Love That Drifted Away

"Veronica, let's go home together!" Gina exclaimed.

Desperate, I rushed up to them. "Wait!"

But then, the pain hit me again.

I frowned and pressed my hand to my abdomen. "Veronica, they say you have a patent for that necklace. Show it to me!"

I clenched my fists and stood tall, unwilling to show any sign of weakness in front of her.

"You're still messing around!" Jeff shielded her. "Is there any point in arguing now? Do you think Veronica would risk her career just to frame you? Come on. Not everyone is as selfish as you."

I leaned against the wall, smiling bitterly. To him, Veronica was perfect, while I was vile.

Ignoring them, I stared at Veronica and insisted, "Show it to me!"

"Enough!" Jeff snapped, his patience gone.

The harshness in his voice pricked me. My heart felt cold, exhausted.

My daughter helped Veronica set me up, and my husband also scolded me for her. The betrayal hurt me deeply.

Veronica chuckled, her voice crisp. "Chill, Jeff. Ingrid is just awake from her coma. Don't be so hard on her."

She chested out, as if everything was under control, took out her phone, swiped the screen, and held it out to me.

I took it hesitantly, the cold light of the phone screen hitting my face.

"Timeless Love, created by Veronica Kelley on..." I read.

The date was yesterday, and things added up.

I had been so certain because this necklace was finished just yesterday. 24 hours before I went on stage, it was still a half-finished product.

That explained why Jeff had invited me to dinner yesterday and why Gina had suddenly gotten loose bowels, leaving us to enjoy some alone time.

They'd planned all of this. The realization hit me hard. I nearly collapsed.

"Why are you doing this to me?" I cried, breaking down. "You know my dream is to become a top designer. And you're ruining it for her?"

I threw the phone at them.

Jeff moved quickly, using his body to shield Veronica and Gina.

It hit his back, and he grunted, "Face the music! Nothing is going on between us, okay? Are you really discarding your dignity just to cover up your lies?"

I collapsed weakly against the wall, the metallic taste of blood filling my mouth. "Dare you say you didn't help her?"

Getting the certificate took time. Jeff must have pulled strings, or else Veronica wouldn't have it so quickly.

"You're so heartless!" I growled.

Jeff faltered, recalling how he had nudged the relevant departments yesterday. Doubt crept in.

Veronica caught his reaction and chimed in, "It's fine, Jeff. If Ingrid wants it, I'll give it to her."

She tugged on his sleeve. "Gina is scared. Let's go."

By then, the sharp pain in my abdomen made it hard for me to focus on anything else. I winced, "It hurts so much. Jeff, save our baby."

Regret washed over me. I should have gone to the doctor instead of arguing with them there.

Jeff faltered. "You..."

Veronica cut in. "Ingrid doesn't conceive easily. We should get a doctor."

Jeff frowned, still thinking I was faking. "Using a baby for sympathy? That's low."

Frowning in pain, I reached for him with difficulty. "Please, trust me."