Chapter 2

I didn't care about the churning in my stomach. My gaze instinctively lifted to meet him. "No, that's not right." Before I could figure out how to respond, Gavin frowned slightly, shaking his head as if rejecting his own thoughts. "It's impossible for you to be pregnant." I had no idea how he arrived at such a conclusion, but strangely, I felt a fleeting sense of relief. Just half an hour ago, I had been eager to share the joyous news of my pregnancy, but now… I lowered my head, filled a glass with water, and rinsed my mouth without saying a word. Gavin handed me a towel, his brow furrowed. "I know how much you want a child, but you can't keep pushing your body like this. Medicine always has side effects." I looked up at him reflexively. The bright light from above cast sharp angles across his handsome face. His deep-set eyes and high brow created shadows that only accentuated the intensity of his gaze. This was Gavin Gould, the man I had secretly loved for ten years. My teenage diaries were filled with his every move, every word. In the past, this kind of concern would have thrilled me beyond words. But now… "Grace, don't keep things from me. You can't keep exhausting yourself like this," he said suddenly, his voice low and serious. I froze, caught off guard. "What are you talking about?" "The prescription you asked me to pick up this morning—Mandy happened to see it." That familiar, intimate tone from Gavin's lips pierced my ears like shards of ice. He continued, his tone steady, as though stating facts. "She said it's medication to stimulate ovulation, something only taken by people struggling with fertility. But when I asked you about it before, you told me it was just vitamins and supplements." "Did Mandy tell you that?" I interrupted, my voice hoarse and heavy. Gavin frowned, clearly displeased by my reaction. "She saw it by chance; it wasn't intentional." I couldn't believe it. Even now, Gavin's priority was to defend Mandy. A wave of emotion surged within me, threatening to drown my reason. No wonder Gavin was so certain I couldn't be pregnant! Because Mandy had told him that only infertile people took such medication—and he believed her without question. "So…" I met his gaze directly. "Do you think I can't get pregnant too?" Gavin raised an eyebrow, surprised by my unusually assertive tone. In front of him, I had always been gentle and accommodating. Even when I occasionally played coy, it was only to add a touch of playfulness. This blunt, confrontational side of me was a first. "Isn't that the case?" Gavin's brow furrowed deeper, his patience waning. "You've been going to the hospital every other day, popping pills like they're candy. Did you really think I wouldn't notice?" I stood there, stunned. All the effort and sacrifices I had made over the past year suddenly felt absurd and laughable. Knowing Gavin's prideful and cold nature, I had done everything I could to shield him from any speculation about his fertility. I endured countless rounds of medication, swallowing pill after pill. On top of that, I had to bear my father-in-law's cruel taunts, calling me a barren hen who wasn't worthy of marrying Gavin. Yet through it all, I tried my best to protect Gavin's dignity and his pride as a man. And now, I was the one labeled as infertile. My vision blurred, and my chest tightened as if an invisible hand was squeezing my heart. This was the man I had loved for 12 years. "You want to know why I was taking the medication? Let me tell you—" Before I could finish, a knock interrupted me. The door swung open. "Oh, I'm sorry. Am I interrupting?" Mandy stepped into the room, apologizing with her words but showing no trace of remorse on her face. "Gavin, my car broke down. Can you give me a ride home?" she asked, her tone casual. I turned to look at Gavin, my heart still simmering with anger but holding onto a sliver of hope. I wanted to see what he would choose. Perhaps… I also wanted to give myself a way out. This child growing inside me was one I had waited two long years for. Considering Gavin's possible low sperm count, this might be his only child. But if Gavin chose Mandy, then I would finally lose all hope. Gavin seemed momentarily taken aback by Mandy's return. He frowned and said, "I'm busy. Caleb can take you home." I exhaled quietly, relieved Gavin hadn't chosen her. Mandy pouted in mock annoyance. "Gavin, ever since you got married, you've turned into a henpecked husband. This is such a small matter; Grace won't mind. She's not that petty, right?" She glanced at me with a bright smile, her tone playful. I stared at her, momentarily thrown off by her carefree demeanor. I couldn't deny that her relaxed, easy-going attitude made me question whether I had been overthinking things or misjudging her intentions. But deep down, I just didn't like her. I returned her smile, though my voice was calm and firm. "You're wrong, Ms. Green." Mandy froze, her smile stiffening on her face. "Mr. Reed, please arrange a car for Ms. Green," I said, turning to look at Caleb. Caleb instinctively turned toward Gavin, seeking his reaction. Gavin frowned slightly, clearly hesitant. "Gavin!" Mandy protested, her tone laced with indignation. "You're really something! Are we not good friends anymore? Are you ditching me for her? My current status would be a huge problem if the paparazzi caught me. Scandals are the last thing I need." I turned to her sharply. "Oh? And getting caught with my husband wouldn't be a problem?" "That's not what I meant…" Many looked at me in disbelief. "Gracie, do you have some kind of misunderstanding about me? Gavin and I grew up together—we've always been close. He sees me as a brother. If we wanted to be together, it would've happened long before you came into the picture." "Mandy Green!" Gavin's face darkened as he interrupted her sharply. "What nonsense are you spouting?" Mandy suddenly seemed to realize her slip and covered her mouth, feigning innocence. "Oh? Gracies doesn't know I'm your ex-girlfriend? I'm sorry! I thought you told her. But that's ancient history now. Gracie wouldn't still care about that, would she?" "Enough!" Gavin's voice carried an edge of frustration as if he had reached the end of his patience. "Caleb, take her home!" Mandy pouted and rolled her eyes at him. Instead of looking offended, she seemed to relish her position, as though her actions were backed by unwavering confidence. "Fine, fine. I'm leaving now. We'll catch up another time." As Mandy finally left the office, I snapped out of my daze. That was when I realized Gavin had taken my hand at some point. Instinctively, I yanked it away. "Don't touch me!" Gavin's lips pressed into a thin line, and his tone dropped to a low rumble. "What happened between me and her is in the past. Don't overthink it." "And now?" I locked eyes with him. "Do you still have feelings for her?" Gavin responded immediately, without even pausing. "No." I took a deep breath, forcing down the wave of bitterness rising in my chest. "Gavin, if you still love her, I'm willing to step aside. We can part ways peacefully." Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a shadow flit past the door, the unmistakable glint of polished black boots catching the light. Someone was outside! But this was Gavin's office. Who would dare eavesdrop on their boss? "Grace, do you even realize what you're saying?" Gavin's brows knitted together as his tone turned colder. "This is absurd. I told you, there's nothing between Mandy and me. Stop letting your imagination run wild!"