Threads Unbound, Hearts Unmade

Nathan could now certainly feel at ease about going abroad with Evelyn.

After all, he wouldn't have to return for months.

What he didn't know was why his parents—who had been living comfortably overseas—had suddenly decided to come back.

Unbeknownst to him, they were fully aware of every vile, inhumane thing he had ever done to me.

I let out a cold laugh, choosing not to object.

After all, I was the one who had asked Deborah to return.

I knew I could never break free from Nathan's grip on my own.

Noticing my lack of response, he crouched down, a hint of affection shining in his gaze.

"I love you, Valerie.

"Once Evelyn gives birth, I'll definitely come back to you."

I dismissed his words as nothing more than empty promises.

Even if he meant them now, it didn't change anything.

One word from Evelyn would be enough for him to break his promise to me.

Because of that, I couldn't bring myself to believe him again.

In just three more days, he would be free of me.

He could give himself fully to being the father of Evelyn's child.

That night, Nathan was absent from home.

Evelyn claimed she was experiencing intense fetal movements, so he quickly found an excuse to stay by her side.

We had been together for four years and married for three.

I had always been certain that Nathan loved me.

But everything shifted the moment Evelyn came back, pregnant with another man's child.

The person who had once sworn his love to me had now given his heart to someone else.

As I remained trapped in this desolate place, my love for Nathan slowly withered away.

With each passing day, my disappointment grew, taking everything from me.

I finally realized it was time to let go.

My birthday party was scheduled for the following day.

Nathan had insisted on picking me up himself. He kept calling over and over, urging me to hurry.

But when I walked outside, only the bodyguard's car was waiting.

"Hey Valerie, something came up on my end.

"Go ahead and start without me. I'll be there soon."

Having expected nothing from the start, I was spared from disappointment.

The biting winter wind cut across my cheeks like knives, yet I couldn't feel a thing.

Likewise, my feelings for Nathan had grown completely numb.

Between disappointment and despair, pain no longer held any power over me.

The car soon pulled up in front of a country club.

Despite the frown on my face, I eventually stepped out.

Led by the bodyguard, I made my way into a private room.

There wasn't a single familiar face inside.

Their cold, penetrating stares seemed to strip me bare, full of mockery and contempt.

It felt like I was just another piece of trash they couldn't be bothered with.

"Despite cheating on Nathan, she still has the nerve to ask him for a birthday celebration."

"Nathan is far too pitiful. I can't believe he's letting her keep that kid that isn't his."

"I don't even know what Nathan sees in her. She's nothing compared to Evelyn."

They spoke loudly, making sure every word hit me like a blow.

All of this was Nathan's handiwork.

While he couldn't bear to watch Evelyn face her parents' wrath, he never once considered the agony I was enduring because of them.

What Evelyn suffered was a whisper against the storm that followed in my wake.

Though I could withstand it myself, the thought of my child being torn apart by that same cruelty broke me beyond repair.

I stood up, ready to walk away.

After all, this so-called birthday party was never meant for me.

When I opened the door, Nathan and Evelyn were waiting just outside.

One avoided my eyes, while the other smiled triumphantly.

I knew they'd been there the entire time.

Every cruel word said about me must have reached their ears.

Yet despite it all, Nathan stayed silent, allowing Evelyn to drag me back inside.