The Bullet Comments Called Me Stupid And Doomed Chapter 05

The Bullet Comments Called Me Stupid And Doomed Chapter 05

Things settled down between Julian and me after that, and for a few days, life almost felt okay again. He was his old self — attentive, sweet, texting me throughout the day just to check in.

So even knowing he didn’t love me, I couldn’t hate him. I just… couldn’t.

My plan hadn’t changed. Once he struck it rich, I’d take a divorce settlement big enough to live on for the rest of my life and walk away happy.

The days blurred together, and before I knew it, Julian was coming home. It was Saturday. I slept in late, dragged myself up, and heated up a bowl of spaghetti and meatballs. Julian had made it for me before he left — my favorite.

I’d barely lifted my fork when my stomach lurched. I bolted for the bathroom and threw up.

It took a while for the nausea to finally ease up. I’d never been pregnant before, but I wasn’t an idiot. I could do the math.

The comments had said I’d die along with my unborn child. So this was the baby they’d been talking about.

I threw on a jacket, walked to the pharmacy down the street, and bought two pregnancy tests — different brands, just to be sure. Shortly after, both tests showed two lines. No question about it. I was pregnant.

Julian and I had talked about kids a year ago. Then the bankruptcy hit, and we shelved the idea.

If I didn’t divorce Julian, the female lead was going to come for him anyway. I’d been panicking about how to hold onto my future billionaire husband with zero leverage — and now here was my leverage, right on cue.

I pressed my hand to my stomach, grinning. “Okay, baby. Mommy’s whole future is riding on you.”

Julian was the loyal, responsible type. A baby would only tie him to me tighter.

I grabbed my phone to call him, then remembered — he was already in the air. It could wait. Actually, even better — I’d make it a surprise.

By early evening, he still wasn’t home. His flight should’ve landed hours ago. I texted him asking when he’d be back.

Moments later, he texted back: [Something came up. I’ll be home late.]

I didn’t think anything of it. I put on the TV, curled up on the couch to wait, and at some point drifted off.

…

I jolted awake — no idea how much time had passed — and the first thing I saw was Julian, standing in the doorway. I scrambled off the couch and ran to him, the pregnancy test still burning in my mind.

“Babe, I—”

He didn’t move. Didn’t smile. Didn’t even look happy to see me.

His voice was flat, like he’d practiced it on the way home. “I want a divorce.”

I froze mid-step. “A divorce?!”

He nodded, perfectly calm. “Yes. I’ll have a settlement agreement drawn up for you.”

My jaw locked. “Tell me why.”

Something tightened around his mouth. “We’re not compatible. Let’s end this while we still can.”

The rage hit like a wall. “I didn’t force you to marry me! If we’re so incompatible, where was all this two years ago?!”

Julian dropped his gaze. “I’m sorry.”

I sucked in a breath, fighting to keep my voice steady. It didn’t work. “Julian. One more time. Why?”

He looked away. “I’ve met someone else.”

A laugh tore out of me — sharp, ugly, involuntary. Someone else. The female lead. Of course.

I’d known this was coming. I just didn’t think it would be this soon.

The plan had been simple: stay married until he was rich enough to give me a proper settlement. And if I was feeling really ambitious? Beat the female lead at her own game and keep him for good.

So much for that.

He’d fallen for her. He was the one asking to leave. Clinging to him now wouldn’t change anything. It wouldn’t make him stay. It would just make him hate me faster.

Better to take the deal and walk away with something.

I’d take the agreement. And I’d keep the baby. If she could steal my husband without an ounce of shame, I could keep his child without telling her. Fair was fair.