Karma's Ultimate Payback My Success, Their Downfall novel Chapter 41

The room fell into a stunned silence.

Leo frowned, rubbing his temples in frustration “Don’t joke about this.”

Joke? I looked at the handsome man before me, my heart filled with bitterness. I had been his secretary for five years and knew his every move. I remembered the passion of that drunken night, the sincerity in his proposal, and his smile when our child was born in my. past life. All those memories had once convinced me that there was some affection in our marriage–until Melody’s appearance shattered that illusion.

My eyes reddened, sadness flooding my entire being. Driven by a sudden, reckless impulse, I asked, “Leo, did you know… I love you?”

Leo froze, his gaze locked on my tear–filled eyes After a long pause, he looked away, saying flatly, “If I had known, I,wouldn’t have married you.”

It felt as if someone had hollowed out my chest, leaving only searing pain.

Though I had expected this answer, I could no longer maintain my composure, and a tear slipped from my eye.

The room tilted on its axis. Leo’s cologne–that damned cedarwood scent he’d worn since our honeymoon–clung to my throat like drowning hands. I wondered if this was how our daughter felt when the amniotic fluid filled her tiny lungs in that cursed delivery room.

Leo’s heart skipped a beat as he watched me. The unfamiliar feeling made him want to turn away. “I have things to do. You should rest,” he said, turning to leave.

As he reached the door, I stepped forward, grabbing his arm, desperate for an answer. “Tell me, when you proposed to me, did you truly feel nothing for me?”

Leo looked down, ignoring my grip as he pulled his arm away. “You’re still pregnant. Think carefully about the divorce.” With that, he walked out of the house.

The clock ticked closer to midnight.

Chapter

I sat alone at the table, unmoving.

My phone rang repeatedly until I finally lifted it seeing my mother Emma’s name on the screen. I closed my eyes, hesitated, and answered.

“Laura, your brother is getting married soon, and the Yuxuan Garden community is a nice spot. Tell Mr. Reed to send more money!” Emmas entitled tone left me too drained to even

feel angry.

I replied quietly. “There’s no money.”

“What do you mean no money? Laura, just because you married into a rich family, don’t think you’re above us. One day, you’ll need your brother’s support…”

“I won’t give you anything. We’re getting divorced, and everything you took before- you should give it all back.” I cut my mother off.

“What?! What’s going on? Did Leo find a mistress?” Emma’s shocked voice soon shifted, her tone turning scornful. “All rich men are like that You’re so useless- already pregnant and still can’t keep a man! Get as much money as you can before the baby is born. That’s all that

matters!”

The next day, as soon as I arrived at work, I felt the weight of curious stares. Faint whispers

floated around me..

Melody’s smile deepened with an unreadable glint in her eyes. “Alright, Laura.” She then turned and breezed into Leo’s office.