Chapter 8
Nancy slid her arms naturally around Aaron’s neck from behind, her voice sweet and
curious.
“Who are you texting, babe? You’re frowning like you just got some bad news.
Aaron locked his phone with a blank expression and replied flatly, “Nothing. Just checking out some wedding venues. How’s your dad doing? Any better?”
Nancy’s smile stiffened. She wasn’t stupid–no one frowned like that while looking at wedding venues. She knew exactly what was going on. Aaron was still in touch with me. The thought sent a bitter spark of jealousy through her chest, but she quickly masked it with concern.
“The doctor said… it could be any day now.” Her voice trembled, her eyes watery. “Aaron, can you take me to get our marriage license soon? I just want my dad to see it before he pass.”
Right on cue, a single tear slipped down her cheek, fragile and theatrical.
But Aaron didn’t react the way she’d hoped. He didn’t pull her into a protective embrace or whisper any comfort. Instead, his brows only furrowed deeper.
The truth was, Aaron hadn’t even processed the idea of divorcing me, let alone marrying Nancy. But when he looked at Nancy holding her belly, he hesitated. His resolve softened- just barely.
“The divorce papers are still being processed. It’ll take time,” he muttered. “Your dad can’t wait that long, right? Let’s just go ahead with the ceremony. I’ll give you the title you want when the time’s right.”
He thought that would calm her down. But Nancy wasn’t that easy to pacify.
A calculating glint flashed in her eyes before she leaned in and pressed a trail of kisses along his cheek. She wore next to nothing–her silk robe barely clinging to her shoulders- and that familiar rose scent of hers clouded the air around them, intoxicating and thick.
She hooked a finger at him seductively and Aaron, unable to resist any longer, pulled her into his arms and kissed her hard.
“Aaron… be gentle… the baby…” she whispered between breaths, but he silenced her with
another kiss.
Then the lights went out.
Ever since Nancy had moved into the estate, the nights had lost their warmth. The once brightly lit mansion now lived in shadow.
Aaron had just pinned Nancy to the bed, ready to take things further, when his hand brushed against the sheets.
There was a pattern.
He paused. It was the unmistakable texture of an iris–my favorite flower.
Maybe one of the staff had mixed up the linens. Maybe not. Either way, the moment his
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fingertips grazed that familiar embroidery, his entire body recoiled like he’d been scalded.
Ten years with me had carved me into every corner of his memory and this–this was no exception. The fire inside him remained, but his head had gone cold. He couldn’t go through with it.
Aaron pushed Nancy aside and sat up, his breath ragged.
“What’s wrong?” she murmured, her flushed face full of confusion. She reached for him, trying to pull him back, but he jerked away.
“Aaron, what’s going on?” she asked again, irritation creeping into her voice.
Aaron didn’t answer. He stood up and turned on the light.
Seeing the storm brewing on Nancy’s face, he paused, then said hoarsely, “You’re pregnant. We shouldn’t be doing this. Go back to your room and get some rest.”
And without another word, he walked into the bathroom and shut the door behind him.
