He Never Knew I Was Carrying His Child Chapter 08
The groom smiled at Ava. “And one more thing. I never want you to wonder whether you’re bothering me. If something makes you laugh, I want to hear about it. If something scares you, I want to know that too. I don’t care how small it is. I want to be the first person you think of.”
The room erupted into applause.
Across the crowd, I saw Damian.
He stood quietly near the back of the ballroom, staring at the couple.
Then, almost as if he felt me looking, he turned.
Our eyes met.
Once, a single glance like that had been enough to make my heart race.
Now, I felt nothing at all.
After the ceremony, I changed out of my bridesmaid’s dress before joining everyone for dinner.
Some last–minute seating changes had been made. My place card had disappeared.
A little flower girl took my hand. “I think you’re over here.”
She led me to a table tucked into the corner.
Mostly children, and one very confused–looking adult.
He looked up. Silver–blond hair. An expensive tailored suit. Wire–frame glasses.
He looked more like he’d stepped out of a fashion campaign than a family wedding.
We stared at each other.
“You…” He sighed. “My mother’s cousin’s family invited yours too?”
I laughed. “It’s a small world.”
Liam adjusted his glasses. “I only came because my mother refused to stop asking when I was getting married. So I figured showing up alone was easier than arguing.”
“That’s surprisingly relatable.” I hesitated.
“So, is there still any chance of earning that fake–date bonus?”
A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. “Too late. My mother already gave me the lecture.”
I couldn’t hide my disappointment.
He chuckled. “But don’t worry. There will definitely be another family wedding. My relatives treat marriage like a competitive sport.”
I laughed.
For the next hour, we talked about everything.
Terrible bosses. Embarrassing childhood stories.
His cat’s habit of sleeping on top of kitchen cabinets.
The best late–night takeout in London.
I hadn’t expected my intimidating boss to be so easy to talk to.
After the reception, I’d planned to end things with Damian once and for all.
Instead, a sharp pain twisted through my abdomen.
Everything happened so fast.
By the time I opened my eyes again, I was in a hospital room.
The doctor explained that the minor procedure I’d postponed, combined with weeks of stress, moving across countries, and barely sleeping, had triggered complications.
Fortunately, everything had gone well.
When I woke, Damian was sitting beside my bed.
A paper cup of coffee had gone cold on the table beside him. He had clearly been there for hours.
Months ago, this would’ve been enough to make me believe everything could still be fixed. That if I waited long enough, He would eventually choose me.
Now, it only made me tired.
When he noticed I was awake, he immediately stood up and poured me a glass of water.
I turned my head away. “Thank you. I can manage.”
His hand froze. “Elena, I’m your boyfriend. You don’t have to be so formal.”
I looked at him.
I was about to remind him that I’d already ended our relationship.
Before I could speak, he said quietly,
“I don’t accept that.”
I let out a slow breath.
To Damian, the breakup had come out of nowhere.
To me, it had started long before I ever said the words.
It had begun with every disappointment, every promise he forgot and every time he chose someone else.
There was nothing left to argue about.
Just then, a soft voice came from the doorway.
“Damian, I’ve been looking everywhere for you.”
Clara stood outside the room, clutching a folder against her chest.
“I don’t know how to handle tomorrow night’s family dinner. Can you come with me?”
