A Twist of Betrayal

When I was three months pregnant, Collin cheated on me.

They were rolling around on the big hotel bed, their moans growing louder and louder. They thought they were being discreet and flawless.

What they didn't know was that I was right next door, listening to their breaths while doing the same thing they were.

1

"Collin, be gentle..."

"What's there to be afraid of? She's not here..."

The shameless and suggestive sounds pierced through my mind as I stood outside the bedroom I shared with Collin, listening to my husband having an affair with another woman inside.

They were entangled, moaning, completely unaware of my presence outside.

I accepted it all calmly, numb but aware.

Because I had already known. My dear husband, the man who once promised to treat me well for life, cheated on me when I was three months pregnant.

I had thought he would change, feel guilty, and come back to me.

But now, I was gone for just one day, and he had the audacity to bring his mistress into our home.

I stood in front of the room, sneering, gently stroking my flat belly.

There used to be life there.

But Collin didn't know it was gone.

I quietly closed the door, walked downstairs step by step, and recalled all the memories I had with Collin.

A wave of sadness washed over me.

Just three months ago, everything had been so beautiful.

2

Three months ago, Collin was still a man whose eyes were only on me.

When he found out I was pregnant, his joy as a new father was overwhelming. He couldn't help but spin me around three times in the hospital lobby, drawing strange looks from passersby.

I called him a fool, but he just grinned, caressing my belly while kissing my hand, solemnly promising, "Baby, I will treat you even better."

His eyes were sincere, just like when he proposed to me.

I pretended to be upset and deliberately misunderstood him, "So you'll just be good to the baby and not to me anymore, huh?"

He immediately hugged me tighter, his tone pitiful, "How could that be? You'll always be my baby, Estelle. Even if this little one comes, it'll have to take a back seat."

He spoke while pointing at my belly, talking to it like it was a troublesome little kid, "Hey, little guy, I'm warning you. If you make your mom suffer, I won't let you off when you come out!"

I collapsed into his arms, warmth flooding my heart.

Back then, like every first-time mom, I thought I was the happiest woman in the world.

I would have a husband who always protected me, a lovely son or daughter, and we would be a blissful family.

But I forgot that old saying.

"The higher you are lifted, the harder you fall."

3

The first time I sensed something was off was when I was one month pregnant.

At that time, I was experiencing severe morning sickness, and my emotions were unusually fragile. I cried over the smallest things.

At first, Collin would patiently hold me, guiding me through my emotions until I was happy again.

Then, he would tap my nose and say softly, "If only I could take on some of the pain for the baby."

I said, "You can't get pregnant."

He always sighed with exaggerated regret, "Yeah, why can't I? That would be amazing..."

He would even shake his head in mock disappointment, as if being pregnant was his lifelong dream, making me burst out laughing.

Collin never had much of a sense of humor. In fact, he was quite reserved, but he would go out of his way to make me happy.

One night, I couldn't sleep as usual, so I decided to read some online novels to tire myself out.

But then, a faint light appeared next to me.

An uneasy feeling crept into my heart.

Collin had a very regular routine-nine to five, always asleep by ten. During my pregnancy, unless I called for him, he wouldn't wake up.

I pretended to be asleep and turned over. He must have sensed my movement because he gently tucked me in.

I squinted my eyes, glancing at his phone screen.

He had hidden it well, but I could still make out some emojis and a few lines. Collin, usually so composed, looked like a teenage boy in love, grinning at his phone.

A wave of anxiety surged through me. I couldn't hold back and snapped, "What are you doing?"

He visibly shuddered, quickly putting his phone away and looking at me with panic, "Baby... you're awake?"

Without a word, I turned on the light.

"Give me your phone."

He hesitated, hiding it behind his back.

"I said, give me your phone." I stared straight into his eyes. At that moment of hesitation, something inside me shattered.

Eventually, he handed over the phone. I asked him to unlock it. Once he did, a chat page with someone named "Lazy little Megan" appeared.

"Baby, let me explain..."

"Shut up." I cut him off, scrolling through the chat.

They had exchanged numbers a month ago. Most of the messages were work-related, but recently, the conversations had shifted beyond that.

Sometimes it was a funny video, sometimes a song. Occasionally, they even talked about me-just a brief mention. "Her name's Estelle. She's my wife." He even sent a casual photo of me.

