Chapter 2

Callum forced me to go home. Luna followed behind us.

The moment I stepped into the living room, I noticed the changes.

The sofa was dressed in new, pale pink covers. My plants were gone. A pair of feminine slippers sat neatly by the shoe cabinet.

"After the incident," Callum explained carefully, "Luna developed a trauma about hotels. I'm just letting her stay here temporarily."

"Once I find her a suitable place, she'll move out."

I tugged my lips into something resembling a smile and said nothing, my face a carefully blank mask.

My calmness seemed to frustrate him. At dinner, I watched numbly as he tried to win me over by serving me food.

That night, I lay staring at the ceiling, unable to sleep.

Before long, the mattress dipped beside me. Callum wrapped his arms around me, his embrace an apology.

I wanted no part of it. I pushed his hands away.

His eyes reddened. "Rayna," he pleaded, his voice humble, "please don't push me away like this."

A clap of thunder shook the house. Beneath its roar, his plea sounded especially small.

I looked at his red-rimmed eyes, my heart aching. Just as I was about to speak, frantic knocking interrupted us.

"Help! Callum, save me!"

His expression shifted instantly. He released me and rushed to open the door.

Luna collapsed weakly into his arms, her face pale with terror.

"I keep reliving that night," she whispered. "Stay with me. I'm so scared."

"Okay. I'll stay with you."

His hand gently patted her back. He glanced at me, apology written across his face.

"Rayna, that night... it was storming like this. The thunder triggers her trauma. I have to stay with her tonight."

Before I could respond, he turned and carried her away.

I slowly sank back onto the bed, closing my eyes against the hurt welling up inside.

Callum, I'm scared of thunder too!

You promised you'd stay with me through every storm.

But for Luna, you forgot.

I slowly stroked my belly. The tears I'd been holding back finally slid down my cheeks.

I'm sorry, baby. I was so excited for you to be born.

But your father changed his heart.

He doesn't deserve to be your dad.

I hope you'll be reborn into a happy family.

The next morning, Callum served breakfast to both Luna and me before leaving for work.

Not long after he left, his mother showed up at the house.

The moment she walked in, she slapped me across the face.

I was caught off guard. My cheek burned and swelled.

Mrs. Reid stared at me coldly. Her eyes were full of disgust.

"I thought you were just petty and small-minded. I didn't know you were out sleeping around!"

"A daughter-in-law like you-the Reid family can't afford to keep you. You'll divorce Callum tomorrow!"

"And that bastard in your belly must be aborted! Even if you give birth, the Reid family will never acknowledge it!"

I swallowed the metallic taste in my mouth. I looked at Mrs. Reid calmly.

"Perfect. I don't want to have Callum's baby anyway."

"I'll go to the hospital right now and get rid of it!"

"Rayna, what are you talking about!"

"I won't divorce you! And you're not allowed to abort the baby!"

Callum rushed back, drenched in sweat. His face changed completely when he heard my words.

"She's pregnant with God knows whose bastard!"

"What spell has she cast on you? Why can't you leave this slut!"

Mrs. Reid scolded him furiously.

Callum held me close. Seeing I wasn't seriously hurt, he slowly relaxed.

Faced with his mother's questioning, his eyes showed inner struggle. His mouth opened and closed several times.

I watched him look so conflicted. A faint hope rose in my heart.

Even if he just told the truth now, it would be something!

"I love Rayna to my bones. So I don't care about this."

"The baby in her belly-I'll raise it as my own."

Hearing his words, I stood there stunned. The blood in my veins nearly stopped flowing. My heart felt like it had a huge hole torn through it, desolate and empty.

For Luna's sake, my husband personally nailed me to the pillar of shame.

In that moment, I gave up completely. I felt no more love for the man beside me.