The Final Party

Juliet stepped between us, pretending to smile gently.

"Margot, I only see Edward as a brother."

She walked toward the kitchen island, casually opened a can of LaCroix, and spoke like it was no big deal.

"I've always been blunt and carefree. Don't take it personally.

"He's here to help care for the baby, that's all. We used to pass out drunk and sleep in the same bed, and nothing ever happened. This is what we call bro culture."

She tugged lightly at the hem of Edward's shirt and gave it a little shake.

"But if this makes you uncomfortable, I can live on my own. I'm not fragile like most girls.

"I don't mind at all. Once the baby is born, you two will still be husband and wife, and I'll be a beautiful accident in Edward's life."

The moment she finished, she suddenly bent over and covered her mouth.

"Ugh. I'm going to throw up."

Edward rushed to her side and grabbed a trash can. He patted her back with one hand while shooting me a sharp look over his shoulder.

His voice dropped low, but the anger in it only grew stronger.

"Margot, is this what you wanted to see? I thought we already agreed on this."

Something pressed down on my chest so hard I could barely breathe.

I stayed silent, turned away, and pulled my suitcase toward the elevator.

Just as I reached the hallway, he grabbed my wrist tight.

"We've talked through this. Juliet is just a coworker. She doesn't want a relationship. She only wants to have the baby. That's it."

He sounded calm, like when he pitched at the office—rational and controlled, the kind of voice he used to turn a crisis into a so-called manageable risk.

"She's not even asking for anything. She's handling this with grace. Can't you do the same?"

Tears burned in my eyes. I clenched my teeth.

"How can I out-argue a Wharton MBA holder and a to-be partner at Sterling & Burne Capital?"

I paused, lowered my head, and whispered, "Let's break up."

Edward froze; he did not expect this.

He let go of my wrist, frowned, and sighed.

"How about this? I'll stay with Juliet three days a week, and I'll come home to you for the other four. Is that fair?"

He sounded like he was offering terms to a fund investor—negotiating conditions while setting his bottom line.

"Margot, I've already compromised a lot. Don't push it."

I took a deep breath and forced myself to stay calm. My voice came out quiet but steady.

"No need. After we break up, you can stay with her every day. Stop wasting my time."

He glared at me, his expression dark, and said, "Are you sure?"

I turned my face away and pressed the elevator button.

The elevator had not even arrived when he suddenly let out a cold laugh and shoved me hard.

"Fine. That's your choice!"