That night, they were discussing their favorite movie. No flirtation, no suggestive comments. Just two people bonding over a film they both loved.

An indescribable emotion clenched my heart, and I felt nauseous. I couldn't help but retch.

"Baby, I was wrong. Megan just joined the company, and since she's in my department, she added my WhatsApp to ask for guidance... You saw it, we really didn't do anything..."

Collin rushed to bring the trash can, gently patting my back, terrified I might fall ill.

I retched for a while but nothing came out. I barely drank a sip of water, feeling slightly better, but my face was still deathly pale.

Yes, their chat seemed perfectly normal, nothing inappropriate.

Just a leader caring for an employee, two colleagues bonding.

But what kind of colleague sent their boss a favorite movie in the dead of night, sharing how it resonated with their own experiences?

I touched my belly lightly. I could feel it-my baby longed for this world.

I finally said to Collin, "Either we get rid of the baby, or you delete her. Choose."

Without hesitation, he chose the latter, embracing me joyfully and covering my face with kisses.

In the darkness, he solemnly promised again, "I swear, baby, I will never have any contact with her beyond work."

I hoped so.

4

After that, Collin stayed in line. He didn't step out of bounds again and treated me better than ever.

Early in my pregnancy, I had no appetite, and with Collin busy at work, I'd order takeout to get by. Now, he prepped ingredients for all three of my meals every day. He even came home during his lunch break to check if I'd eaten properly.

He took over every chore too, even small stuff like wiping the table or sweeping the floor.

I couldn't tell if he felt guilty and wanted to make up for it, or if he truly meant it when he said he'd treat me better.

The kinder he was, the more he spoiled me like I was helpless, the more it scared me.

I asked myself, "Did I love Collin?"

I did. Deeply.

If I didn't, I wouldn't have married him when he was still a broke nobody, even fighting with my family over it.

We met in college. He captained the basketball team-tall, handsome, and a top student.

At a freshman welcome party, we bumped into each other backstage. He fell for me at first sight.

He bought me breakfast, saved me seats in class, edited my papers, and scoured every eatery in the university district just because I'd casually say I was hungry late at night.

His earnestness and passion drew me in completely.

So, when he graduated and said he wanted to start a business, I didn't hesitate. I gave him all the money I'd saved from years of part-time jobs. I stayed up with him through the longest nights, doing the dirtiest, most exhausting work by his side.

Back then, we had no income. I helped him pitch to sponsors during the day, and at night, I ran a stall at the market.

Sometimes, to earn a bit more, I huddled under a thin blanket in the freezing winter, trying to keep warm.

He once said, "Estelle, when I make it big, I'll treat you a thousand times better."

And he did.

His career took off. The tiny studio grew into a real company. I didn't need to hawk goods at the market anymore.

We finally made it through the hard times.

But when a third person entered a relationship, it crumbled like a landslide.

5

Collin's devotion didn't last long.

By the time I was two months pregnant, he started pulling away, subtly at first.

I'd ask him to grab a towel, and he'd dawdle forever. When I pressed him, he brushed it off with excuses about work.

I'd ask what he planned to cook tomorrow, and he'd mumble something vague while typing, saying he'd figure it out later.

Only when I got upset did he put the phone down and half-heartedly ask what I wanted to eat.

He didn't even notice how his eyes kept drifting to the phone sitting beside him.

Then came the overtime. He stopped coming home on time. Sometimes he didn't come back at all.

I called him a dozen times, but all I got was an endless busy tone.

On the rare chance he picked up, he'd soothe me with, "Baby, I'm swamped. I'll call you later." Then, nothing.

He stopped checking on me during lunch breaks too.

The unease in my heart grew stronger every day.

But he'd made me a promise. He said he'd keep it.

I chose to trust him.

At first, I figured he was just overworked and exhausted. So whenever he came home, I greeted him with a smile, massaged his shoulders, and told him to rest, not to push himself too hard.

He'd kiss my forehead and tell me to wait for him at home, to take care of myself and not worry about him.

See? He was still thoughtful. The gentle world he built for me remained intoxicating.

But one misdialed call shattered the perfect lie he thought he'd crafted.

That was when I learned that in my third month of pregnancy, my dear husband, the one who swore he'd treat me a thousand times better, cheated.

