Chapter 4: The Mistress's Taunt

Brian didn’t come home all night. I left the porch light on until sunrise, watching shadows stretch across the driveway. The house felt too quiet.

This was the first time he hadn’t come home. My mind replayed every fight, every late call. I told myself I didn’t care, but the ache in my chest said otherwise. Even at his wildest, he always made it home—maybe because he was afraid I’d have nightmares and be scared alone. I remembered how he’d tuck me in, whispering, “I’m here, not going anywhere.”

When I woke at noon, a nosebleed startled me. The coppery taste filled my mouth, and I watched a drop stain the white bathroom sink—like a crime scene in miniature. Panic rushed in. I drove myself to the hospital, barely remembering the route. The waiting room buzzed with strangers and scrolling phones. I curled up, willing myself not to cry. I imagined myself as a tragic romance heroine, dying before the guy could ever regret it. But I didn’t want to die—I wanted to live to a hundred, with enough money to last eight lifetimes.

In the hospital’s private lounge, I scrolled TikTok, waiting for results. Puppies, recipes, makeup tutorials—it was all white noise. Then Jenny Marks waltzed in, steps loud on the linoleum, the smell of expensive shampoo trailing her. “What a coincidence,” she said, slipping out of her coat with a dramatic flourish, hickey blaring on her neck.

I ignored her, scrolling faster, heart pounding. She sat across from me, dropped her test results in my lap. “I’m pregnant.” Her chin lifted, eyes sparkling with pride.

“Huh? Is it mine?” I feigned panic, raising an eyebrow. She rolled her eyes. “Are you crazy? Of course it’s Brian’s.”

“Oh.” I handed the folder back. “Then go tell him.”

I’d thought Brian’s baby talk was just for his parents, but apparently, someone really did get pregnant by him. The irony stung.

Jenny smirked: “Brian didn’t come home last night, right? He was with me. I made him peel shrimp for me, and he left you to come find me. We went from dusk till dawn, again and again. He said he never knew how good it could be until me.”

She sounded like a mean girl bragging in the girls’ room between classes—loud, petty, desperate for an audience.

I touched my nose, the gesture automatic. How was this different from blasting porn in public? “Keep your voice down. Is this really something to brag about? Weren’t you the one who hated homewreckers? Now you’re proud to be the other woman? You really believe what guys say in bed? You’re not the first, and you won’t be the last.”

She didn’t care. “Madison, we’re both well-educated. Please respect Brian’s feelings. He doesn’t love you. You’re old and washed up. Only Brian and I are true love.”

I laughed, letting it roll out cold. “What kind of education teaches people to have no shame? Feelings worth respecting are human feelings, not animal instincts. If a man keeps you as a pet, do you really think you’re special? If he loves you, why doesn’t he divorce and marry you? Don’t be so naïve.”

Her voice rose, shrill. “Madison, don’t think I don’t know. You’re just using Brian’s guilt to keep him. There’s no love between you. Every time he touches you, he’s forcing himself. He thinks you’re dirty.”

“Brian told you all this?” My heart sank, body trembling. The world tilted, her words heavy as stones. Old memories flashed—humiliation, shame. My blood boiled. She looked at my reaction, proud. “Yeah, Brian even showed me the video. Every time we’re in bed, we use your video as background noise. He says when he sees you in pajamas, he feels sick. Just so you wouldn’t be embarrassed, he just...”

My hands shook so hard I almost dropped my phone. For a split second, I saw my own reflection in the dark glass—wild-eyed, unrecognizable. The urge to hurt her was overwhelming. Before I knew it, I slapped her, the sound echoing in the lounge. She shrieked, covering her face, then screamed, “You dare hit me? I’ll tell Brian...”

The world blurred; everything narrowed to rage. “Go to hell, just go to hell.” I lunged, hands wrapping around her throat. Her skin was warm, pulse fluttering. She clawed at my wrists, but I didn’t let go. Only when her breath weakened did I finally release her, my hands shaking, the nurse bursting in, shouting. The world felt like it was tilting off its axis.