Chapter two

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Alexa

I stare at the pregnancy test in my trembling hands.

Two pink lines.

I'm pregnant.

A breathless laugh escapes me as I clutch my stomach. Elijah and I are finally going to be parents. After trying for so long, God has finally blessed us.

I can't wait to tell him when he comes back. His reaction will be priceless. I already imagine the joy on his face, the way he'll lift me in his arms, spinning me around in excitement.

Smiling, I walk out of the bathroom and head to bed. I grab my phone to call Elijah, eager to ask when he'll be home. I want everything to be perfect before he returns. I press the call button and wait.

Voicemail.

I frown but try again.

Voicemail.

Again.

And again.

On the fourth attempt, he finally picks up.

"What?" His voice is curt, impatient.

I smile, relieved to hear him. "Hey, baby. I miss you so much. It's been a week since you left for London."

"What do you want?" he asks, sounding rushed.

My heart clenches. "I just miss you, Elijah. And I wanted to ask when you'll be coming back."

He exhales. "I don't know. Maybe next week, maybe next month. Don't wait for me. I need to go. Bye."

Before I can say another word, he hangs up.

I stare at the phone, stunned. Maybe he's just busy. Maybe he's overwhelmed with work. I can't blame him—he works hard for our family. I need to be understanding.

I place my hand on my stomach and whisper, "It's okay, baby. I'll find a way to tell your daddy."

Just then, the doorbell rings. I stand up and make my way downstairs. When I open the door, Thea is standing there, smiling.

"Hey, Alexa."

"Hi." I hesitate for a moment. It's been a week since we last spoke.

"Aren't you going to invite me in?" she teases.

I step aside, letting her in. We walk to the living room and sit on the couch.

She exhales. "Look, I know you're still mad at me, so I'm here to apologize. I shouldn't have said those things about your husband. I'm sorry."

I sigh, moving to sit beside her. "I'm sorry too. I shouldn't have kicked you out like that."

She pulls me into a hug, and I hug her back tightly. I missed her more than I realized.

"It was so hard not talking to you for a whole week," she says. "You're my only best friend, Alexa."

I smile. "I have something to tell you."

"What is it?" she asks eagerly.

"Promise me you won't freak out."

"Just tell me already!"

I take a deep breath. "I'm pregnant."

Her eyes widen, and then she lets out an excited squeal. "Oh my God! I'm going to be an aunt!" She jumps up, clapping her hands.

I laugh. "I told you not to freak out."

"How can I not? This is amazing!" she exclaims. "When did you find out?"

"This morning."

She pulls me into another hug. "I'm so happy for you, Alexa."

Just then, her phone rings. She excuses herself and walks into the kitchen to take the call. When she returns, she's smiling.

"Who was that? Your boyfriend?" I tease.

"Ew, no!" She wrinkles her nose. "Oh, by the way, let's go have lunch at a hotel today."

I raise an eyebrow. "Why a hotel? We can just eat at one of our favorite restaurants. No need to waste money."

"Come on, Alexa. We have to celebrate!" she insists. "Let's gooo!"

I shake my head but smile. "Fine, let me change."

Upstairs, I put on baby blue jeans and a white shirt, pairing them with a nude pink cardigan. I let my hair down, brushing it neatly, and apply light makeup—just mascara and lipstick. After spraying some perfume, I grab my handbag and slip on my cream-colored pumps.

When I come downstairs, Thea is already waiting at the door. "Let's go!"

We talk and laugh on the way there. It feels so good to be with my best friend again.

Once we arrive at the hotel, Thea turns to me. "Alexa, why don't we stay here for a night or two?"

I blink at her. "That's so spontaneous! We don't have any spare clothes."

She grins. "We can buy some. Or just wear the same clothes for 24 hours. It's not like we haven't done it before."

I sigh. "You know I can't say no to you when you do that. Fine."

She squeals. "Yes!"

At the receptionist's desk, the woman smiles. "Welcome, Miss Morris. Your room is ready—number 368 on the 10th floor."

I turn to Thea, raising an eyebrow. "You already booked a room?"

She just smiles. "Alexa, I'm sorry, but I need to do this."

"Do what?" I ask, confused.

She sighs. "I just want you to be happy. You'll understand soon."

I frown but follow her into the elevator. When we reach our room, she hands me the keycard. "Before you open it, just know that I did this for you."

Feeling uneasy, I swipe the card and push the door open.

And my world shatters.

Elijah is in bed with another woman.

I stare, unable to breathe. My heart cracks into a million pieces.

"Elijah!" My voice is raw with pain.

He looks at me, completely indifferent.

And then, he says the words that break me forever.

"I don't love you anymore."

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