Butterflies danced in her stomach as she entered the bustling hotel.
The celebration hall was a crowded buzz. In the center stood Ryan, his tall figure radiating a confidence that always made her knees weak.
He was her husband, the soon-to-be father of their child.
Jenessa approached him, a joyful greeting on her lips. "Ryan!"
Ryan whirled around, his smile dissolving into a chilling frown. "Jenessa? Why are you here?"
The warmth in her chest evaporated. "Didn't you ask me to come?"
He scowled, a crease forming between his brows. "No. When would I have done that?"
Panic clawed at Jenessa's throat. Just then, a woman in a designer dress sashayed up to Ryan and gently linked arms with him. "Ryan, don't be so harsh on our guest."
Jenessa's blood ran cold.
It was Maisie Powell, Ryan's first love!
When did Maisie return? Why was she never told?
"Actually, it was I who invited Jenessa," Maisie purred, her gaze flickering to Ryan.
Jenessa's head spun.
Ryan guarded his phone like a hawk, yet Maisie could send messages from it? A bitter taste filled Jenessa's mouth. "I..." Jenessa stammered, unsure of what to say.
Maisie released Ryan and held Jenessa's hand, saying softly, "I had just come back and Ryan threw this lovely party for my return. When I saw you weren't here, I took the liberty of inviting you."
Maisie's smiling face was met with Jenessa's confused gaze. "Why the glum face? Don't you want me back?" asked Maisie.
"No, it's not that. I was just a little surprised," Jenessa choked out, the words heavy on her tongue.
Maisie's smile remained unfazed. She snagged a glass of champagne from a passing waiter and offered it to Jenessa.
"Come, Jenessa, it's been ages since we last met. Cheers to my return."
Jenessa stared at the offered glass, her hand hovering in the air. "Actually, I can't drink..."
The words barely left her mouth when the wine glass slipped from Maisie's grasp, showering Jenessa in alcohol.
The crystal glass shattered on the floor with a sharp snap.
"Ah!" Maisie shrieked, stumbling backward, feigning horror at the flying shards.
Before Jenessa could react, Ryan shoved her aside.
He scooped Maisie up and held her close. "Are you hurt?" Let's get to the lounge. We'll get you to the private doctor there."
His protectiveness stung Jenessa worse than the spilled wine.
Maisie cast a hesitant glance at Jenessa. "But Ryan, what about-"
Ryan cut her off, his voice laced with impatience. "She shouldn't have even come. She's spoiling the mood."
He carried Maisie away, leaving Jenessa exposed in the middle of the hall.
Shame burned in her cheeks as guests disdainfully gaped and murmured.
It was as if she, the wife, was the shameless other woman.
Despite the humiliation, a sliver of concern for Maisie's safety pricked at Jenessa. She couldn't simply walk away.
After a long, agonizing moment, she followed them to the lounge.
The door was ajar, revealing a snippet of their conversation.
"Ryan," Maisie chided, "that was harsh. Jenessa's been your wife and took care of you for years. A little kindness wouldn't hurt, especially considering you're going to divorce her soon..."
Jenessa froze, the blood draining from her face.
Ryan's voice was cold. "Fine, I will do anything you say."
Maisie cautiously asked, "How will you handle your grandmother? She pushed for the marriage, you know. I heard in the three years you've been married, she's been pushing for grandkids..."
"Don't worry. I'll deal with it," Ryan said curtly. "I promised you. You're the only woman for me, the only one who deserves to be my wife and the mother of my children. Jenessa, she doesn't deserve that."
Each word was a shard of ice piercing Jenessa's heart. She stumbled back, a daze clouding her mind.
The journey home was a blur.
When she finally reached her room, it was completely dark outside.
Mechanically, she pulled out the checkup report, a bitter smile twisting her lips.
This was supposed to be a surprise for Ryan. What a cruel joke.
He wanted a divorce, didn't want their child. If he knew she was pregnant...
"What are you doing?" A cold voice shattered the silence. Ryan stood in the doorway.