Betrayed by the One I Loved

My husband, Damien, loved me deeply—so deeply it felt like I was his whole world. Everyone said he was the perfect husband.

Yet, he betrayed me.

Not once, not twice, but three times.

The first time was three years ago. His closest friend, Aaron, died saving him. Damien kept it from me and secretly married Aaron’s girlfriend, Vivian—on paper.

I was heartbroken and ready to leave him. That night, he sent her abroad and fell to his knees, begging me.

“Estelle, Aaron gave his life for me. I must take care of his widow. That marriage certificate is just a promise of security for Vivian. Once I’ve avenged Aaron, I’ll divorce her. The only woman I love is you.”

I forgave him.

The second time came the following year. At a press conference, Damien publicly introduced Vivian as the Mafia leader’s wife.

He pulled me aside to explain.

“Vivian is the only daughter of the Young family—the Mafia. Our two families joined forces for one reason only: to get revenge for Aaron. I’ve already made arrangements with her. Once we’ve dealt with our enemies, I’ll divorce her and marry you right away.”

Once again, I believed him.

Then came the third time. Someone drugged Damien at a banquet, and he spent the night with Vivian. He hid it from me until just two weeks ago, when I caught him at the hospital, sitting beside her during a prenatal checkup.

That was when I finally learned the truth.

He lowered his head, unable to meet my eyes, and spoke in a low voice.

“Estelle, it was an accident. Once she gives birth, I’ll send her away. My parents will raise the child, and I swear—neither of them will ever appear in your life again.”

In the name of love, Damien pushed me to compromise again and again.

Yet now I know.

There’s no future left for us.

It’s time for me to walk away.

“Damien…”

A startled cry rang out behind me. Vivian clutched her belly, her face contorted in pain.

Damien froze. Then, without hesitation, he pushed me aside and rushed to scoop her into his arms.

Caught off guard, I stumbled, slamming my shoulder into the wall. The jolt of pain brought tears to my eyes.

As he gently soothed Vivian, Damien glanced back at me, his expression tense.

“Estelle, Vivian’s condition is serious. I need to get her to the doctor. Please head home first. I’ll explain everything later!”

Without another word, he carried her into the infirmary, shouting for a doctor as he ran.

I leaned against the wall, tears spilling down my cheeks.

A life-saving debt. Her status as his publicly acknowledged wife. And now, the child growing inside her.

Damien, you were never going to let Vivian go.

How could there possibly be a future for us?

I dragged myself out of the hospital, got into the car, and slumped weakly into the seat.

The driver asked cautiously, “Madam, should I take you back to