t just leave us like this, Travis!”
Mr. Langley snapped at the security guards, “Throw these two into the Projects!”
“Since those two gold-digging trash showed up, you’ve lost your damn mind! Nearly ran our company into the ground!” Chapter 12
20.59%
More than half a year later, I gave birth to a beautiful baby girl.
The entire Hart family stayed up all night celebrating. Julian issued a press release first thing the next morning- announcing the arrival of their precious granddaughter.
He was so obsessed with the baby, he wouldn’t even let the grandparents hold her for long.
At the baby’s one-month party, Julian walked around proudly with her in his arms like he’d just won the lottery.
I stood beside him, smiling… until I felt a familiar stare.
I turned-and saw Travis.
He looked nothing like the man I used to know. Gone was the arrogance and swagger. He was pale, hollowed out.
Beside him stood a woman in a sleek designer gown, radiating confidence. I recognized her: Veronica Kingsley, the so-called “princess” of Wellington’s elite.
Ten years older than Travis, twice divorced, two kids in tow. And his new fiancée.
Langley Corp had collapsed under his mismanagement. The only way to survive… was to marry into money.
When Marissa saw me, she smiled-not with hostility, but curiosity. “So you’re the ex-wife? Not bad looking. But a little too soft, aren’t you? Two little side chicks gave you trouble? I’d have dumped them in a back alley and moved on.”
Travis flushed with embarrassment, his mouth twitching.
I said nothing. I simply turned and took my daughter from Julian’s arms, holding her close.
I smiled politely at Veronica. “Enjoy the food. I’m going to feed my daughter.”
Then Julian wrapped his arm around us and we walked away-our small family whole.
I didn’t hear from Travis again for a long time.
The only news that ever reached me was from a gossip channel: Former Langley CEO hospitalized after domestic dispute with wife.
I switched the channel without a second thought.
Later that night, I walked into the nursery. Julian was standing beside the crib, staring down at our daughter with so much tenderness it made my heart ache.
I hugged him from behind and stroked our little girl’s soft cheek.
For once, all the chaos and pain of my past felt far away-quieted, softened, replaced by this simple happiness.
Lucia Morh is a passionate storyteller who brings emotions to life through her words. When she’s not writing, she finds peace nurturing her garden.