Frozen Promises
Allison Palmer had just wrapped up her world tour when the media announced her pregnancy.
Paparazzi snapped photos of her husband Braydon Saunders heading to the hospital for a prenatal checkup with some mysterious woman.
Everyone assumed that woman was Allison.
After all, Braydon's love for her was common knowledge.
The heir to Eldoria's elite circle had pursued this figure skater for three full years.
He remained chaste and showed unwavering devotion until he finally married her.
No one could imagine such deep affection leading to infidelity.
But Allison knew better than anyone that she was not pregnant at all.
She figured it was just fake news and brushed it off as she headed to the Saunders residence for the planned dinner.
Right outside the door, she overheard Braydon's voice. "I already had someone pull the trending topic. We can't let Allison get suspicious."
His mother, Madison Saunders, just gave a cold laugh. "It might be good if she finds out. She's too focused on her career to have kids. Plenty of women would step up to carry on the Saunders line."
"Mom, Allison is the only one in my heart. Kathleen and I was just a mistake. Once the baby is born, we'll cut ties completely. Please stop meddling."
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Chapter 3
Allison stared at Braydon's handsome face and alluring body. Her first reaction was disgust.
In the past, when she returned from abroad, they truly made the most of their brief separations. They spent entire days in bed.
Now, looking at him like this, her mind filled with images of him tangled naked with Kathleen.
Her stomach churned. She clapped a hand over her mouth and rushed into the bathroom. She dry-heaved violently.
Braydon hurried after her with concern in his voice. "Allison, what's wrong? Is your stomach acting up?"
His hand touched her shoulder. She heaved even harder.
She never imagined she would one day loathe Braydon this much.
As she pondered how to escape this suffocating situation, Braydon's phone rang.
He came back from the call with the same old excuse. "Work issue. I have to head out. There's medicine in the kit. Take it. I'll be back soon."
He had no idea that the moment he left, Allison received an anonymous text. "Come to Grand Plaza Hotel, Suite 18. Got a show for you."
The stage was set. How could she miss it?
Allison arrived at the suite door. Someone left it ajar on purpose. Braydon was already inside.
His face looked frosty. He spoke coldly. "You dared to get my woman drunk. Tired of living?"
Kathleen huddled behind him and trembled.
A middle-aged man who seemed like a boss bowed repeatedly. He groveled. "Mr. Saunders, we're so sorry. We had no idea Ms. Murphy was yours. We won't dare again. Please let it slide."
Braydon snorted. "You think there's a next time? She's done working here. Good luck to you."
With that, he took Kathleen's hand and strode out with commanding presence.
Allison ducked behind a nearby cleaning cart. She heard Braydon say to Kathleen. "Quit this lousy job. If you can't sit still, come to Saunders Enterprises."
Kathleen murmured agreement. Then she asked. "If I join Saunders Enterprises and your wife finds out?"
At the word wife, impatience flickered across Braydon's brow. "Don't mention her. She's a pain."
They walked farther away. Allison caught the rest of their talk from her phone.
That unknown number sent a recording. "Why can't we mention your wife? Aren't you two doing great?"
"She's off on that tour for months. No sign of her. Finally back, and now she's busy with some solo ice show. Never home."
Next came the sound of a sports car unlocking. They must have gotten in.
Braydon let out a long sigh. "Tonight was perfect, but she felt off. Wouldn't let me touch her. I'm about to lose my mind."
After a long silence, Kathleen asked cautiously. "Mr. Saunders, are you that uncomfortable? Maybe... I can help?"
"No." Braydon rejected her sharply. His breathing grew heavier though. "That night I drank too much. I won't betray Allison again."
"Just with hands. That doesn't count as betrayal. You helped me. I want to help you too."
What followed was sticky, breathless panting.
Each sound sliced into Allison's nerves. It hurt beyond words.
Braydon never was the fairy-tale prince on a horse. He was just a fickle man.
His body and heart no longer belonged to her.
Fine then. Allison drew a deep breath. She tried to swallow the lump in her throat.
From now on, Braydon could play around however he wanted. It had nothing to do with her.