She Was Never the Real Reason

Dominic heard the last few words after he put Beverly in the car.

Realizing he hadn't heard the beginning, I made up an excuse. "A friend of mine is leaving soon."

Dominic nodded, asking no further questions.

Countdown, day four. Dominic brought home his and Beverly's wedding photos.

He video-chatted with Beverly on his phone while showing her the framed pictures, his eyes full of tenderness.

"Beverly, our wedding photos are ready. The staff said they came out great."

I happened to be getting water when he said that.

A flicker of embarrassment crossed Dominic's face.

He seemed about to say something. I glanced at the photo and commented, "They really are nice."

I'd paid a high price for this photographer, hoping to capture the most loving moments between Dominic and me.

I'd imagined feeling immense happiness when I saw the finished photos.

Dominic, in his suit, was exactly as handsome as I'd envisioned.

The only difference was the bride wasn't me.

But I felt no emotion. Since learning about Beverly's pregnancy, my feelings for Dominic had completely vanished.

Dominic was taken aback.

He realized I hadn't spoken to him properly in a long time, not even sending a message during his week-long trip with Beverly.

It was unusual.

Beverly continued chattering on the video call.

He shook his head, suppressing his unease, assuming I was just exhausted from wedding preparations.

Two days before my departure, I went to the hospital for some medication.

I unexpectedly ran into Dominic and Beverly, fresh from a checkup.

A rare look of panic flashed across Dominic's face.

He started to speak, but Beverly cut him off.

She approached me, grabbing my hand and attempting to kneel.

Her voice choked with emotion.

"Jane, I know you haven't agreed to Dominic and me having a baby, but I can't wait any longer. The doctor says I only have a year left. I really want to see my child born. After the baby is born, I'll leave Dominic immediately. I won't interfere with your relationship."

Before I could respond, Dominic pulled Beverly up, his eyes filled with concern. "You're not well enough for this." He turned to me. "Since you know, I won't hide it. Don't worry, this won't affect our wedding."

A month ago, I would have been furious, devastated, despairing, consumed by self-doubt. I would have questioned my shortcomings, wondering why Dominic would willingly have a child with another woman.

But after this time, I understood. It wasn't my fault; Dominic didn't love me. Because he didn't love me, he could disregard my feelings and do this.

I already knew about Beverly's pregnancy and had let go of my feelings for Dominic. Their charade of me being the obstacle was unnecessary.

I looked at them silently, then withdrew my gaze. "I understand."

I took my medicine and left, needing to pack.

They hadn't expected my calm reaction. Dominic, in particular, watched my retreating figure with a complex expression.

I'd made a fuss about the pregnancy for a month, yet now, knowing the truth, I showed no reaction. A strange unease settled over him; something had changed silently, unbeknownst to him.

As I reached the stairs, Beverly grabbed my sleeve. Dominic was far behind. Beverly's true nature emerged. "Jane, how does it feel to watch your fiancé have a baby with another woman?"

I didn't want an argument, so I shook her off and left. As I pulled away, Beverly stumbled and fell. I instinctively caught her, but before I could release her, Dominic shouted angrily from behind, "What are you doing?"

He'd wondered at my calmness. Now, seeing this scene, he understood. My calm was a facade; I couldn't accept it.

Seeing Dominic, Beverly immediately adopted a victim's expression, her eyes red, clutching her stomach. "Dominic, I just wanted to thank Jane for being so magnanimous, but she…"

Dominic's face darkened. "Jane, I never expected this from you! Apologize to Beverly immediately!"