Chapter 3
Lesley’s POV The second I hit “post,” my notifications blew up with likes and comments. Not a single one came from Trenton’s friends, though. They were probably busy calling him to congratulate him on finally being “free.” In no time, my phone was ringing nonstop, calls from my parents, his parents, and even Trenton himself. I ignored all the calls, only sending a quick text to my parents: “I’m coming home today. We’ll talk when I get there.” Packing took no time at all. As I was about to leave, Trenton’s car pulled into the driveway. He stormed out, fury written all over his face. “Lesley, what the hell is this? You abort our baby over a sperm donation that I did? Why didn’t you tell me you were pregnant?” he demanded. His accusations made me nauseous, but there was no point in arguing with him anymore. Ignoring his rage, I lifted my suitcase and started toward the door. He grabbed me roughly by the arm. “Is this some kind of sick joke? I already told you, once she has the baby, I’m done with her. I’m doing this for you! Why are you pushing me?” His words echoed in my head. I couldn’t hold back any longer and slapped him, hard. “Don’t ruin your ‘pure’ love just for me,” I sneered. “Chris was right, you should just follow your heart.” “What do you need with a jealous wife like me? Go find someone more understanding.” I spat “The divorce papers are on their way. Make sure to sign them.” With a final shake of my arm, I pulled free, opened the door, and walked out without looking back. Behind me, his shouting continued: “You’ll regret this, Lesley! You’re making a huge mistake!” But I had no regrets. If anything, I was grateful. I was finally free. At my parents’ house, I barely got through the door before my mom wrapped me in a tight hug, her eyes red and swollen. She must have been crying. My dad, stoic as ever, asked, “What happened, Lesley?” I didn’t hold anything back, I told them everything. The lies, the “sperm donor” arrangement, and my decision to end the pregnancy. My mother cried harder, pulling me even closer, while my father just sighed, looking as if he’d aged ten years in that moment. “You did the right thing, sweetheart,” he finally said, his voice quiet but firm. “He was never good enough for you.” I choked back a sob, finally letting the pain out as I buried my face in my mom’s shoulder. For years, my parents had tried to warn me that Trenton didn’t truly love me. But I’d been stubborn, convinced I could make him love me if I tried hard enough. It had taken me seven years to get him to even consider a relationship, and I thought that meant something. But now, after ten wasted years, I knew that some things just couldn’t be forced. I waited days, weeks even, for Trenton to sign the divorce papers. He’d ignored every message, every call from my lawyer. It wasn’t until I threatened legal action that he finally, begrudgingly, agreed to meet. He messaged me, “I’ll pick you up tomorrow. And I’ll make sure Chris and the others apologize, too. We’ll clear this whole mess up.” I responded simply, “Bring Sophie.” I wanted them both there. If he thought I was just going to forgive him, he was wrong. The next day, Trenton pulled up in front of my parents’ house, and, as expected, Sophie was seated smugly in the passenger seat. “Sorry, Lesley, I get car sick in the back,” she said sweetly, with a slight smirk. “No problem,” I replied, smiling. Before, her words would have stung, but now, neither she nor Trenton could get a rise out of me. We arrived at the restaurant where Trenton’s friends were already waiting. Chris was the first to approach me, feigning warmth as he led me to a seat beside him. “Come on, Les, sit here so I can properly apologize,” he said, his tone carrying more arrogance than remorse. Once everyone was seated, Chris poured a drink, raised it toward me, and, after downing it, looked at me with his signature smirk. “Les, I’m sorry I said what I did. I just want the best for my best friend, you know?” I gave him a tight smile, but my patience was already thinning. One by one, the others mumbled apologies, each sounding less sincere than the last. Trenton tried to play the peacemaker, urging everyone to move on and enjoy dinner. But before anyone could start eating, Sophie raised her glass of juice, standing to face me. “Les, I owe you an apology, too,” she said, her voice syrupy. “I’m so sorry that my connection with Trenton caused you pain. But, you know, he’s just always had a special place in his heart for me. I hope you understand.” Trenton quickly hushed her. “Sophie, you don’t have to apologize. This is my fault.” He then looked at me, his face solemn. “I’m sorry, Lesley. I handled this all wrong.” “Good,” I replied. “Now, I have someone else who needs to hear these apologies.” At my words, the doors opened, and Sophie’s husband, Eric, strode in, looking grim. Everyone was shocked.