After I left, I crashed at a hotel for the night.

Next day, got an apartment with a realtor's help.

I thought that was the end of Desmond.

Then I found out I was pregnant.

I hadn't even eaten, but I was already throwing up.

At the hospital for a checkup, I ran straight into Desmond—and a bunch of his siblings and cousins.

Tried to walk past, but my feet froze.

They circled me, all smug smiles and nasty stares.

"You really thought some country girl like you could marry into our family?"

"Back then, who knows what spell you put on Desmond. He even cut us off for you. Good thing he finally snapped out of it."

"Wait—is that an ultrasound in her hand?"

Yeah. They never liked me.

Not since Desmond picked me over them.

One of them snatched the report from my hands and laughed.

"Rhea Wayne, seriously? Desmond dumps you, and now you're faking a pregnancy?"

"Still clinging to our family, huh?"

"As long as we're around, forget it. Desmond's locked in with the Kemp heiress now. You don't even register."

I ripped the ultrasound back from Peggy and shoved past them.

Desmond strolled over, fresh from his checkup. Saw me, paused—then smirked.

"Followed me all the way here, huh? Must be obsessed. Alright, I'm feeling nice today. Win me over, and maybe I'll be your boyfriend."

I said nothing.

After Peggy whispered the tea, Desmond glanced at the ultrasound and suddenly acted like everything clicked.

"Wow. Bribing a doctor to fake a pregnancy? Just to marry up? That's bold. Too bad I'm not ready for dad life. Let's start smaller—be my girlfriend first."

I closed my eyes, let out a quiet laugh.

Why was I still hoping for anything?

"No thanks. I was never chasing your money. And I sure as hell don't wanna be your girlfriend."

Five years ago, he was the one chasing me.

Yeah, I knew he came from money. That's why I always gave back, matched every gift. I never took advantage—because I actually loved him. I wanted it to be real. Wanted us to last.

At least, that's what I believed—before he pulled the amnesia stunt.

Now it hit me. He never saw me as anything but a social climber. Thought I was using him. Like I was some backwoods embarrassment stuck to his shoe.

That's why he faked it.

I looked at him—finally seeing things for what they were.

He looked away, all awkward.

"Alright, alright, I get it. You're head over heels. I'll be your boyfriend—just no marriage talk 'til my memory's back."

Maybe he still thought I'd melt for scraps.

That used to be true. Back when love made me settle for crumbs.

Not anymore.

"Thanks, but nah. You've got a girlfriend. I'm not about to be the other girl."

I turned and walked.

Could feel his eyes on me.

"Rhea..."

He was about to say more, but Peggy pulled at his sleeve.

"Let's go. Juliet's waiting at home."

After I left the hospital, I booked the abortion for the next day.

Around ten, just as I was crashing in my apartment, Desmond called.

"There's still some of your stuff here. My girlfriend doesn't wanna see it. Come get it."

I kept my voice chill. "Just toss it. None of it matters."

Anything real? I'd already taken. What was left was either junk or haunted by him.

He scoffed. "Why should I deal with your crap? Get over here or I'll report you for trespassing and theft."

I rubbed my temples. He was exhausting.

When I got to the house, I saw our wedding photos and other photos with five years of his fake smiles.

Desmond grinned. "We looked like we were in love. Who knows, maybe I'll fall for you again."

I forced a smile, but yeah, no. I couldn't play along.

I grabbed a pair of scissors and started slicing through the photos.

Desmond's face changed. He lunged to stop me.

I didn't flinch. The scissors nicked his hand.

He yelped, eyes wide. "You stabbed me with scissors!"

I met his gaze and smiled. "You're the one who reached for it."

Juliet stormed in, full drama. "Rhea Wayne, how cruel can you be? Desmond forgot you, and now you're trying to kill him? Anyone who marries you is cursed!"

Her words hit—just for a second.

But I kept cutting.

Once every photo was split, I grabbed the halves with my face on them.

One last glance to make sure I didn't leave anything behind.

"There's nothing of mine here. Don't ever call me again."

***

Next morning, I went in for the abortion.

Lying on the bed, getting wheeled into the OR, I spotted two people tangled up nearby.

Under a blanket. In birthday suit.

Juliet's voice was all sniffles. "This is your fault, Desmond. You had to try that stuff. Now look—we're both stuck here. It's so embarrassing."

Desmond couldn't stand girls crying.

But this time? He held her close, kissed her forehead like they were some tragic romance couple.

"Relax," he whispered. "Blanket's on. No one can see. Isn't this kinda hot?"

Gross.

I turned my head.

The doctor leaned in. "Ms. Wayne, are you sure you want to terminate the pregnancy?"

Eyes shut. "Yeah. Do it."

Just as they pushed me through the OR doors, I heard Desmond freak out behind me.

"Rhea? Was that you? Are you getting an abortion? You're really pregnant? That baby's mine—I'm not letting you do this!"