Chapter 5

"This is something Ethan told you himself?" The doctor had said Emma should avoid strong coffee—it was bad for her heart. But honestly, she couldn’t think of anything that hit the spot better than an Americano right now—bitter and a lil’ sour. Just like how she felt. "Yeah, Ethan and I have been together for a long time. We went to the same college—he was that top senior everyone looked up to. I know him way better than you do. He trusts me, cares about me... tells me everything—" "Everything?" Emma let out a dry laugh. "Then how come you seem completely clueless about what I signed yesterday? Guess if he really told you everything, you wouldn’t be here right now, would you?" "What are you talking about?" Clara’s expression stiffened. "Miss Mitchell," Emma stood up, still smiling, "I know Ethan doesn’t love me—I’m not delusional. But we’ve been married for three years. I may not know him inside out, but I’m pretty sure he’s not really into women like you. If he still cares about you, you better hold onto that tight. Don’t go around pulling these dumb stunts that’ll make him question if he ever had good taste in the first place. He’s ridiculously proud and hates losing face, you know." "Thanks for the lecture, Mrs. Brooks—or should I say, Miss Carter now?" Clara’s face tinted pink. She snapped her fingers at the waiter, pulled out a bill, and pointed at her coffee. "This is for mine. The rest is your tip." With a smug little glance at Emma, she added, "Just so we’re clear, I never said I was treating you. Split the bill, babe. Oh, and don’t bother—looks like you didn’t even bring your wallet." Unfazed, Emma simply turned to the waiter and nodded. "Can you get Jason for me, please?" A moment later, a man in a suit appeared and greeted her. "Mrs. Brooks, how can I help?" "Effective immediately," she said with a smile, walking over to Clara, "cancel the free parking perk for everyone except platinum members." Then she gently pushed the bill Clara had just handed over back at her. "Keep that cash, Miss Mitchell. You’ll need it. The parking rate’s fifty dollars an hour. Shocking, huh? I actually invested in this café before I even got married. Ethan doesn’t have a share in it—so neither do you." With that, Emma turned to leave. "You!" Clara stormed after her, grabbing her arm. "Hold on! What are you so smug about? I’m not done! You want me to call Ethan right now? One word from me and he’ll—" "Miss Mitchell, that’s enough," Emma said while brushing her off. She didn't want drama—but unfortunately, the push sent Clara stumbling. Her heel twisted on the floor, and with a loud thud, she crashed onto the floor. "Hey! Are you okay?" Emma hadn’t intended things to go this far. "It hurts... oh God, it hurts!" Clara clutched her belly, tears instantly streaming down her face. She trembled against the table edge, her pale dress quickly soaking through with a spreading patch of red. "The baby... it’s Ethan’s baby..." Emma: "!!!"