6

I had just gotten back from a checkup at the hospital and was resting on the couch.

My phone rang out of nowhere. I picked it up and saw it was Kevin, Collin's secretary.

Kevin had been with Collin since the early days of his startup, a sharp, capable guy I remembered well.

Back when Collin's studio was just a handful of people, I often pitched in. Over time, we all swapped contact info.

But why would he call me?

I answered the phone with a flicker of curiosity. Before I could speak, Kevin's voice came through.

"Mr. Ellis, this project tonight is really important. Are you sure you want to pass on it?"

"Kevin?" I asked, puzzled.

"Huh? Estelle, sorry, sorry, I dialed the wrong number..."

Kevin sounded flustered. He stumbled over his words. "Work's been hectic lately. I misread the screen and accidentally..."

"It's fine. You just said Collin... he's passing on a project?"

In my memory, Collin never let an opportunity slip. He thrived on expanding the business. Why would he turn down a project?

When I brought it up, Kevin's tone carried a hint of frustration. "I don't know what's gotten into Mr. Ellis lately. He's skipped several projects. He's dumped most of the company's work on me. And he's barely around half the time..."

"What... did you say?"

My hand trembled as I gripped the phone. That uneasy feeling seeped into every part of me.

Kevin seemed to realize he'd said too much. He quickly backtracked. "Uh... if there's nothing else, Estelle, I'll hang up now..."

"Wait." I forced my voice to sound steady. "Go ahead and tell me. Don't cover for him."

"It's not really..."

"Speak."

Kevin knew I hated half-truths.

Seeing my resolve, he let out a small sigh. In the calmest tone he could muster, he revealed a secret that only I had been blind to for the past three months.

"Three months ago, a fresh college grad joined the company. Pretty, fair-skinned, named Megan. Back then, everyone was swamped with work. No one had time to train a newbie. So Mr. Ellis had Megan shadow him. He took her under his wing."

I suddenly recalled that "Lazy Little Megan" from Collin's WhatsApp that night.

It all started to make sense.

"At first, we didn't notice anything odd. But a month ago, Mr. Ellis suddenly made Megan the design director. She'd only been here two months. How did she land a position others worked years to earn?"

Hearing this, I felt my blood freeze. My hand shook harder. Goosebumps prickled my skin.

It was August, stiflingly hot, but I felt like I'd fallen into an icy pit, chilled to the bone.

What Kevin said next plunged me into a hell I couldn't escape. I couldn't believe the Collin he described was the same man who promised to treat me better.

"Later, some female coworkers gossiped during lunch. That's when we found out. Mr. Ellis has been commuting with Megan almost every day. They even eat lunch together, just the two of them, laughing and chatting when they return. Those women guessed Megan must've used some sly tricks to hook Mr. Ellis completely. I said no way. Mr. Ellis is so good to Estelle. He wouldn't do that. But they laughed. They said I didn't get men, especially successful ones like him. Then one day, when Mr. Ellis asked me to book a hotel for him, it hit me. They were right."

"Estelle... are you... okay?"

Kevin grew uneasy when I didn't respond.

"Mr. Ellis has been great to us. We've seen how he handles things over the years. But I don't get why he'd... Estelle, I shouldn't have said this. It's your personal business. I just couldn't stand you being in the dark. I'm sorry..."

I drifted in a daze for a long time before I found my voice.

"It's okay, Kevin... Thank you... It's fine... It's fine..."

I mumbled over and over, scrambling up from the couch. My hands shook as I searched for the checkup report I'd brought home.

Kevin might've said more after that, but I couldn't hear it.

My mind replayed scenes of Collin and me like a flickering reel.

Our first hand-holding, first hug, first movie, first kiss.

Every romantic first in my life belonged to Collin without reservation.

I thought of that freezing winter night when he pushed the snack cart while carrying me home on his back.

I remembered the Collin who ran across the university district's eateries just because I said I was hungry.

I recalled the Collin who made earnest, heartfelt promises to treat me a thousand times better.

How could that Collin lose his mind over some fresh-out-of-college girl?

No, it had to be fake. Rumors.

I didn't believe a single word Kevin said.

7

I sat on the couch all afternoon. Even when Collin came home late that night, I didn't move.

In those hours, I asked Kevin for the address of the hotel Collin often booked. I pulled some family strings to get the security footage from that night.

