Chapter 3 How Can You Be So Shameless?

• Rachel's POV:
• Seeing that pregnancy test report felt like a harsh slap in the face, tearing down the illusions I had nurtured over the past three years.
• The stark reality of it all crashed down on me, as if saying, Rachel Gray, you think this woman is shameless and appalling? Remember, you used similar tactics to get Dean—using a baby to pressure him. Now someone's just doing the same to you.
• Jane was livid. "It's not the same at all! When you married Dean, he was single. But Cynthia knew you were married to him and still just barged in. She's nothing but a nasty homewrecker!"
• "It doesn't really matter. In the end, it's all the same." I settled back on the couch, speaking slowly. "Honestly, for the past three years of marriage to Dean, I've barely slept a wink. He was coerced into marrying me, and now that we're getting a divorce, it's for the best. I owe him nothing."
• Jane spent another half hour furiously venting about Dean and Cynthia, her tirade eventually lulling me to sleep with its rhythmic cadence.
• When she noticed I was about to doze off, she guided me to the bedroom. "You should stay with me from now on. My boyfriend's away, and the house is so big that it feels a bit eerie to be alone."
• I yawned lazily and nodded. "Goodnight."
• The following afternoon, I sent the divorce papers to Dean's office and then waited at home for his response.
• Days went by without a word from Dean. My messages seemed to disappear without a trace.
• On the first day, I wrote, "Did you get the divorce papers? I've signed them. When you have a moment, let me know so we can finalize everything at the courthouse."
• I was polite and considerate, gently reminding him.
• On the second day, it was, "Hello? Did you see my message? Are there any issues with the divorce papers?"
• I was careful and probing, seeking confirmation.
• On the third day, it became, "Mr. Murray, I understand you're busy, but could you please find some time to handle our divorce?"
• I was reserved and persistent.
• On the fourth day, I snapped. "Dean, are you serious? Dragging out a divorce like this? If you really don't want to see me, just finalize the paperwork and we'll be done with each other. Thanks."
• I was out of patience, no longer willing to wait.
• On the fifth day ...
• "Your message cannot be sent as the other party has blocked your number."
• Seriously?
• That jerk.
• I immediately put down my phone and headed to Twilight Lounge.
• But my luck seemed to be running out. Instead of finding Dean, I ran into his next wife—Cynthia.
• Surrounded by a group of friends, Cynthia strutted toward the door. When she spotted me, she gave a dismissive smirk and, with a sarcastic edge in her voice, approached me in her high heels. "Still here trying to find Dean? Haven't you given up yet?"
• I gave her a frosty look and said nothing.
• Encouraged by my silence, Cynthia pressed on. "How can you be so shameless? I told you I'm pregnant, and you're still clinging to being Mrs. Murray. Don't you see how pathetic and desperate you look?"
• "Is that so? No matter how unattractive I might be, I doubt I'm worse than a homewrecker like you."
• I taunted Cynthia, who looked bewildered for a moment as she processed my words. Her face then flushed with anger, and she raised her hand, aiming to slap me.
• Swiftly, I seized her wrist and, without a second thought, slapped her hard across the face. "I ignored you before because it takes a certain skill to end up pregnant by Dean. But that doesn't mean you can keep flaunting your pregnancy in front of me. Do you think you're better now that you're a mistress?"
• My action drew the attention of many bystanders.
• Cynthia's face went through shades of white and red. She tried to wrench her hand away, but I held firm. "Don't you dare lie! I'm not the third wheel. It's you who clings desperately to the Mrs. Murray title. Dean is repulsed by you!"
• "Don't you think your reasoning is flawed? No matter how disgraceful I might seem, I'm still Dean's legal wife. And thanks for giving me proof of his infidelity. The baby you're carrying is evidence of his affair. Do you really believe I can't take legal action against both of you? I can ensure he ends up with nothing. Want to test me?"
• Cynthia's eyes widened in disbelief. "You wouldn't dare … "
• "You can try."
• Though it was the middle of summer, the voice that came from behind me felt as if it had been dipped in the icy depths of winter, sending a shiver down my spine.
• I froze, my grip on Cynthia's wrist loosening.