She Married Another with My Baby

I come across a highly upvoted answer in a forum titled, "How Far Into a Relationship Do You Need to Be Before Getting Married?" The answer reads, "I have been in a seven-year relationship. I finally get to call my dream woman my wife." I look at the photos attached to the post, with screenshots of countless daily interactions and two marriage certificates. I am slightly surprised when I notice that the woman's name is identical to my girlfriend's. It's only when I look closely at the photos that I realize Thea Jordan has cheated on me. I open the comment section, and the first comment is from Calvin Dawson, my childhood friend. "Thanks for making me your best man, Hayden! Wishing you and Thea all the best!" I feel as if someone has stabbed me in the chest. I find myself losing my composure several times before calling Calvin to press him for answers. Calvin remains quiet for a long time before he finally sighs and says, "They've been together for eight years. They even got married yesterday, at the same wedding venue you liked. I'm the one who told them not to tell you. "You're uneducated and hot-tempered, so you'd just throw a fit and put Hayden on the spot. Hayden had also stayed by Thea's side for all these years without a real status in the relationship, so now he's finally getting what he deserves. You shouldn't hold it against them, William." I feel my blood run cold after hearing all of that. What about the nine years I spent loving Thea? Do those years mean nothing? I look at Thea's slightly protruding belly in the photo. She's carrying my child while marrying another man. It really is true, then. She never loved me from the very beginning. Chapter 1 William's POV I became more determined to find more evidence that Thea Jordan, my girlfriend, had betrayed me. I searched through every comment and social media update. I found out just last night that all our mutual friends had started spamming wedding blessings at once. I noticed that some were former high school classmates, while others were work colleagues. I even found that the owner of our regular restaurant posted a status to congratulate Thea and Hayden Walker, the groom. I asked them what was going on, but all they did was send me the same smiley emoji—as if they had all been let in on a secret while I was the only one left in the dark. I instinctively tightened my hold on my phone. Eventually, I paused on a video uploaded by the wedding venue's social media account. It was a highlight clip from a wedding held just last night. Thea was standing right next to Hayden, reciting the exact vows I had spent ages practicing in my head. I realized that the setup reflected every detail I ever wanted. They had the traditional-style wedding I once said I wanted. They had the feather decor I mentioned previously. They even put up the welcome photo I had painstakingly selected. Everything was exactly what I had imagined—except that I wasn't the groom. I dreamed of having that wedding and being recognized as Thea's husband for nine years, but she handed it all to Hayden without missing a beat. I suddenly teared up, even though I was already completely broken inside. Just then, I received a message from Thea. "I won't be returning home tonight." It was such a short, concise message. This time, I didn't bother asking for an explanation. I just sent back a brief message. "Okay." I zoned out, staring at the short messages she used to send me. I remembered how I was over the moon for days when she actually bothered to check in with me that single time. I spent that entire evening constantly checking in on her and pampering her. In hindsight, Thea had probably sent the message to the wrong person. Thea seemed to realize something was off not long after and video-called me. I hesitated for a moment before picking up. She appeared on the screen a moment later and asked, "What's with the one-word reply today? Is everything alright, William?" I instinctively looked at her on the screen, eyes downcast. "It's nothing. I'm fine." She failed to pick up on anything unusual and simply nodded. "I'm glad, then. I'll be sure to spend more time with you as soon as I'm free." I couldn't help but say hoarsely, "Is there really nothing you want to tell me, Thea?" She froze for a moment before asking, "What do you mean?" I suddenly felt like there was no point in asking. I shook my head and replied, "It's nothing. You should head to bed early." I disconnected the call before she had a chance to say anything. I then took a deep breath, trying my best to compose myself. I suddenly felt my phone vibrating again. It was the people from the wedding venue contacting me. "Good evening, Mr. Clark. We have an opening available now. Please feel free to come in with your wife when you have the time to discuss the specific date and arrangements. We hosted a wedding yesterday that was quite similar to your requirements. We also received a lot of positive feedback." They sent me a photo of Thea with Hayden, and to make matters worse, she was wearing the exact wedding gown I had personally chosen for her. I enlarged the photo