The Illusion of Forever

Divorce

Ashley had been moved into the sunniest room in the house by Nicholas. It was the very room I had deliberately reserved when I designed it to be a nursery. Now, it was being used by a woman who was a complete stranger to me, arranged there by the man I loved.

I stood in the living room, listening to the cheerful laughter that echoed from the crevice in the door. So many times, I wanted to burst in and tell that heartbroken woman that Nicholas was mine, but I couldn't.

After all, they were only friends. He had reassured me of that, saying he was just showing her some compassion. If I objected, I wouldn't be the understanding and reasonable Luna Cromwell that I was supposed to be.

I absentmindedly placed a hand on my still-flat belly and glanced at the sky gradually darkening outside the window. I then grabbed my phone and headed out to buy groceries.

Ever since we found out I was pregnant, Nicholas had repeatedly urged me to quit my job and focus on taking care of our baby. He promised he would take good care of me.

At first, I resisted. However, the severe nausea and fatigue from the pregnancy made it impossible for me to keep working. So, reluctantly, I gave up my career and dedicated myself to our family.

By the time I returned from grocery shopping, the house was already filled with a spicy aroma.

It was clear they hadn't expected me back so soon. The cheerful pair fell silent the moment they saw me standing there with grocery bags in hand.

Nicholas quickly recovered from his shock and rushed over to take the bags from me. He guided me to the dining table, his voice tinged with guilt as he spoke.

"I thought you were upset with me and had gone to stay with your friend. Ash was hungry, so I ordered some hotpot for us."

Ashley, who looked much healthier now, flashed me a wide smile. "Sorry about that," she said, her tone cheerful as she waved at Nicholas. "Nick, grab an extra bowl and fork for Luna!"

She acted like the hostess of this home.

Meanwhile, I looked worn out and defeated, as I was the guest who came seeking help.

…

Nicholas placed another order for delivery, and it was the same hotpot. He sat beside me, placing a fish ball in my empty bowl. A streak of bright yellow chili oil was behind.

"This is your favorite, Luna. Quickly take a bite."

Ashley chimed in enthusiastically, "Yeah, Luna, don't be mad at Nick. He's just being kind because I've got nowhere else to go."

I took the disposable fork Nicholas handed me and felt both pairs of expectant eyes watching me. I speared a fish ball and chewed it quickly before swallowing. The burning sensation twisted my insides until I couldn't help but gag.

Across the table, Ashley's face darkened with discomfort as she watched.

"I know you don't like me, Luna, but do you really have to disgust me like this? You were gagging the moment I walked in, and now you're doing it again while eating! Do I really disgust you that much?"

Her eyes brimmed with tears, and her voice rose in frustration as she stood up to question me.

It was clear Nicholas hadn't told her about my pregnancy. Perhaps he didn't want to scare her off with the truth.

I turned to look at him, hoping for some support, but he looked at me with growing impatience.

I ultimately held back my tears and questions, rushing into the bathroom, where I threw up until I felt dizzy and disoriented.

After my morning sickness finally subsided, I heard a woman sobbing outside the door.

"I wouldn't have come if I knew she hated me this much."

"She doesn't hate you," Nicholas murmured, his voice low. "She's just… not feeling well recently."

The sobbing softened. It was probably because she was being embraced by Nicholas.

At that moment, a thought I had never dared entertain before popped up in my mind.

'Divorce,' I mused.

I couldn't bear to share the person I loved with another woman. And yet, how could I just walk away from everything we had and from all the years we had spent together?

I glanced down at my flat belly and, for the first time, I couldn't hold back my tears.

'She's still so small and hasn't gotten a chance to see this world yet,' I thought sadly.