The moment Collin's face appeared on the screen with another woman, I broke down. I couldn't hold it in anymore and sobbed.

So this was what betrayal felt like. It hurt so much.

My tears wouldn't stop. It felt like a million poisoned needles stabbed my heart.

Pregnancy pains hit too. I curled up on the couch, tormented by both my body and my mind.

Collin pushed the door open and froze at the sight of me. He didn't even take off his shoes. He rushed over, held me, and kept asking what was wrong.

I didn't look at him. I clutched the checkup report in my hand, numb.

"What's wrong, baby? Don't scare me."

When I didn't react, he seemed genuinely rattled.

I ignored him. Slowly, I turned my head. I met his frantic, innocent eyes and asked, word by word, "Collin, do you love me?"

He stared at me, stunned, as if my question made no sense.

"What are you saying, baby? You're the one I love most in the world, Estelle."

He pulled me into his arms and whispered sweet words like always. "I swear, in this lifetime..."

"Enough."

I cut him off, annoyed. "Collin, listen. If I ever find out you don't love me anymore, I'll stop at nothing, to make you pay."

I spat out the last words softly, then broke free from his embrace and went to the bedroom.

I knew Collin's weaknesses. I knew what he valued most.

My warning was his final chance.

He looked at me, terrified. He watched me disappear behind the bedroom door. Then he turned, leaned on his knees, and gasped for air. Sweat soaked his back.

But I forgot something. Flies don't swarm a perfect egg.

8

Collin went back to treating me well, like before. This time, though, his kindness felt forced. It carried a desperate edge, like he feared I'd leave. He acted like a pet wagging its tail to please its owner.

For the first time, his kindness made me sick.

For the sake of the baby, I forgave him again. But this time, I didn't play deaf or dumb.

I started dropping by his office at random times after he left for work. I wanted to see if my sudden visits surprised him or spooked him.

I made a point to get close to Megan. I'd pop into her office under the pretense of checking her work, looking for any slip-up to fire her.

I even slipped Kevin some cash to keep me posted on Collin's every move when I wasn't around.

Collin was sharp. He sensed I'd caught on to something. Whenever I was there, he didn't so much as glance at Megan.

According to Kevin, Collin kept his distance from her at the office lately. They acted like strangers.

A few times, when Megan came to report, Collin told her to drop the files and leave. He gave her no chance to linger.

I felt a quiet relief, but nausea crept up too.

I wasn't cut out for dramatic showdowns with a mistress. But I knew Collin cared about his image. In front of colleagues and staff, he always played the responsible family man.

As the boss, he understood what won people over.

So I showed up at the company on purpose. I let everyone see him as the good guy. That way, Collin knew he couldn't throw away his family for some rookie fresh out of school.

Two birds, one stone.

Time passed steadily. Collin seemed to have cut ties with Megan for real.

I always thought women were incredible.

They forgave cheating husbands. They carried babies for ten months and raised them. They cooked, cleaned the house, and managed the home. They buried their feelings for others' sake. They gave up years and energy for love.

I thought I was incredible too. I saved my crumbling family. I preserved dignity for a man about to become a father.

But in reality, men often find the allure of the unknown irresistible.

A leopard can't change its spots.

9

Collin went on a business trip with Kevin.

He said it was to Jasperville. It'd take about two weeks to get back.

"Don't worry, baby. I'll be home to keep you company soon." He stocked the fridge with food while reminding me to stay safe alone.

"If anything happens, call me right away."

"Got it." I nodded. "I'll see you off. Lizzie's off today anyway. She asked me to go shopping."

Lizzie was my high school classmate.

"Sounds good."

I went with Collin to the airport. Kevin looked surprised to see me. I shot him a glance. He caught on quick, grabbed Collin's suitcase, and joked, "Poor me, a lonely guy stuck watching your PDA on a work trip."

Collin laughed and patted Kevin's shoulder. "How about I set you up sometime?"

Kevin waved it off. "Nah, I'm good solo."

I walked Collin to the gate. Before he left, we hugged and kissed, like a lovesick newlywed couple.

Kevin couldn't handle the scene. He turned away, muttering, "Can't watch, can't watch," as he headed through the gate.

10

I met Lizzie at a coffee shop we often visited.

