7 Chapter 7
I simply resumed reading my unfinished page, disregarding Anastacia’s presence. She lingered, awaiting my reply, but I kept my eyes on the book. Eventually, she pressed, “Miss Penelope, forgive my curiosity, but you and Mr. Barnes have been wed for so long. Why haven’t you had a child?” (1
The mention of “child” struck me deeply, causing an intense ache in my heart.
Later that evening, when Killian returned, I couldn’t contain myself any longer. I gazed at him, blurting out, “Killian, are you still unable to accept becoming a father?”
Killian stiffened, his face suddenly uncomfortable. He set down his tea with deliberate care, avoiding eye contact.
“Why are you bringing this up now?” His voice was cold.
His reaction told me everything I needed to know. “Never mind, forget I asked.”
In truth, Killian and I had once expected a child. We’d been together briefly then, and he wasn’t yet the CEO of Barnes Group. When I shared the news, he frowned and shook his head.
“It’s not the right time for a baby. I haven’t even secured the president’s position. I’m not prepared to be a responsible father. Penelope, you should terminate the pregnancy.”
For years, Killian had convinced me he wasn’t ready for fatherhood–that he couldn’t handle a child. Yet now, he seemed willing to father another woman’s baby.
I had just caught him looking at confinement centers online when it dawned on me. That night, Anastacia sent me a pregnancy test result.
Moments later, she messaged: “My apologies, Miss Penelope, I meant to send this to my partner, but your profile pictures are so alike that I sent it to you by mistake.”
Killian and I did have similar profile images–couple photos from our college days.
I chose to dismiss her implication. But the ultrasound image on the test result painfully reminded me of our own child.
An hour passed, and Anastacia couldn’t hold back. She sent a lengthy message:
“Let me be frank, Penelope. This baby is Killian’s.”
“Haven’t you noticed? Since I started working here two years ago, Killian’s been staying late, coming home less often. He’s not swamped with work, he’s busy making a child with me.”
“How much do you think he cares for you? Those pink gifts you got were just leftovers after I chose mine.”
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7 Chapter 7
“Your pink diamond necklace was an afterthought after he bought me an emerald. He got you a pink suit for public wear, but bought me intimate apparel you’d never wear outside.”
“I told him about my pregnancy today, and he rushed to buy me a house and all the baby essentials at once. He’s even selecting the confinement and postpartum care facilities.”
“Penelope, you just exploited his naivety when he was young. Killian never loved you. He just chased a pretty face in his youthful impulsiveness. Now, I’m younger, more attractive, and carrying his child. How can you compete?”
I thought I was prepared, but these words stung, bringing tears to my eyes.
How could a wife of ten years compare to a young, charming mistress?
I didn’t block Anastacia. I allowed her provocative messages to continue.
In just a week, I would depart, severing all connections with everyone and everything here.
The following day, Anastacia forwarded me the new property deed.
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