His expression froze. Jessica reacted first.
“Are you out of your mind?” she snapped. “Do you even know how expensive that is? Where would you get that kind of money?”
I looked at them quietly. “That’s no longer your concern.”
Right then, a black luxury SUV pulled up outside. A driver stepped out, opening the door respectfully.
“Miss Emily, the car is ready.”
Mark’s face darkened. “What is this?”
I didn’t answer. I picked up Lily, took Noah’s hand, and looked at him one last time.
“Don’t worry,” I said. “We won’t be part of your life anymore.”
As I stepped outside, the driver handed me an envelope.
“From Mr. Daniel, ma’am. Everything is compiled.”
Inside the car, I let out a slow breath. Outside, Mark and Jessica were already arguing, completely unaware of what was about to unfold.
As we drove through Manhattan, Noah stared out the window.
“Mom… will Dad visit us?”
I brushed his hair gently. “We’re starting fresh. Just us.”
My phone buzzed.
Daniel: They’re all at the clinic. Everything is ready.
While we were heading to the airport, Mark and his family were arriving at a private clinic, celebrating what they thought was their future.
Lauren sat in the waiting area, glowing with confidence. Mark’s mother, Patricia, held her hand warmly.
“My dear, you must take care of yourself. My grandson needs you.”
“I’m fine,” Lauren said sweetly, glancing at Mark.
Jessica handed her a gift. “Only the best for the baby.”
They laughed together. As if I had never existed.
Then a nurse called Lauren in.
Mark followed, beaming.
Inside the ultrasound room, the doctor began the scan. The screen flickered with the image of a fetus.
But something shifted.
The doctor frowned.
“Doctor?” Mark asked nervously. “Is everything okay?”
The doctor didn’t respond right away. Then he spoke.
“There’s a discrepancy.”
“What does that mean?” Mark demanded.
The doctor pressed a button. “Security, please stand by.”
The tension snapped.
“What’s wrong?” Patricia asked, rushing in.
The doctor turned to them all.
“Based on the development, the conception occurred about four weeks earlier than what was stated.”
Silence.
Mark stared at Lauren.
“A month?” he said slowly. “That’s not possible. We weren’t even—”
“That means,” the doctor said calmly, “she was already pregnant before your relationship timeline.”
