Chapter 3

"Have you seen the online chatter? Marrying a prominent man doesn't automatically elevate your status," Cameron sneered.

"Aren't you embarrassed by your actions, especially as a woman?" she continued, her face contorting into a cruel smile that shattered her public image of a beloved icon.

"Did you know? Yoder himself revealed your marriage to the media," Cameron added smugly. "He did it to safeguard me."

To protect her, Yoder would go to any lengths, even if it meant sacrificing his wife of three years.

I responded with a cold smile, "After all this time, you're still just the other woman. Well done."

Her expression darkened and she lunged at me, but I easily deflected her attack, pushing her hand away.

Cameron's face twisted with rage, "Who do you think you are? How dare you defy me."

She grabbed a wine glass from nearby and attempted to strike me with it. Though I managed to seize the glass due to my quick reflexes, her ring cut my hand during the struggle.

I gazed at the blood trickling from the wound, then at the ring on her finger. With a jolt, I realized it was my ring.

Before departing Yoder's house, I had removed the ring and left it on the shoe rack near the door. I never imagined it would end up on her hand.

Noticing my silence, she smirked. "Why so quiet? This was always mine. You're just a thief returning what was never yours."

I couldn't help but chuckle. "You take my discarded man and possessions... Cameron, are you a dumpster?"

Her face flushed crimson. She raised her hand and slapped me hard. The metallic taste of blood filled my mouth as pain radiated across my cheek.

Before I could retaliate, a hand gripped my wrist with scorching intensity. "Zamari! What's wrong with you?"

Yoder shoved me aside forcefully, nearly causing me to collide with the table's edge. I instinctively moved to protect my unborn child.

I regained my balance and retreated to shield my baby while coldly observing Cameron, who had thrown herself into Yoder's arms, sobbing, "Yoder, don't blame her. She lashed out because she loves you so much. She didn't mean it."

Yoder glared at me. However, when he noticed my bloodied lips, he hesitated briefly before turning back to console her.

Once, there was a man who cherished me above all else. But that was long ago.

I forced myself to remain composed as I delivered my final warning, "She's wearing my ring."

Before Yoder could respond, Cameron pouted. "Yoder, can't I keep it? It's my favorite design. I've told you before."

Yoder looked at me again, his gaze icy. Seeing no weakness in my expression, his features hardened.

"Get rid of it," he said dismissively. "That ring is passé. It doesn't suit you anymore."

He pulled Cameron closer, soothing her with promises of a newer, more lavish ring. Cameron smiled triumphantly and turned to him. "Toss it out the window," she urged.

For a moment, Yoder hesitated, his eyes lingering on me. Then, under her persistent gaze, he discarded the ring.

I didn't see where the silver band landed. It no longer mattered. With that single action, our story concluded.

"Very well," I said, my voice unwavering. "The divorce papers will arrive soon. My attorney will be in touch."

I never made it to the hospital to terminate the pregnancy because Yoder discovered my condition. He appeared at my doorstep, clutching the tattered remnants of my medical report. His expression was a mix of shock and elation.

"Zamari! We're going to have a baby!" he exclaimed joyfully.

I stared at him in bewilderment, as though looking at a stranger.

Realization dawned on him and his smile faded. He shifted uncomfortably and lowered his voice. "You know how desperately my family wants a child."

His words felt like a slap. For a brief moment, I almost believed we were a loving couple again.

Yoder's mother had always been insistent, her demands for grandchildren relentless and unyielding. Whenever I encountered her, she would look down on me and remind me to "hurry up and produce an heir."