Betrayed and Dumped: She Rose Stronger Than Ever novel Chapter 477

“I don’t remember us ever being that close,” Stephen said, his lips curling into a faint, mocking smile.

Joan had been ready for this moment since the day she told Rebecca. So now, faced with Stephen’s questions, she didn’t flinch or panic.

“We were,” Joan replied calmly. “You just don’t remember.”

Stephen’s eyes narrowed. “I don’t remember?”

Joan’s gaze flickered. She clutched the blanket tighter, warmth blooming across her cheeks. “Back when your grandfather forced us to break up, you stood up to him and argued until you were red in the face. That night, I went with you to the bar so you could blow off some steam. You got really drunk.”

Stephen let out a cold laugh. “You know men can’t do anything when they’re that wasted.”

Joan nodded. “Normally, but I had my ways.”

His expression turned icy. The room went completely silent.

Joan looked away, her voice softer now, touched with sadness. “I didn’t mean to hide anything from you. I only realized I was pregnant after I went abroad. When the doctor said I was already four months along, I freaked out. After everything with my dad, I was such a mess. My body wasn’t the same, my cycle was all over the place. I just thought it was stress, not pregnancy.”

“When I found out, I was terrified, but also a little happy. I almost called you to say we were having a baby. But then I remembered the way you looked at me before I left, and all those things you said. I stopped myself. I thought it was better for you not to know, better than hearing you sound cold and disgusted. So… I had the baby overseas and decided to raise him on my own.”

She paused, glancing at Stephen and giving a shaky, self-mocking smile. “It’s alright, Stephen. If you don’t want to be his dad, that’s okay. I can raise him by myself.”

Stephen’s voice came out cold and sharp. “So why did you tell Rebecca?”

Joan bit her lip. Of course. He was here for Rebecca.

“So that’s why you came today? To question me?” Her voice trembled with hurt. “I had your child, but instead of being happy, the first thing you do is ask why I told your girlfriend. Stephen, I can’t believe you!”

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify