Chapter 3 Pregnant

Before Nancy could even sort out her thoughts, a sharp voice cut through the air. She turned and found Evelyn standing right behind her, eyes gleaming with triumph and provocation. Not wanting to waste another second on them, Nancy turned to leave, but Evelyn blocked her path. "Nancy, Hansel and I are getting married. Don't you think you should give us your blessing?" She waved the massive diamond ring on her finger right in front of Nancy's face. "Once we're married, we'll be a legitimate couple. Stop thinking you can use those videos to threaten us. From now on, Hansel and I will live happily ever after, while you'll just be a bitter, abandoned has-been." Nancy stared at Evelyn's smug expression, finding her both irritating and revolting. She actually had the urge to tear Evelyn apart. Tilting her chin, she leaned in close and asked, "Do you remember what I told you when I divorced him?" Evelyn burst out laughing. "That I should stay out of your sight? Well, I'm right here. Not only that, I'll make sure Hansel and I flaunt our love in front of you. What can you possibly do about it?" Nancy clicked her tongue. Evelyn thought she had struck a nerve, but to her surprise, Nancy didn't flare up. Instead, she gave a meaningful smile that instantly made Evelyn uneasy. Sure enough, she heard Nancy say, "Are all mistresses this brazen nowadays? You're flaunting the money my husband and I earned during our marriage right in front of me. "What do you all think? Should I take it back?" The hospital was bustling with people, including reporters staking out celebrities. Unfortunately for Evelyn, she was currently a rising star with a "sweet and innocent" public persona. In an instant, everyone turned to look at her. Panic flashed in her eyes, but years of acting kicked her instincts into overdrive. The next moment, she bit her lip in feigned hurt. "Ms. Sullivan, what are you talking about? Hansel and I have been together for years. If anyone's the third party here, it's you, isn't it?" Nancy let out a scoff. "This is the first time I've heard of a legally wedded wife being called the third party. Impressive, Ms. York. And about you two being together for years—that's even stranger. Last I recall, right after Hansel injured his legs, you took off abroad the very next day." She flashed a bright smile at the reporters. "If anyone's curious, you can dig a little deeper. You might be surprised at what you find." The crowd began murmuring and casting judgmental glances at Evelyn, and the cameras clicked relentlessly. Evelyn's stomach knotted, but to keep her fragile act intact, she didn't dare lash out. Instead, with red eyes, she reached for Nancy's arm. "Ms. Sullivan, you've misunderstood me. Let's find somewhere private to talk, okay?" "You think you deserve to talk to me?" Nancy scoffed, yanking her arm free from Evelyn's grasp, like she wanted nothing more than to wipe it clean with a wet wipe. But she had underestimated Evelyn's viciousness. With a dramatic thud, Evelyn threw herself to the ground, clutching her stomach and screaming loud enough to make heads turn. "My baby!" Nancy froze. She was shocked to hear that Evelyn was pregnant. A wave of bitter frustration rose in her chest. She remembered the past five years—how she had swallowed countless tonics forced on her by Hansel's mother, Adelyn Stone, all in hopes of getting pregnant, and how she faced constant humiliation and obstacles from the Graham family. And through it all, Hansel never once touched her. So what good had all that suffering done? Nancy glanced wearily at Evelyn, who was thrashing and crying on the floor. She was accusing Nancy of breaking up her relationship with Hansel and claiming that Nancy wanted to harm their child out of jealousy. Exhausted, but unwilling to let anything happen to the baby, Nancy instinctively turned to call for a doctor. "Get away from her!" The furious roar came with a violent shove. She staggered back and slammed into a pillar. Pain exploded in the back of her head, leaving a swollen lump. "Nancy, how could you be so cruel? How could you go after Evelyn and my child?" Hansel burst through the crowd, scooped Evelyn into his arms, and pointed at Nancy as he yelled. "Hansel, it hurts," Evelyn whimpered against his chest, holding her stomach in mock agony. However, the look she shot Nancy was pure mockery, laced with challenge. In an instant, Nancy realized she had been played, and her expression turned icy cold. She stepped forward, grabbed Evelyn's wrist, and narrowed her eyes. "Are you sure you're actually pregnant?"