I helped her up, letting her hold my hand.

She fussed like old times, rattling off small talk.

But when she asked about Bradley, I dropped my gaze.

"We're already divorced. If he doesn't remember me, what's the point?"

Her hand froze. Her eyes filled with sympathy.

"Maybe that's for the best. You've been through enough since he forgot everything."

As we left, she threw Bradley a look and muttered, "You might be divorced, but don't think for a second that woman's stepping into my house."

His face darkened.

"It's just temporary. Once Vivian has the baby, Serena and I are getting back together."

I glanced at him. He was dead serious.

Before he could spew more nonsense, I cut in, "I'm already married. And pregnant. So no, there's no reunion happening."

He whipped his head toward me, stunned.

Just then, Coraline got called away. Some hospital emergency.

The second she left, Bradley yanked my hand and dragged me toward the backyard.

"Let go!" I snapped.

He just looked more pissed.

"You wanted a kid, right? After Vivian pops it out, you can raise it. Isn't that your dream? Making up this whole marriage and pregnancy thing just to guilt-trip me? Pathetic."

He really thought I was lying. Again.

When I couldn't pull away, I slapped him. Hard.

"Enough, Bradley. Still playing dumb—"

But before I could finish, people rushed out, yelling.

"There she is! The homewrecker!"

I froze as cameras came out, lights flashing.

A middle-aged woman shoved a photo at me—me kissing someone else.

"This tramp goes after anything with a heartbeat!"

Flashbulbs lit up my face. I shielded my eyes.

"I'm not a homewrecker! I didn't seduce anyone!"

No one cared. They yanked my hair, threw stuff—rocks, bottles, trash.

I curled up, trying to protect myself.

Then—snap.

Pain exploded through my arm. I hit the ground, barely conscious.

Through the crowd, I spotted Bradley.

Holding Vivian. Shielding her.

She looked back at me, teary-eyed and smug.

Whispered something.

He glanced at me... then turned and walked away.

My chest ached. Even after all this, it still hurt.

No one helped. I wrapped my arms around my belly.

"Please... don't hurt my baby..."

They didn't stop.

Tore my clothes. Screamed about dragging me through the streets.

Someone shoved me hard. I stumbled—

And strong arms caught me.

"Serena!"

Nathan's voice, right by my ear.

At the same time, Bradley showed up again—with security.

Someone screamed,

"She's bleeding! She's actually pregnant!"