I ended a pregnancy before it reached three months—and he never even knew.

He was too busy rekindling things with his ex, still tangled in old flames.

To make her feel comfortable, he gave her my master bedroom like it was nothing.

He even turned what was supposed to be our engagement party into a welcome party for her. He let me become the laughingstock of everyone around us.

So I turned away, cut up my engagement dress, and agreed to marry the man my family had chosen for me.

My sister, Yvette Smith, texted me a photo of some guy she wanted me to meet. I barely gave it a glance before closing the message.

I texted her back.

[Sure. Set it up, but give me three days to sort things out here.]

I needed three days to say my goodbyes to that whole mess.

My engagement party was hijacked and turned into a welcome party for Sophia Green. Sticking around was like being the punchline of a cruel joke.

I tossed the ripped-up dress in the trash and got ready to head home.

However, of course, Sophia just could not resist twisting the knife.

"Yoana, I'm so sorry about your engagement getting sidetracked. Simon just had to throw me a welcome party today, and I couldn't say no. Don't be mad, okay?"

She strutted up to me, chin high, her smirk wide, making sure I did not miss the love bite on her neck.

She was showing it off, waiting for me to lose it like I used to.

Too bad for her. I was over it.

"Yeah, I don't mind," I replied, not giving her the satisfaction.

Her smug look faltered, her rehearsed taunts stuck in her throat.

I grabbed my bag and headed straight home.

The moment I walked through the door, my face went pale with pain.

My body was still a wreck.

A week ago, Simon Drake had ignored my protests and moved Sophia into our place. I threatened to leave, but it did not stop him. That was when I knew I would never mean as much to him as she did.

The day after she moved in, I had an abortion.

I was searching for painkillers when Simon burst in.

He tossed his coat at me like he used to, expecting me to catch it and hang it up. However, I just sat there.

He snapped, "I'm back."

For the first time, I did not move an inch.

His temper flared. "I get that you're not thrilled about the last-minute switch-up for today's party, but did you have to make it so obvious? You bailed before the party even wrapped up. How do you think that makes Sophia look?"

However, it was him who flipped the script on our engagement party. Why could not he see how mortifying it was for me?

Simon noticed I was not saying anything and reached out to grab my arm.

He only realized something was off when he saw me, pale-faced and clutching my stomach.

He paused, concerned. "What's going on?"

"Just a stomachache," I mumbled.

He frowned for a second, then set down the bag he was carrying on the table.

"If you're not feeling well, that's a different story. Here's some food I picked up just for you. Think of it as an apology for the party chaos. Heat it up and have a bite."

I eyed the bag on the table and knew that was his way of trying to smooth things over.

After every argument in the past, he would show up with my favorite treats. It had become our thing.

I grabbed the bag and headed to the kitchen. After the day I had, I was starving.

However, when I opened it, I found nothing but party leftovers, even mixed with streamers from the party.

Straight into the trash it went.

Back in the living room, he was lost in a video on his phone, laughing away.

The video he watched was from the party, where he and Sophia were hugging and cheering.

The couch was taken, so I grabbed my phone and retreated to the bedroom.

Suddenly, Yvette called.

"Yoana, I've got everything set up for you. You finally saw the light. I told you Simon was bad news. How could he ever be committed to you after what he went through with that girl? He nearly died from a broken heart, remember?"

She had a point. Sophia was his first love, the one he almost married after three years together.

Me?

I was just the girl who ended up with the Drakes after my parents' tragic accident, always depending on the kindness of others.

If Sophia had not vanished and gone abroad without a trace, I never would have ended up as Simon's girlfriend.

"Yeah, that's why I'm breaking up with him," I said, trying to sound casual.

Yvette was worried. "Yoana, you're too kind-hearted. You're dealing with health issues and losing a baby because of that jerk."

"It's okay, sis, it's all behind me now."

I quickly changed the subject. "About the miscarriage… The guy's family doesn't really mind?"

That was when Yvette brightened up. "Don't worry. They don't care one bit! Let me tell you..."

She rambled on, filling me in on how amazing the guy I was being set up with was.

"He seems pretty great. I'm actually getting excited about this wedding."

I had barely finished my sentence when Simon's voice came from behind me.

"Wedding? What wedding?"

