Chapter 3
Lucas visibly relaxed when I told him it was just calcium tablets, then turned to head upstairs.
“I forgot a document,” he said.
I watched his figure disappear around the corner of the staircase, then quickly grabbed his phone off the table.
I typed in Emily’s birthday. The screen lit up instantly. His wallpaper was exactly what I feared a photo of him and Emily locked in a heated kiss, arms wrapped tightly around each other. Just like I thought–his phone had a dual system.
I opened the chat app. Emily’s profile pic was pinned at the top. The second conversation
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was a group chat with his so–called “bros.” I tapped in–and the moment the messages popped up, it felt like my heart was being ripped out. My hands went numb, and the phone nearly slipped from my grasp.
The chat was flooded with nude pictures of me–taken last night by Lucas and Emily.
“Damn, Lucas went all in! Selene’s knocked up, but she’s still got that special kind of heat going on.”
“You guys don’t get it. Pregnant bodies are on a whole different level, man. I bet she even smells different.”
“Cut it out. Selene looks like some high–end escort from a VIP lounge.”
Every filthy message from Aidan and the others pierced through me like knives. It
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felt like I was completely exposed–naked, vulnerable–while they pointed, laughed, and violated me through their screens.
“Babe, why are your eyes red?”
Lucas had come back downstairs, holding his file. I was already seated on the sofa, my expression calm, my breathing steady. He even draped a blanket over me like he cared.
“It’s still a little chilly lately,” he said, voice tender and sweet. “You need to stay warm, especially now that you’re pregnant.”
Then, as if it were nothing, he added, “Tonight’s Emily’s birthday. I’m throwing her a small party here. Just a few friends coming over. Dress up a bit–we should make it nice.”
The moment I heard Emily, a cold shiver ran down my spine. My face fell.
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“I’d rather stay’in and rest today,” I said quietly. “I don’t want to be bothered.”
His expression darkened immediately. “Emily’s birthday is once a year. I just promised her we’d celebrate, and now you’re acting like this? Are you seriously using the pregnancy to guilt–trip me? I’ve been patient enough with you during all of this. This isn’t up for discussion.”
I hadn’t even said much, and already he was defending her like his life depended on it. By now, I should’ve known–when someone doesn’t love you, it’s never subtle.
In the end, Lucas insisted on throwing the party for Emily at our home.
As I came down the stairs, I could feel it- their eyes locking onto me all at once.
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Mocking. Lewd. Drenched in unspoken malice.
“Selene! No way–we’re wearing the same dress! That’s so wild!”
Emily grabbed my hand like we were the best of friends. Only then did I notice–her red dress was exactly like mine.
“That dress looks way better on you, Emily,” Lucas said with a smug grin. “Selene’s all fat and swollen now, waddling around with that belly. She’s not even half as attractive as you.”
His words were barbed, wrapped in fake flattery, and aimed to wound.
“Dude, don’t say that,” Aidan cut in with a smirk. “Honestly? I think your mate looks even hotter now.”
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He reached out and took my hand, slowly rubbing his palm over the back of mine in a way that made my skin crawl. His eyes were full of sick amusement.
I tried to pull away, but he tightened his grip, arching a brow at me with that same sleazy smile.
“I’m really into Selene’s look right now. She feels real nice.”
I turned to Lucas, silently pleading for him to stop this. Say something. Do anything.
But he just sat there–cold, indifferent.
“You should feel lucky my friends are still complimenting you, looking like that,” he said flatly. “Don’t be ungrateful.” *
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I clenched my jaw, the words barely making it through my teeth. “Lucas, I’m your mate.”
Only then did he finally get up from the couch and pull me to his side.
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