Chapter 2

I looked at him, feeling like I was staring at a complete stranger.

"Julian, when did I ever say I was afraid of having kids?"

He froze for a moment.

"Well, didn't you always complain about how raising kids is a pain and how it ruins your body? I thought..."

I let out a cold laugh:

"You thought? So you decided to make the decision for me?"

Silenced by my question, his expression darkened.

"Chloe, why are you being so ungrateful? Rebecca is willing to let us raise the kid together. You should be thanking her."

I was shaking with rage:

"I should thank her? Thank her for getting pregnant with my husband's baby so I can play the happy little stepmom?"

He slammed his hand on the table:

"Watch your mouth! You are being completely unreasonable!"

Just then, the doorbell rang.

Julian immediately ran to open it.

Rebecca was standing at the door, rolling a suitcase behind her.

She wore a brilliant smile.

"Morning, Chloe! Julian said it’s not safe for me to live alone right now, so he suggested I move in. That way, we can look after each other."

Rebecca moved into the gaming room.

This was the room I was never allowed to enter. Whenever I had asked to play games with Julian in there, he would push me out.

Now, Julian was running back and forth, helping her set up the room and changing the sheets to her favorite shade of blue.

I stood at the doorway, watching them. I felt like a guest in my own house.

Seeing me, Julian pointed to the boxes by the door.

"Chloe, help Rebecca sort out these prenatal vitamins and maternity supplies."

Rebecca leaned back in the gaming chair, rubbing her stomach.

"Thanks, sweetie. I really shouldn't be bending over right now, otherwise, I’d do it myself."

I glanced at the pile of maternity gear.

"I thought you were a firm believer in the childfree lifestyle? Why are you suddenly so excited about this baby, and so particular about everything?"

Rebecca's smile stiffened on her face.

Julian instantly stepped in front of her, glaring at me.

"Chloe! Rebecca is pregnant! Watch your attitude!"

I met his glare dead-on:

"What? Did I say something wrong? Or do you both think I’m some kind of idiot you can play with, and now I’m supposed to play maid to her?"

"Why you—!" Julian’s face turned red with fury.

Rebecca tugged at his sleeve and gave me a mock apologetic bow.

"Chloe, Julian and I are just bros. We’ve known each other since elementary school. He literally treats me like a sister."

As she spoke, she nudged Julian playfully.

Julian didn't even want to look at me. He held her hand, his eyes filled with tender worry.

"Don't move around so much. Careful with the baby."

Then, he turned to me and ordered coldly:

"Apologize to Rebecca."

I looked at him, my heart completely hollow. I couldn't bring myself to say a single word.

Seeing my silence, Julian’s patience snapped.

"Chloe, let me tell you something. I am protecting Rebecca and this baby no matter what. If you keep acting like a crazy bitch, we can just..."

I asked coldly:

"We can just what? Get a divorce?"

Julian exploded instantly.

"You're actually bringing up divorce? Over a small thing like this?"

I laughed.

So, in his eyes, this was just a "small thing."