He Chose Wrong I Chose Better (Irene and Ewing) novel Chapter 15

Ewing noticed the flicker of surprise in my eyes, but he didn't say a word.

Magnolia, on the other hand, looked insufferably pleased with herself. "Doctor, you told me last week to come in for a monthly checkup and a scan. Am I pregnant? Is the baby healthy? Is everything looking good?"

Then she turned to me, feigning innocence. "Oh my, isn't this an old friend?"

The old me would've lost my composure—if I didn't slap her, I'd have stormed right out.

But somehow, somewhere along the way, my heart had been patched up. Under Melvin's gentle care, I'd grown a new layer of armor, one that couldn't be so easily pierced by words anymore.

To my own surprise, I smiled, calm and collected. "Yes, we do go way back. Congratulations to you both, getting pregnant so quickly. After all, I took care of this man for three years. Don't expect me to bring a gift when you invite me to the baby's christening party."

Magnolia used to rely on her shamelessness, always playing good cop to Ewing's bad, making me so angry I thought I'd develop a tumor. But now, I'd built up a skin as thick as castle walls.

For a long time, I thought the opposite of love was hate. Then I thought it was indifference. Now, I realize—it's forgetting.

Once I'd let go of every last memory, I could finally say what I wanted to Ewing, with no hesitation.

Anything less, and I wouldn't be worthy of calling myself a lawyer.

A flash of malice crossed Magnolia's face, but she quickly recovered. "Of course, you'll get an invitation. If you'd been more accomplished, Ewing and I wouldn't be together now."

I shot back, voice dripping with sarcasm, "Right, just like a pair of old shoes—even if they get dirty, just give them a wash and call them 'limited edition.' Just don't let them wear out completely. Once they're done for, no amount of spin will keep them from the trash."

Magnolia finally dropped the act, slamming her palm on the table. "Who are you calling a worn-out shoe?"

I just looked at her, half amused, half bored.

Because yesterday, I'd received the investigation report.

Magnolia's divorce wasn't just "irreconcilable differences" like she claimed. She'd lived wild abroad—infidelity, even drugs. Her ex wasn't buying her excuses and was already moving things through the courts. Magnolia had practically fled back home.

Ewing, silent until now, finally spoke up. "Enough. Let's not drag this out. There are other patients waiting."

Magnolia rolled her eyes, but quickly put on her fake smile again.

But then Melvin, reading through the report, gave a knowing smile. "Ewing, looks like this baby's doing just fine—already three months along."

It was like a thunderclap in a clear sky.

Magnolia nearly leapt out of her chair. "What are you talking about?"

Melvin didn't flinch. "Ms. Mills, is there something you haven't told Ewing?"

He handed her the report.

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