Chapter 4

Soon, Celeste’s Ins post was flooded with blessings. Some busybodies even screenshotted it and sent it to the group chat. I mechanically sent a thumbs-up emoji.

The next second, Celeste sent me a picture on SnapChat. Julian was lying shirtless on the bed, Celeste’s hair sprawled across his chest. The photo angle was tricky, perfectly capturing her triumphant smile.

She sent a fake sympathetic message: “Willow, Julian is still resting. He was with me all night and didn’t get any sleep.” Followed by a provocative tongue-out emoji.

Then another message came: “Oh, and by the way, I heard yesterday was your check-up day? I’m so sorry about the emergency, I didn’t mean to call Julian away.”

“Also, Julian is still sleeping, I don’t want to disturb him right now.”

My vision blurred. The baby in my belly seemed to sense my emotions, kicking restlessly. My phone vibrated again, this time with a video. In the footage, Julian’s back was to the camera, his back covered in suggestive scratch marks, Celeste’s long hair scattered all over him.

I impatiently interrupted her performance: “Celeste, being a home-wrecker and being so high-profile? Are you afraid people won’t know how despicable you are?”

The feigned apology on Celeste’s face vanished, replaced by a mocking message.

“Willow, the baby in your belly was just an accident. Do you really think it can compare to Julian and my decade-long relationship?”

She was right. I truly couldn't compare.

When I was left waiting for a taxi under the 104-degree sun, when I waited alone in the check-up room, I should have understood.

I didn’t want to deal with Celeste anymore. Just as I was about to turn off my phone, Julian’s call came in. The moment I answered, he started yelling and blaming me without understanding anything.

“Willow, what the hell is wrong with you?! I told you, Celeste has claustrophobia! What kind of nonsense are you pulling?!”

In the background, Celeste immediately began to cry plaintively.

“Julian, it’s all my fault. If only I hadn’t wandered off, this wouldn’t have…”

Julian immediately soothed her gently, then turned and roared at me, “Willow, even if we’re married, I’ll do whatever I want! Going to find Celeste was my decision and my freedom!”

Julian’s voice was filled with disgust. I calmly repeated his words:

“You’re right. You can do whatever you want. I shouldn’t have an opinion.”

The other end of the line suddenly went quiet. A moment later, Julian seemed to realize something, and his tone softened: “I broke my promise by not going to your check-up. I’ll go with you another day, and I’ll compensate you.”

“As long as you don’t interfere with Celeste and me anymore.”

“Okay,” I whispered, tears streaming down my face.

He hung up, relieved.

Of course, I wouldn’t interfere anymore. After all, I had already signed the divorce papers.