When Love Hurts

"Congratulations, ma'am. You are six weeks pregnant!" said the smiling doctor as he handed me the pregnancy test result.

My hands shook as I held the piece of paper and looked at the words I could make out on it. I had only slept with him once. How could I get pregnant?

What should I do now?

If I told Elliott about this, would he be happy and continue with the marriage because of the baby?

Of course not! The Elliott I knew would most likely accuse me of trying to trap him with a baby. He was definitely not going to change his mind about divorce.

Sadness and confusion beclouded me. I stuffed the report in my bag and left the hospital.

There was a shiny black Maybach parked outside the hospital building. The window was partially open. The handsome and cold face of the man in the driver's seat was visible for all to see.

As always, this man commanded attention because of his attractiveness. Some women-old and young, even swooned over him as they went about their affairs.

This man was none other than Elliott Crawford, the man responsible for my pregnancy. He was rich and handsome. If there was anyone who knew best how charming he was, that would be me. I had gotten used to this scene after so many years. Turning a blind eye to the women who were winking at him, I got in the passenger seat.

Elliott, who had been resting with his eyes closed, frowned slightly. Without opening his eyes, he asked in a low voice, "Are you done?"

"Yeah." I nodded and held out the contract signed by the director of the hospital. "Mr. Kershaw sends his greetings."

It was initially planned that I came here alone to get the contract signed. But I met Elliott on the way. To my surprise, he gave me a ride without me asking.

"You are responsible for this project from now on." Elliott wasn't a man of many words. But whenever he spoke, his words were authoritative, leaving no room for argument or suggestions. He started the engine, showing no intention of taking the contract.

I nodded awkwardly and withdrew my hand.

Silence was my watchword whenever I was with Elliott. It had taken me Herculean effort to get used to it. With time, I became very obedient as I worked for him.

Elliott didn't drive back to the villa. Instead, he drove downtown. It was already evening. Where was he taking me? Although I was curious, I didn't dare to question him. I remained silent like I always had whenever he did something out of the ordinary.

When my mind went to the pregnancy test result in my bag, I felt a boulder settle in my gut. I didn't know how to break the news to him. I stole a glance at him and saw that his cold eyes were fixed on the road.

"Elliott..." I finally broke the silence as my hands which were holding my bag became sweaty. Beads of sweat appeared on my head and also went down my back.

"Spill!" Elliott commanded coldly, already sensing that I had something to say.

It wasn't surprising at all that he was this way. He had always treated me like this. Although it upset me when we first met, I gradually got used to it. I took a deep breath and muttered, "I am..." The words I wanted to say were simple.

It was only three words. However, his phone rang out of the blue, causing me to shut up and continue fidgeting.

"What's up, Olivia?"

Some people were capable of loving just one person in their lifetime. They gave this special person all their love while treating every other individual like trash.

Elliott was one of such persons. His tenderness was only for Olivia Tucker. I could tell just from the way he spoke to her.

I didn't know what Olivia said to Elliott, but he suddenly hit the brakes and said comfortingly, "Don't cry, okay? I'll be there soon. Just stay at home and wait for me."

The moment he ended the call, his face turned cold and stern as if he flipped a switch. He looked at me and uttered, "Get off!"

It was an order without any room for negotiation.

This was not the first time he left me by the roadside. I nodded, swallowed all the words, and got off before he could repeat himself.

My marriage to Elliott was an accident and also a destiny, but it had nothing to do with love. The woman Elliott loved was Olivia. I was just a woman who stood in his way of love; someone he couldn't wait to throw away once he got the chance.

Two years ago, Elliott's grandfather, Lorenzo Crawford, suffered from myocardial infarction. As he lay on his sick bed, he ordered his grandson to marry me. Elliott didn't want to. However, he had no choice. Our marriage was hell from day one. He treated me as if I didn't exist. Now that Lorenzo had passed away, he couldn't wait to divorce me.

It was already dark by the time I returned to the villa. This big and empty house always gave me chills. I couldn't stop thinking of it as one of the haunted houses they showed in horror movies. I had no appetite. Perhaps it was because of the pregnancy. I just took a shower and went to bed.

I was just about to doze off when I heard the vague sound of a car parking in the front yard.

Was Elliott back?

Wasn't he staying the night with his beloved Olivia?