Abandoned by All I Took It All Back novel Chapter 22

"Come back with me tomorrow, and I'll agree to any condition you have."

Julius propped himself up on his elbow, trapping Janina between his arms. His eyes were dark and intense, making him look like a hurt child.

There had been countless times when Janina had lost herself in those deep, mesmerizing eyes. A single tender look from him was all it took for her to give him everything.

The pale yellow light from outside mingled with the darkness, tracing the sharp lines of his handsome face, but she felt nothing anymore.

This must be what it felt like for a heart to die.

Janina pushed him away, shifted further to the other side of the bed, and turned her back to him.

"Fine. My condition is a divorce. I expect you to keep your promise."

If Old Mr. Aurelius hadn't specifically requested that Julius bring Janina to the family estate, he probably wouldn't have come home tonight at all.

But whatever the reason - if going with him meant he'd finally sign the divorce papers, then it was worth it.

The next day, Julius was dressed in a custom-tailored black suit, the fine fabric perfectly fitted to his tall, lean frame. He looked exquisite.

He had been in a good mood, but it soured the moment he saw the empty dining room.

Janina hadn't made breakfast.

Before their marriage, a live-in housekeeper had always taken care of Julius's daily needs. After they wed, Janina took over those duties.

Every day, she would cook and wait for him to come home. Even though he was absent for a third of those meals, she was still happy.

He was the man she would spend her life with, working hard to build a better future for them. How could she blame him for not being with her?

Even though Julius was always so distant, Janina had been the one putting in the effort all along.

"Hello, Grandfather. This is from Julius and me. Happy birthday, and many happy returns."

The old man smiled warmly as a maid took the gift. "How thoughtful of you. You and Julius should visit the estate more often."

Janina offered a polite smile but didn't reply. She knew it was just something he had to say.

Beside him, Old Mrs. Aurelius looked at Janina, the smile fading from her eyes. "It's been almost three years since you two married, hasn't it?" she asked coolly.

Janina paused, calculating in her head. Two years and ten months, to be exact. So, yes, almost three years.

"Yes," she replied with a nod.

"Three years, and still no sign of a baby. You ought to have Julius take you to see a doctor soon, find out what's going on. If there's something wrong on your end, better to treat it early. I'm still waiting to hold my great-grandchild, you know."

Old Mrs. Aurelius's gaze drifted pointedly toward Janina's stomach, her words thinly veiling the accusation that the problem lay with her.