My heart did a little flip-flop. I had no idea how much Simon had overheard.

Since I was determined to leave for good, and maybe out of respect for the 15 years he had taken me in, I should at least tell him.

I shut off my computer and put on a neutral expression. "It's me and—"

I got cut off by his phone ringing.

He rushed to the living room to take the call.

There was no point in finishing what I was saying.

Simon ended the call, grabbed his jacket, and left without another word.

I pulled out my phone, booked a flight, and sent off the wedding announcement and my goodbyes to Tracy Drake, Simon's aunt.

However, to my shock, Tracy showed up at my door in a whirlwind.

She wrapped me in a huge hug the moment she saw me.

"Yoana, why am I only hearing about you getting married three days before the big day? Simon didn't clue me in either."

Tracy had a unique job that meant she could not keep me at her place, but she made sure to invite me over every weekend. Out of the whole Drake family, she and I were the closest.

In her eyes, Simon and I were meant to be childhood friends who turned into a perfect couple.

I could not help but shake my head with a grin. "No, Aunt Tracy. He's not the one I'm marrying."

Tracy's eyes popped wide open as she asked, "What's going on?"

"I'm just tired. Looking for a fresh start," I replied, keeping my tone casual.

Tracy did not push for more. She headed into my room to pack up my clothes and suggested, "Why don't you crash at my place tonight? I'll whip up your favorite spaghetti."

I smiled and nodded.

We were just stepping out of the elevator, bags in hand.

Who would we run into but Simon and Sophia on their way back?

Sophia, with a playful squint, looped her arms around Simon's neck and planted a loud kiss on his cheek. "Simon, my head's pounding. Will you keep me company tonight?"

Simon looked at her with such a soft gaze. "Of course, of course. Don't worry, I'll make you chicken soup myself and stay right by your side all night. We're not going anywhere."

He was just as gentle as he used to be with me.

Back when Simon was getting his company off the ground, he could not handle liquor because of his gut issues. I was the one who drank for him during those business deals.

Whenever I got too tipsy, he would comfort me just like that, his eyes brimming with concern, staying up all night to make sure I was okay.

However, it was Sophia who was on the receiving end of his tender care.

They were so wrapped up in each other, they did not even notice us at first. However, then Simon saw me.

I was ready to just walk on by, but he stopped me. "Actually, it's good timing. You should find another place for the night. Sophia's had a bit too much fun with her friends, and I don't want her getting upset seeing you."

I was about to agree and move on when Tracy, who had followed me out, cut in sharply, "No need for you to send her away. Yoana's spending the night at my place!"

Simon, caught off guard by Tracy 's presence, quickly shifted from cuddling to steadying Sophia.

He greeted us, a bit flustered, and tried to explain away his guilt.

"A friend overdid it with the drinks. I couldn't just leave her out there, and I didn't want to disturb Yoana's sleep—"

Tracy's face darkened on the spot, shoving them aside as she grabbed my hand and led me out.

It was not until we got to her place that she wrapped me in a tight hug, her heart aching for me.

Then, without a word, she whipped up a warm plate of spaghetti for me.

I felt the warmth spread through me as I ate, and for the first time in ages, I slept soundly.

However, in the dead of night, Sophia sent me a photo.

There she was, in my tank top pajamas, with Simon snuggled up and sleeping like a baby in her arms.

A few texts followed.

[Yoana, Simon was just looking after me and dozed off. You're cool with that, right?]

[If it bugs you, I can wake him up now.]

I did not want to respond, but the constant buzzing of my phone got to me, so I texted her back.

[Let him be, he can keep on sleeping.]

I hit send and immediately silenced my phone.

The next morning, I marched into the office and handed in my resignation.

I was about to grab some water from the break room after a hectic morning tying up all my loose ends at work when I heard a slither of the latest office chatter.

"Did you all check out the latest post? Mr. Drake's got it bad for Ms. Green!"

"Looks like Mr. Drake's taken now. Bet someone's heart's in pieces."

"She's just an orphan under his wing. He was just being kind by taking her in. She's got nothing on his first love, Ms. Green."

I jerked my hand back as hot water splashed over it, quickly shutting off the tap.

Ten years by Simon's side, five of them as his girl, and still, to the world, I was just the orphan girl with an unrequited crush on Simon.

