BAD WIFE

Chapter {33}

Baylee's face contorted as pain shot through her lower back, followed by a sharp cramp tightening around her stomach like a vice. "Aah..." she exhaled, clutching her belly with trembling hands.

"Are you okay?" Melissa's voice rang with concern, her palm gently landing on Baylee's shoulder.

"I'm fine... I just got a pretty good kick," she lied with a breathless chuckle, masking the storm brewing inside her. Rising slowly, one hand supporting her stomach, she forced a weak smile and excused herself to the bathroom, desperate for air—desperate for an escape.

But it wasn't just the pain—it was the betrayal unraveling in her mind, ripping through her chest. She had believed they were broken up. Niko had said they were broken up.

Her steps quickened despite her growing discomfort, and by the time she reached the pink floral bathroom, her insides revolted. She barely made it to the sink before doubling over, vomiting violently. It felt like her heart had shattered and her body was physically trying to purge the ache. Her stomach heaved again, as if she could spit out the fantasy she had allowed herself to believe in.

She had pictured a life—their life. Niko beside her, their daughter nestled in his arms, laughter filling the space between them. He would teach her to talk, she'd teach her to sass. It was supposed to be messy and beautiful, but now it just felt foolish. She had let her heart open, and now it was crawling into itself again.

Finally able to breathe, she braced the sink and stared at the stranger in the mirror. Her reflection was pale, her eyes glassy with disbelief. Melissa and Niko... together?

"Why wouldn't he tell me?" she whispered hoarsely, her hand shooting to her belly as another wave of pain tore through her. "Ow..."

Her knees buckled, the floor beckoning her down. She lowered herself with care, sitting on the cool tile as her head spun and the lightness in her chest made it hard to think. Her blood pressure—she forgot her pill. Panic flooded her limbs.

Her fingers trembled as she closed her eyes and forced her breath to steady. In. Out. In. Out. Slow and deliberate. The buzzing in her ears began to fade, and her dizziness eased.

She pulled herself up and turned the faucet on, splashing water on her face in a desperate attempt to wake up from the nightmare. But it didn't fade. The sting in her chest stayed. So did the truth.

A knock came at the door.

"Baylee?" Sabrina called out softly.

"I'm fine!" she shouted, too quickly. Her voice cracked. "I'll be out in a minute."

She waited—counting the seconds—until her swollen cheeks looked less obvious, until her breathing didn't sound like sobs. Then she emerged, face composed, expression blank.

"There you are." Sabrina took her hand and led her back to her seat. Clarissa was waiting, her eyes narrowing the moment Baylee sat down.

"What's wrong?" Clarissa asked, already knowing something was off.

Baylee shook her head, her voice trembling as she slapped a smile across her lips. "I'm fine... I just need more of that pasta. It's so good."

Clarissa studied her for a moment before nodding. "I'll get it for you," she said gently, disappearing into the crowd.

Baylee's gaze wandered restlessly—searching. She found him. Niko. Standing near the dessert table with Melissa, deep in conversation. Melissa's arms were folded, her body leaning in slightly. They were close. Too close.

Her stomach twisted. One solitary tear slipped from her lashes. She swiped it away quickly, hoping no one saw. She felt like the biggest fool alive. She had believed he still loved her. That maybe... just maybe, they could be a family again. She had let herself feel again—and this is what it got her. Humiliation.