Five Years of Broken Dreams

Chapter 1

After five years of marriage, my husband Derek finally came home from a six-month business trip, but he didn't come back alone. He brought his first love, Chloe, with him.

And, surprise, Chloe was already over three months pregnant. Derek claimed she had fallen on hard times and insisted she stay with us until things got better.

I wasn't having it. When I refused, he had the audacity to call me ungrateful.

His voice dripped with condescension, like he'd completely forgotten that this mansion, my mansion, was mine. His whole family had been living off me and using my resources for years. But this time, I was done. I was cutting them all off.

I forced a smile and dialed my assistant. "Get the divorce papers ready. A man who married into wealth and still thinks he can bring his mistress into my home? Not happening."

I'd been looking forward to Derek coming home for months. I'd spent the whole morning preparing a little welcome-home surprise, souvenirs I'd collected just for him, and Mrs. Wilson, our housekeeper, had made a spread with all of Derek's favorite dishes. I was so ready to make him feel loved, to make up for all the time apart.

Then the door opened.

There he was, Derek, with his arm wrapped around Chloe.

I froze.

Chloe looked at me, her hand gently brushing over her rounded belly. "Lily, it's been a while," she said, as if we were old friends.

Seeing her pregnant belly made my blood boil.

Chloe must've sensed the tension because she quickly reached for my wrist, her voice soft as she said, "Lily, please don't be upset. This is all my fault. If you need someone to blame, blame me. Just don't take it out on Derek."

Her words hit like a punch to the gut. I hadn't said a word, but she made it all crystal clear.

Derek just stood there, watching me closely, ready to step in and defend Chloe at any moment.

I clenched my fists, glaring at him. "Aren't you going to explain yourself?"

He sighed and turned to Chloe, his voice almost too gentle. "Let me show you to a room. I'll handle this."

The softness in his tone took me by surprise. In all our years of marriage, I'd never heard him speak to me like that.

He led Chloe upstairs without a second glance at me.

The driver came in right then, hauling in three huge suitcases. Chloe had practically moved in.

Despite looking healthier than me, Derek was hovering over her like she might break at any moment.

I sank into the couch, simmering with rage, waiting for him to come back down and explain himself.

But just as I was about to storm upstairs, the doorbell rang.

Derek's parents barged in, their faces grim, not even acknowledging me as they rushed upstairs.

I followed them, eavesdropping as Derek spoke to them in a serious tone. "I didn't want to keep this from you. Chloe's pregnancy was unstable in the beginning, and I was worried about complications."

"I hope you can understand. Chloe and I love each other, and the baby is your grandchild. Please don't blame her."

I thought back to the last five years. Every time I had a disagreement with his mother, Derek always told me to be patient, she was getting older, after all. He never stood up for me.

But now, I was watching him defend Chloe with everything he had. The reality hit me like a ton of bricks, I had been so naive.

Chloe, holding Derek's mother's hand, added softly, "I never meant to break up Derek's marriage. We truly love each other. I hope you understand."

Derek's mom's expression softened slightly as she looked at me, standing in the doorway. I could see her hesitation.

For five years, I'd been sending her monthly support. It was clear Chloe wasn't in the same position. I could feel the sting of it all, the realization that Derek had not only failed to warn me but had humiliated me in front of everyone.

Did he really think I wouldn't react? Did he think I had no pride left?

The room went quiet, and then, suddenly, Chloe started crying. Her voice wavered as she spoke, each word cutting through the silence.

"The child I'm carrying is innocent. No matter what happens, I'll give birth to him."

She wiped her tears away, her voice soft but firm. "You can scream at me, blame me, but please… just let my child be safe."