All because he wanted to 'keep things quiet'.

However, with Sophia's return, he was suddenly all about the grand gestures, ready to shout it from the rooftops.

It was crystal clear what love was and what it was not.

I clicked on a post and there it was, Sophia's birthday post, flaunting her new ring.

[I heard this ring's a real gem, a symbol of eternal love. Lucky me, having you this year!]

The picture showed Simon down on one knee, slipping a ring onto her finger.

That ring was my half-year labor of love, a wedding band I had designed just for her.

Simon's post was swamped with well-wishes. I hit 'like' without thinking.

Then, Simon's call hit me like a lightning bolt.

Simon sounded cautious. "Yoana, don't get it wrong, I just ran out of time to grab a birthday gift for Sophia. I'll get you something way better later on."

"Yeah, I get it. Making do isn't so bad."

I was on the verge of marrying someone else anyway. Clinging to that ring would just be a constant thorn in my side.

Simon let out a relieved breath before asking, "I caught your resignation letter. What's with the sudden exit?"

He had seen it but had been too busy to care.

I replied, "Need a break. I'm burnt out."

He did not even pause as he responded, "Good call. Quit, stay home, and chill. I'll take care of you. Dinner's at our place later."

My hand brushed over where my belly used to swell and I murmured, "Sure."

I packed up and took a cab home.

Simon, who never touched a pot or pan, had a feast laid out.

One look told me it was all spicy fried chicken. My stomach churned at the thought. I could not handle spice with my gastritis.

It was clearly not for me.

Simon caught my eye. "Sophia's not big on eating out, and it's her birthday, so I figured I'd cook. Come on, sit down with us."

"I can't eat this stuff. You guys go ahead."

I spun on my heel, heading for the sanctuary of my room.

Sophia's voice quivered as she asked, "Simon, does Yoana not like me? Maybe I should just go."

Simon looked pale and agitated. "Yoana, can you chill out? I've told you, this is for Sophia's birthday. I even whipped up dinner myself, and here you are, still steamed and bringing everyone down."

I shot back, dead serious, "I'm not making a scene. I've got a bad case of gastritis."

The same gastritis I got from all those business drinks I had to down for him.

However, Simon was not having any of my explanations. He grabbed a slice of cake and said, "Since you can't do spicy, sweet should be okay, right?"

Before I could even get a word in, Sophia chimed in, fanning the flames.

"I just wanted to share a slice of birthday happiness with you, Yoana. Didn't mean to tick you off. They say the Drakes have had your back for fifteen years. You could at least play nice for their sake, don't put Simon on the spot."

I almost laughed. Clearly, Simon was used to looking down on me, and he let his cronies use guilt trips to keep me in line.

Sure, I had been under their roof for 15 years, but any debt I owed Simon was settled long ago.

I was about to turn down the cake when a spoonful was rudely shoved into my mouth.

Simon tossed the rest of his cake into the trash with a scoff. "It's just dinner. No need to be so dramatic!"

Reluctantly, I swallowed the bite, but instantly knew something was off.

Mango sauce. I was allergic to mangoes!

It hit me like a ton of bricks. My face flared up, and I struggled to catch my breath.

Clutching my chest, I crouched down, heaving for air.

Simon, seeing me like that, started to freak out. "Yoana, what's..."

He moved to help me, but then Sophia's voice cut through, feigning distress. "Simon, help... Help me! I got all choked up because Yoana was upset."

Simon's worry for me vanished in an instant, replaced by a look of tender concern for Sophia.

He scooped up Sophia in a rush, his eyes glaring at me, filled with loathing.

"Yoana! This is all your fault, always causing a scene! Now Sophia's choking because of you. What if something serious happens to her? Can you live with that?!"

His voice was sharp with anger as he stormed out with Sophia in his arms. Just before they left, I caught Sophia's smug look.

She might as well have shouted, "See, when it's down to me or you, he'll always pick me!"

The room fell silent, leaving me alone with a pain so deep I could barely catch my breath. Frantic, I grabbed my phone and called for an ambulance.

When I came to, Simon was there, sitting by my hospital bed.

"Yoana..." he began, gripping my hand, but a nurse bustled in, cutting him off.

Once she left, he leaned in, worry etched on his face. "Is our kid okay?"