Chapter 6 - THE PREGNANCY THAT CHANGED NOTHING
Preston confronted me two days later.
He entered the kitchen while I was making coffee.
“Cassidy says you've been difficult.”
I looked up.
“Difficult?”
“She tried to help you with the gala.”
I laughed softly.
“Did she?”
Preston frowned.
“Don't start.”
I set down my cup.
“Preston, are you having an affair with Cassidy?”
He went still.
For several seconds, he said nothing.
Then his expression hardened.
“Where did you hear that?”
I stared.
“Answer me.”
He looked away.
And I knew.
I closed my eyes.
“How long?”
“Vivian—”
“How long?”
He exhaled.
“Eight months.”
My stomach turned.
Eight months.
While I'd been undergoing another painful treatment.
While I'd been trying to make our marriage work.
While he'd been telling me my scars disgusted him.
I swallowed.
“She's pregnant.”
Preston looked at me.
“Yes.”
The word struck like a blow.
I gripped the counter.
He continued.
“Vivian, we need to be practical.”
I stared.
“Practical?”
“Our marriage hasn't worked for years.”
I laughed bitterly.
“Because you stopped treating me like your wife.”
His expression hardened.
“Don't make this dramatic.”
I looked at him.
Then said quietly:
“I want a divorce.”
Preston went still.
“What?”
“I've contacted an attorney.”
His face changed.
“You did what?”
I held his gaze.
“I'm leaving.”
He laughed.
“You think you can afford to?”
I felt cold.
There it was.
The same threat I'd heard outside his office.
He stepped closer.
“Without me, you have nothing.”
I looked at him.
Then smiled faintly.
“That's what you keep telling yourself.”
Preston stared.
For the first time, he seemed uncertain.
I continued.
“I'll let our attorneys handle the details.”
Then I walked past him.
He didn't stop me.
But as I reached the doorway, he called:
“Vivian.”
I turned.
His expression was cold.
“You'll regret this.”
I looked at the man I'd once risked my life to save.
Then whispered:
“No, Preston.”
May you like
I took a breath.
“I already regret staying this long.”
