Chapter 2

The Announcement

Emilia 

My hand covered my mouth, as I held the wall tightly while my legs almost gave way. I could not believe what I had just seen. My husband of five years had kissed another woman’s belly with tenderness I had never received from him. Not just any woman. Cassandra. My best friend. The same woman I had helped secure a job in our company. The same woman I had proudly introduced to Julian years ago.

“This can’t be real,” I whispered to myself as tears blurred my vision. “This has to be a misunderstanding.”

But deep down, I knew it was not.

Julian had never touched me with desire. Not once. I had told myself that he needed time. Now I understood why. He had given that part of himself to someone else.

The way they held each other looked like they belonged together.

My mind kept going back to how it all started. Five years ago I had introduced them. Cassandra was my best friend from college and she needed a job after she finished school. I told Julian about her. I said she was smart and hardworking, and he gave her a position in the company because I asked. I trusted her. I trusted both of them. And now this. 

It felt like a bad dream I could not wake up from.

I wiped my tears roughly and forced myself to breathe. “Our marriage was a contract,” I reminded myself. “He never promised to love me.”

It was a deal. He paid my debts and I became his wife on paper. So, I had no right to question his affairs. That was what I kept telling myself as I walked out of the hospital like a ghost. My steps felt heavy, and my chest hurt but I managed to reach home without breaking down in public.

Once inside, I dropped my bag and sat on the couch. The house felt empty as I stared at the walls for a long time before standing up and opening my laptop. Work. That was the only thing I had control over. The company’s website launch was tomorrow, and I had prepared everything. The presentation, the speech, and the projections. So, I poured myself into it.

“You can’t fall apart,” I muttered. “Not now.”

I worked through the night. Whenever my mind tried to replay the image of Julian kissing her belly, I shook my head and focused on the screen. By morning, my eyes burned from lack of sleep, but I was ready.

The event hall was decorated elegantly. The lights were bright. The company logo was displayed proudly on the large screen, and the employees moved around, adjusting details. This project meant everything to me. It was the only thing that still felt solid in my life.

I stood near the stage checking the microphone and the slides one last time. “Everything is perfect,” I whispered.

“Emilia.”

I turned at the sound of my name. Julian stood behind me. He looked composed in his dark suit, and dark hair was neatly styled. His face was calm, but I remembered how it had softened in that hospital room.

“You look tired,” he said.

“I worked late,” I replied quietly.

He nodded once. “There’s been a small change.”

My stomach tightened. “What kind of change?”

“Cassandra will be hosting the presentation instead of you.”

I blinked, confused. “What?”

“She’s more suitable for public engagement,” he said calmly. “You’ll still get credit for your work.”

I stared at him. “But I prepared everything. I’ve been working on this for weeks.”

“It’s just hosting, Emilia. Don’t make it a big issue.”

Before I could respond, I heard a familiar voice.

“Emilia!”

I turned to see Cassandra walking toward us. She wore a large jacket that covered most of her body. If I had not seen her yesterday, I might not have noticed the slight roundness beneath it. Now that I knew, I could not believe I had missed it before.

“Congratulations,” I forced out, my voice barely steady. “I heard you’re pregnant.”

She placed a hand on her stomach and smiled shyly. “Oh… yes. It’s still early.”

“How far along?” I asked.

“Far enough,” she replied softly.

Julian looked at her. “Are you feeling okay?”

“I’m fine,” she said gently. “Don’t worry too much.”

I felt invisible standing there.

“I’ll send you the files,” I said to Cassandra. “The slides are already arranged.”

“Thank you, Emilia,” she said sweetly. “You’re a lifesaver.”

I handed her my speech and presentation drive. My fingers trembled slightly as she took them. She walked to the stage confidently when the event began.

“Good evening, everyone,” Cassandra started smoothly. “We are excited to introduce our new digital platform.”

She spoke clearly. She smiled at the audience. She used my words as if they were hers and the crowd applauded several times. I stood at the back of the hall, clapping quietly with everyone else.

“She’s doing well,” one coworker whispered near me.

“Yes,” another replied. “She’s impressive.”

I swallowed the lump in my throat.

As the night progressed, drinks were served and music played softly. I stood alone near a corner table, pretending to check my phone. I felt drained.

Then Julian stepped onto the stage again.

“May I have everyone’s attention?” he announced.

The room grew quiet.

“I have an important announcement to make tonight.”

I looked up slowly.

“Our company is entering a new phase,” he continued. “And with growth comes leadership changes. Effective immediately, Cassandra Sterling will be the new CEO.”

I felt my heart drop. Gasps filled the hall and applauses followed as Cassandra walked onto the stage gracefully. She glanced at me briefly before smiling at the audience.

“I’m honored,” she said into the microphone. “Thank you, Julian, for trusting me.”

She smiled big at the crowd. “Good evening, everyone. Thank you for coming.”

She started talking about the new website. She used my slides. My words. My ideas. She said them like she made them herself. People clapped. I forced myself to clap too even though my face felt hot.

Then she stopped and looked at Julian who stood near the stage. “Before we finish, I have something to share.”

She removed her jacket slowly.

And there it was.

Her belly.

The room reacted with surprised clapping.

Her big belly showed clearly now. Some people smiled while others looked surprised.

“I am expecting a baby,” Cassandra said with a sweet laugh. “It has been hard to keep it a secret, but I wanted to tell you all tonight. Julian has been so supportive. He has been there for me through every step and love him so much.”

“I couldn’t have done this without Julian’s support,” she added, looking at him. 

My ears rang. 

Julian stepped closer to the microphone.

“I will always support you,” he said firmly. “You will always have a place in my heart.”

The words echoed in my mind.

Always.

In his heart.

Tears slid down my cheeks silently as the crowd cheered around me. One dropped down my cheek, and I wiped it fast before anyone saw. 

My hands shook in my lap. I could not move. I could not speak. I stood there, unable to move, while watching my husband declare his devotion to another woman in front of everyone