As soon as I sat down, she strutted in. She wore 10cm heels and a tight, fiery red dress that hugged her curves. She looked dazzling.

When she spotted me, she rushed over like an unleashed horse. "Babe, I missed you so much!"

"Whoa, back off a bit." I held up a hand to stop her mid-pounce. She froze, then snuffed out the cigarette she'd just lit.

"Oh, right. You're carrying my godson."

"Boy or girl, it's fifty-fifty. How're you so sure it's a son?"

I actually wanted a daughter.

"With you and Collin's genes, how could the kid not turn out amazing? It's gotta be a heartbreaker boy."

I laughed at her words. I glanced at her pricey outfit and changed the subject. "Enough about that. You're dressed up today. This doesn't look like a shopping vibe."

Her eyes lit up with excitement. "You nailed it. Your girl's about to be off the market!"

"Oh? Didn't you swear you'd stay single forever? That didn't last long."

"No, no, hear me out. Remember that short kid from high school? The one everyone picked on? Jerald Brown."

"Jerald?" I thought about the name, flipping through my memories. Nothing stood out.

"Never mind. With your memory, I'm probably the only classmate you recall!" Lizzie rolled her eyes. "But that's not the point. The point is, he came back from studying abroad and bam-straight to VP at my company!"

"How'd you figure that out? Could be a different guy with the same name."

"No way. I snooped. His dad's our company's owner. What are the odds, right?"

"So you're dressed like this to climb the ladder using old high school ties?"

"No chance! Am I that kind of girl? I just flipped through the old yearbook, saw he'd left his number, and called him up for dinner."

I shook my head at her guilty look.

"I saw his pics. He's hot now. Totally my dream guy! I'm locking him down!" Lizzie sipped her coffee. Her determined eyes sparkled with eagerness.

"Well, good luck in advance, Mrs. Brown," I teased.

"Ugh, Estelle, you're the worst!" she groaned.

11

Lizzie and I shopped all afternoon. I couldn't help stopping by baby stores. I'd browse the tiny clothes and socks, daydreaming endlessly.

I pictured my little one wearing them, babbling and reaching for me to pick them up.

How happy that would be.

I couldn't resist. I picked out two outfits and had the clerk bag them. I planned to video call Collin later and share my excitement.

After leaving the store, Lizzie offered to drop me home before her date. I turned her down flat.

"Go ahead. I'll be fine getting back. I'll text you when I'm home."

"You sure you're okay? You're top-priority now. If anything happens, Collin will have my head! I'll take you. It's not far."

"No need. Go on. I'm waiting for your good news!" I brushed off her kindness again.

Lizzie gave in after making sure I'd be fine alone. Then she left.

12

The evening glowed beautifully.

Red clouds streaked the sky. The city basked in the sunset's golden light, like it wore a holy robe.

I crossed the overpass, breathing in the cool evening air.

I got tired from walking and leaned on the railing. I pulled out the baby clothes I'd bought, running my fingers over them. I imagined life after the baby arrived.

Collin pushed the stroller with one hand and held my waist with the other. I cradled our child. The little one's wide eyes took in the world.

We strolled slowly under the sunset. The light stretched our shadows long.

We were the happiest family of three.

I tilted my head back, a joyful smile spreading across my face.

Then a ringtone shattered my perfect vision, yanking me back to reality.

It was Kevin.

I folded the clothes and tucked them into my bag. I answered the call while heading downstairs.

"Hey, Kevin, what's up?"

His voice sounded urgent. "Estelle, Mr. Ellis, he..."

My smile faded. My first thought was that something happened to Collin.

My heart twisted tight. I jumped in. "What is it? Tell me!"

"I... I'll send it to you on WhatsApp."

Kevin hung up fast. I froze in place. My gut screamed that it was bad news.

A pang of dread hit me.

The message came through. It was a blurry video. Then a text from Kevin.

The moment I read it, I felt invisible hands choke my throat.

He wrote, "Estelle, Mr. Ellis brought Megan here."

The message stretched into an endless abyss before my eyes.

"It's just you and Kevin, right?"

"Of course, baby. It's work, not a vacation. More people would complicate things."

"How long will you be gone?"

"Two weeks. It's so long without you, baby. I'll miss you."

Collin's words flashed through my mind like a movie reel, echoing in my ears.

Why Collin lied to me again?