and noticed how genuinely happy everyone appeared. It would have been great if the bride hadn't been my own girlfriend. I swallowed hard before typing my reply. "I won't be needing your service anymore." Chapter 2 Thea only returned home the following morning. She seemed surprised to see me sitting on the couch. "You're up so early today, William." I said nothing, keeping my head down as I rubbed my fingertips together. I had actually spent the whole night awake. I saw how she was acting so naturally and asked, "Isn't there a company gathering today? When are we heading over?" It was the only time she had ever brought up taking me somewhere with her. Thea froze for a moment before lowering her gaze. "It got canceled. If you'd like to go, I'll bring you along whenever I'm free next time." I nodded and left it at that. Thea relaxed slightly and sighed with relief. I watched her walk away, my expression growing somber. "What about the wedding—" Thea suddenly looked up and cut me off. "We'll discuss that later, William. There's just too much planning involved, and it's too much of a headache…" She seemed to realize that her tone had been too harsh, so she softened her voice and said, "I'll definitely give you a wedding you'll never forget once things settle down at the company." I couldn't help but feel my heart sink when I saw how unbothered she looked. I had never realized she was capable of juggling two men so effortlessly. Thea misinterpreted my silence as an agreement. She leaned in to peck me on the corner of my lips and said, "I have to head out now. I have a meeting to catch later." I secretly followed her. In the private room of the restaurant Thea frequented, her employees were already toasting the newlyweds. "Your husband is so good-looking! You've certainly hit the jackpot, Ms. Jordan!" "Exactly! He's got the looks and the skills to back it up!" I pushed the door open, my body growing tense as I locked eyes with Thea. "Do you mind introducing him to me, Thea?" Thea's face drained of color in an instant, her eyes dilating with shock. She immediately moved to shield Hayden behind her back. "He…" Hayden smiled and walked over to me. "I know who you are, so don't bother trying to get between my wife and me. You see, love is a two-way street, and the unloved one is always the third wheel—so don't go blaming Thea. "I've already discussed this with her, and we're willing to pay you off to leave us alone." I laughed in disbelief before smiling wryly. "You think I'm the one bothering her? Thea and I had been together for nine years—" Suddenly, Calvin lunged forward and grabbed me by the collar. "That's enough, William! You're just embarrassing yourself by behaving like a petty, heartbroken ex! Please stop ruining Hayden and Thea's relationship! You seriously need to learn when to step aside!" I felt a chill run through me as I stared at Calvin in disbelief. He and I had been through everything together. Back when he had been surrounded and beaten in an alley back in high school, I had put myself in danger to get him out. He had patted me on the shoulder and said he would always consider me his best friend. Yet, at this moment, Calvin was siding with someone else. Thea looked at me and said coldly, "That's enough, William. You should head back first." I yanked myself free and pressed on. "What's the matter? You're going to throw me away now that I've served my purpose, huh? I dropped out and took jobs just to fund your degrees when you didn't have any money for tuition back then! "You swore you'd never turn your back on me, Thea! You kneeled by Dad's bedside when he was seriously ill and swore that you'd marry me! You said you'd stick by me forever when I was slaving away night and day for you!" Thea's face grew paler as I went on. Hayden smiled as he put an arm around Thea's shoulders. "She has said all that to me as well, Willian. She's truly a great partner. She follows through on what she promises. Please stop making a fool of yourself and beat it, William." Calvin walked over, grabbed my hand, and tried to drag me toward the door. I yanked my arm away from him, tightening my fists as I locked eyes with Thea. "Do you have anything to say for yourself, Thea?" Thea pinched the bridge of her nose and instinctively held Hayden's hand. "Why can't you just act like a civilized adult and stop making a spectacle of yourself, William?" I smiled as I took a few steps back. "If that's the case, you and I have nothing to do with each other from now on, Thea." Chapter 3 I turned on my heel and pushed open the door to leave. I broke down the second I crossed the threshold. I steadied myself against the wall, white drywall dust wedged under my fingernails. I couldn't help but feel a constant, stabbing headache that made me catch my breath in pain, leaving me lightheaded. I went straight to the hospital, where the doctor arranged for me to be admitted for more detailed testing. Thea didn't reach out with a single message, having gone off on her honeymoon with Hayden. They didn't even bother blocking me on their social media. They posted plenty of photos, many of which were taken at