It had been a week since Heather was admitted to the hospital. Not a single visit from Caius, not even a check-in from her family. She didn't know why it hurt so much, especially after everything, but she couldn't help herself. She's human after all. Caius's accidental appearance, the time he put her back in bed without a word, was the only acknowledgment he had given her. And even then, he didn't ask how she was. He was only there because of Lauren. The thought was painful.
Caius hated her. She could see it in his every action, or lack of. But Lauren? He loved Lauren. That much was clear. Lauren, who shoved her down the stairs like she was nothing. Did she know about the baby? Was that why she pushed her? To take everything away from her? Heather had always known Lauren was cruel, but this? This was monstrous.
When the nurse told her she lost the baby, she didn't know how to feel. There was a strange sense of relief that she wouldn't have to face being conflicted. She wanted to run away with the child, away from Caius and everyone and raise the child alone, but she didn't want to deprive her child from any paternal figure. She knew how that would have played out... her child searching for their dad, and Caius rejecting them even again. Then terminating it would have been easier, but it was quickly swallowed by guilt. She hated herself for even considering terminating. How could she feel relieved? Another part of her burned with anger, wanting revenge on Lauren, on everyone who played a part in this mess. And, of course, there was the blame she placed on herself. If only she hadn't fallen for Caius. If only she ignored her feelings.
Her thoughts were interrupted by her phone chiming. It was Manager Min. He ran several divisions of VestorCorp, Caius's massive conglomerate. One of the largest across states. They had been working on a deal with a smaller company, but VestorCorp's offered a 70/30 split, which was rejected. Heather knew how these things worked; she was the one who found that corporation and even thought of strategies for VestorCorp, though Manager Min always took the credit. She told him to push for a better offer, but he brushed her off. She didn't like the game he played. He was too dirty. Now he's telling her they've secured the deal, Heather still doesn't like how it feels. Something about the whole situation seemed off.
...
A few days later, Heather was back home. Life continued to move forward, but she felt like she was standing still. That evening, she made dinner. Caius's favorite dish. She wanted it to be their last meal together, a quiet end to everything. But he didn't show up. She waited, hoping he might call or at least respond to her text, but there was nothing. Eventually, she sat down there waiting. She told him about dinner before he went out, but he didn't say anything. He just stared at her, as usual. Atleast he didn't say "no", and she thought that was his bizarre way of agreeing.
When Caius finally walked through the door, Heather stood up to meet him. She forced herself to stay calm.
"You're late," she said softly.
"I had other plans," he replied, brushing past her.
"I sent you a text," she added, her voice shaked slightly. "I spent all evening making your favorite dish. And it's cold now."
He was silent for a while.
"I don't text you. Why didn't you just call?"
"You don't pick up my calls," she said quietly, staring at the floor.
"Oh," was all he said.
That was it? "Oh"? After everything she had done tonight? That was all he had to say?
Lauren walked in. As if the situation couldn't get worse. Heather's heart weakened. The last person she wanted to see. Lauren hated her more than she could put into words.
"Where's that smell coming from?" Lauren asked, heading toward the dining room. She spotted the food and smirked. "Oh my, is this it?" Without waiting for permission, she grabbed Heather's portion and began eating. "Mmm, so good."
"That's not yours," Heather walked towards her.
Lauren only smiled. She was clearly enjoying the reaction.
"Why are you here?" Heather asked.
"She's staying here for a while," Caius said from behind her.
Heather turned to him. "Why?"
"Why do you care? You won't be living here much longer," he replied nonchalantly.
Lauren's smile widened. She placed a hand on her stomach, "Plus, I need to eat more now." Her tone sickeningly sweet.
Heather froze. Her eyes moved to Lauren's hand resting on her stomach. Lauren was pregnant. That meant Caius had cheated on her, during their marriage. Suddenly, everything made sense. He didn't want her child, even offered her money, because he wanted Lauren's. Because Lauren was pregnant. That's why he's divorcing her too. How had she been so blind? How could she have been so foolish? She should've just ran away.
Every memory she had pushed to the side, every insult she had endured, every red flag she had ignored came back. Mocking her. She wanted to cry, but no. She wouldn't give them the satisfaction. Not again.
She turned to face Caius. This man. This man didn't deserve her. He didn't realize who he was about to lose. One day, she swore, he would. And she would watch him crawl back to her, begging for forgiveness.
"I told you, Heather," Lauren's voice cut through her thoughts. Heather stopped. "I'll take everything away from you," Lauren said, laughing.
That laugh. It was taunting, cruel, and it took everything Heather had not to snap. Instead, she walked away.
She went straight into Caius's office, where the divorce papers were still waiting. Picked up a pen, and she signed them without hesitation. A single tear fell onto the page, but she wiped it away quickly. No more tears. Not for him. Not for them.
She turned, packed her things, and walked out of the house for the last time. His house. Not hers anymore. She was done.