The Billionaire's Ex-Wife (Her Ex-Husband's Regret) novel Chapter 2

Hold on, baby! Mommy’s here. I will do everything to protect you.

This was not how I imagined this day would end.

Somehow, when I got the news that I was pregnant, I was so overjoyed that finally, something good came out of my marriage to Kayden Steele. For the first time in three years, I do not feel alone.

But suddenly, my life takes a one-eighty. Not only did I lose my husband, but I also lost my job and my health insurance, all in the space of two hours.

I can still remember the HR Manager's apologetic smile when I signed my termination papers.

"Can... can I at least keep the insurance for another eight months?" I plead.

She shakes her head slightly and gives me a sad smile. "It's company policy, sweetheart. Once you're terminated, all benefits, including insurance, will cease."

"But... I was fired without a reason!" I argue.

"That's why you're getting severance pay," she counters. "And two months’ worth of salary. Otherwise, you walk away with nothing."

The severance pay and two months’ worth of salary won't be enough for my food, vitamins, prenatal checkups, and hospital bills when I deliver. I must find a job soon.

When I get home, and by home I mean the mansion where Kayden and I live in, Kevin, the fifty-year-old family butler meets me at the main entrance. He, too, cannot hide the pity in his gray eyes.

"This is as far as you can go. I've been told to pack all your belongings. They're all in the car now." Kevin whispers softly. "I'm just following instructions." I can almost hear the tears in his voice.

"It's okay, Kevin." I raise my chin and paste a smile on my face. That smile that I always wear like a uniform. The armor that hides my real emotions. "You've been so good to me these past three years. I will never forget that."

Kevin nods gracefully. Then he holds his arm out for me. "For the last time, Madam Steele. Let me escort you to your car."

Holding back my tears, I take his arm and let him escort me to the car that will carry me and what little belongings I have for the next chapter of my life.

As the car drives away, a wave of sadness washes over me.

I gently place my hand on my abdomen, picturing the life growing inside of me. This baby is Kayden's own flesh and blood. It deserves to live and be raised in that grand mansion. But like me, this little one has been denied Kayden's love and all the privileges that came with it.

"I'm so sorry, little angel!" I can no longer hold back my tears. "I'm so sorry!"

I don't know what I'm going to do next, or how I'm going to do it. But I know that I will never let this baby suffer. I will make sure that it will live a happy, comfortable life. I will not deny it its birthright!

Even though Kayden may not be ready to hear it now, I will make sure to tell him about our baby in the future.

He may not have been able to love me. But I'm sure he will love his own baby.

Kayden may be cold and ruthless, but I don't think he's a complete monster. There were times during our marriage that I actually felt that he was trying to make it work.

Maybe I just wasn't good enough. Or maybe we were just not meant to be.

Then suddenly, I remember what he said.

‘You see, when I was young, I vowed to marry someone…’

My heart feels like it's breaking into a million tiny pieces as if it wasn't already completely shattered. What Tara said about Kayden having someone picked up at the airport all makes sense now. I completely understand why after all these years, no matter how hard I tried to be the perfect wife, Kayden just couldn't love me.