places that I had brought up to Thea. The caption read, "Here with my soulmate." Calvin followed up with his own post. "I'm their photographer for the day!" He had studied photography back in university. He used to tell me that he wanted to be my best man and swore he would take amazing shots for us when I got married. I turned off my phone and looked up as the nurse came in. "Your results aren't looking too great right now. You have a growth in your brain, so it's best to have your family here with you. You see, keeping your spirits up will go a long way in your recovery." I looked out the window in silence before saying, "I don't have a family." Ignoring the doctor's advice, I checked myself out of the hospital. I had made up my mind to leave the city. I didn't even bother to bring a change of clothes. I had just stepped inside the airport when I suddenly ran into Thea, who was just standing right there. I acted as if I didn't see her and made a point of veering around her. Thea reflexively lunged forward and grabbed my hand in a tight grip, her gaze gradually taking in my pale features. "How could you just walk out on us after being together for nine years, William? Can you really bring yourself to do that? I'm carrying your child, William, and they need a father, too." I forcefully yanked my hand away, my composure finally shattering as I snapped, "You actually remembered that we've been together for nine years, huh? You didn't give a damn about those nine years when you registered that marriage and held the wedding with another man! "You certainly didn't care when you married him while knowingly carrying my child! Who are you trying to fool with this sudden show of concern, Thea?" Thea paused, her breathing hitching. "I-I want you to stay by my side… I don't want to break up with you…" I shoved her away indifferently when she lunged forward and threw her arms around my waist. I took a step back and barked, "How could I possibly stay by your side? Do you want to keep me around as your secret lover or your side piece? "What will happen to the child after they are born? Do you want them to call another man 'Dad'?" I couldn't stop myself from trembling as I said that. I took a deep breath and clenched my fists, doing everything I could to hold back my tears. "If that's how it's going to be, then I'd rather not have the child." Thea widened her eyes in disbelief, staring intently at me. "You don't want them anymore? That's your child, William! You've been looking forward to this for years! You should feel them first." She took my hand after saying that and placed it on her stomach. I closed my eyes, feeling a sharp pain in my chest. Thea had always preferred her freedom, constantly claiming she wasn't ready and was in no rush for a family, which was why I ended up waiting year after year for this child to come along. I thought having a child would finally make her settle down, but look at where that got me. She grabbed my hand and kept explaining, "Hayden and I met in grad school—he was my junior. He brought me food all the time, and our professor always had me take him along to events. "We eventually ended up together as one thing led to another. I couldn't just turn around and screw him over, William…" I jerked away from her grip, closing my eyes in pain. It turned out that while I was grinding away day and night to pay her tuition fees, she was over there snuggled up in someone else's embrace. She lowered her voice and continued, "You know as well as I do that if I don't want you to go, you won't be able to, William…" … I ended up going back with her anyway. I absolutely refused to live under the same roof with her, so she rented an apartment for me. She didn't have time to visit me, so she kept sending me messages instead. But I didn't reply to any of them. One day, Hayden came by my workplace with Calvin, using a business deal as an excuse to drop in uninvited. He deliberately got close to my colleagues before saying, "I really don't get some people who constantly try to destroy someone else's marriage. "I seriously have no idea what they're scheming by trying to father an illegitimate child just to leach off the family wealth." One of my colleagues echoed the sentiment. "Exactly! These kinds of people deserve a beatdown! They should string him up and tear him limb from limb!" Hayden approached me and stared me down. "You think so too, don't you, William?" I ignored him completely. He maintained his smirk. "What's the matter, William? You have the nerve to do it, but not the balls to own up to it?" In that instant, hushed whispers broke out among my colleagues, and before long, word traveled to the supervisor. He couldn't stand office drama or personal scandals, so he didn't offer me a single second to plead my case before announcing my termination. I looked up, embarrassed, and saw Calvin standing behind Hayden. I thought I finally had someone who could help me. "You have to clarify this for me, Calvin! You know Thea and I were together for nine years! Hayden was the homewrecker here! I never—" Calvin, however, betrayed whatever expectations I had. "That's enough. I barely even know you, so stop hitting me up in the future. You should really take my advice—change your ways and start over." I had no choice but to leave. I tried to find another job, but I kept hitting dead ends. In the end, I could only return home in a daze. Thea happened to be standing right outside my door. "I heard what happened, William. Hayden was just blowing off some steam; he didn't mean anything by it. You don't have much schooling, so your career path isn't really going anywhere. You should just stay home instead, William." Chapter 4 I had no choice but to stay at their place. Thea made sure I had everything I needed, but she remained cold toward me. I tried to leave several times, but she refused to let me. Every night, once Hayden was asleep, Thea would quietly sneak into my room. She would take my hand and place it on her increasingly growing stomach. "Do you feel Daddy's hand?" In the past, I would have found this to be the most precious moment in the world, but now, I wanted her nowhere near me. I would growl and tell her to get lost every time she came near me. I was just counting down the days, waiting for her to get bored of me so that I could finally be free. Hayden would invite all kinds of people over whenever Thea wasn't around, sometimes making them stay from day until night. I could hear them play cards loudly and smell the stench of smoke and booze throughout the place. I could feel my headache growing steadily worse, leaving me unable to sleep a wink. Hayden would allow strangers to walk into my room. They would laugh and insult me, calling me a homewrecker. "Who are you trying to fool here?" "Did you think having that child would help you get ahead?" "How repulsive!" I wanted to defend myself, but I couldn't even muster the strength to stand. Thea often spent hours on the phone with Hayden while she worked. Suddenly, I recalled something from the past—Thea would always wrap up our calls after barely three lines. I felt my headache getting worse at that thought. I realized then that I was never the one she cared about in the first place. I locked myself inside my room and refused to set foot outside, sinking deeper into silence. Thea had no choice but to set up a surveillance camera in my room. She spoke in a voice that retained the gentle warmth I used to know so well. "You should behave yourself, William. You can't just smother yourself by hiding under the covers. If you stay home and behave yourself, I'll take you on a vacation to Marisol soon. How does that sound, William?" I kept my back to her and remained silent. Thea finally showed up after another hectic week. She aggressively hauled me out of my room, saying, "You can't just keep shutting yourself in like this forever. You should come out and spend some time with the baby, too, William." I took a step back, my body tensing up. Hayden put on a wounded, whiny expression. "I don't know what's gotten into William, Thea. He keeps taking his anger out on me whenever you're away. If I refuse to listen to him, he says you won't want me anymore after the baby is born." Thea pulled him in, deeply pained by Hayden's distress. "I know you've been having a hard time, but don't worry, I'm here for you now, Hayden." She looked down at me, her expression hardening. "Are you still going to throw a tantrum, William?" I said nothing and turned around, intending to return to my room. Calvin, who had been helping Hayden a moment ago, suddenly came over and kicked me. "Why are you being so unreasonable? Hayden has been willing to put up with you, so stop acting like some victim! You should just behave yourself and do what you're told!" Thea hesitated for a moment but ultimately remained silent. I stumbled forward, and Hayden shrieked, shoving Thea out of the way. "Watch out!" Thea ended up knocked over, clutching her stomach tightly as she kneeled on the floor and groaned. She broke out in a cold sweat, instantly drenching her clothes. Hayden's wailing completely drowned out my shouting. "I have no idea what got into William! He just lunged at you out of nowhere! I was only trying to protect you, Thea! Do you think he's trying to use me to make you miscarry?" Thea's face fell completely. She instantly ordered someone to take her to the hospital. Hayden and Calvin hurried after her. Later on, I heard that Thea miscarried. Hayden blamed himself constantly, while Thea kept reassuring him despite not being in good shape herself. I couldn't even stand up as my headache kept getting worse. I managed to call for an ambulance with my last bit of consciousness. I was admitted to the hospital while Thea attended yet another banquet with Hayden by her side. They even ended up all over the headlines as everyone gushed over how well-matched they were. I looked down at the rough calluses covering my hands and just managed a faint smile. I found out I had a brain tumor from the hospital examination, but I chose not to undergo treatment. I took a cab straight to the airport once I left the hospital. I sent Thea one final message before turning off my phone. "You must be relieved since I'm about to die soon, Thea."