[Bonus chapter]

  Max's POV 

I found Nelly sitting on the couch in the sitting room. Her legs were stretched out, revealing a short skirt that barely covered anything. I swallowed hard in disdain and quickly averted my gaze. All the red flags were right in front of me, but like a fool, I ignored them because of our so-called trust. I couldn't believe I was such a fool. It was all happening right under my nose.

"Hey, Max," Nelly said with a sly grin on her lips. I ignored her as I stood next to her, my arms crossed over my chest. Nelly got up from the couch and moved closer to me. Her breath hit my face and my stomach churned. I felt sick.

"Max, I came here to talk to you. I want us to work on our marriage. I know you still love me and I love you too. What happened between me and Uncle Dave was just a fling. But the feelings that I have for you are real. Leave that street kid and come back to me," Nelly pleaded, running her fingertips on my jaw. My stomach turned.

"Please, Max. Drop this divorce thing. We can be happy together. Let's forget the past like a terrible nightmare," Nelly begged.

I clenched my jaws. Should I just pretend as if nothing had happened when she had cheated on me, with my own uncle, my mom's brother?

"Max, I'm even prepared to give you a child. You can't make that street kid your wife or the mother of your children. She's not worth it. I'm far better than her," Nelly said, sounding egotistical.

I seized Nelly's hand firmly and withdrew it from my face. I took a few steps back away from her, building up the distance between us.

"For how long has this been happening?" I asked, wanting to know for my peace of mind, as Priscilla had advised.

"A month," Nelly said, looking at her fingers. I didn't think she was ashamed. It was all an act.

"Why did you cheat on me? Where did I go wrong? Didn't I do everything for you? Didn't I love you enough that you'd seek it from my own uncle? Please tell me. I want to know the mistake that I made so I can correct it and not repeat it with Priscilla," I asked, struggling to breathe as my lungs contracted. I couldn't lie. I was hurt and heartbroken.

"Max, let's just forget the past and move on. It doesn't matter why I cheated on you. What matters is that we love each other and our love is greater than all this. We'll get through this," Nelly said, and I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Should I just pretend that it never happened?

"It's over between us. I've moved on. Priscilla is my present now, along with our baby. Don't try to jeopardize my life with Priscilla. I'm letting all this go because my grandma taught me to respect women. Please allow me to respect myself and you too. Leave my house. If you need anything, call my lawyer. They'll assist you," I said, trying to sound steady and nonchalant, but my heart was hurting. I was used to being with her, and her presence was something I was used to and trusted. But she had broken my trust and hurt me deeply, and now she was talking nonsense in front of me.

"Max, please give me a chance to fix my mistakes," Nelly begged, with pleading eyes.

I knew I shouldn't fall for her trap. She was an excuse for a woman, and I should forget her and move on without her.

"If you dare to harm Priscilla ever again, I won't have any mercy on you. I promise you won't like to see the worst side of me," I said sternly, glaring at her one last time before turning around and walking away towards the kitchen. 

I decided to prepare something for Priscilla to eat; she must be hungry. Right now, I shouldn't dwell on my pain but focus on my baby. My baby was my top priority, so I had to take care of Priscilla as much as possible and ensure her happiness. I didn't want her to be in danger due to this pregnancy, nor did I want to lose my baby.

"Sir, you're hurt. What happened to your cheek?" Marietta asked as soon as I entered the kitchen. She was the helper in the house. I couldn't help but let out a bitter chuckle. Nelly hadn't even noticed the blood at the corner of my lips. Of course, she wouldn't. She only cared about money and pressure. That was all. She didn't care about me. She came here to convince me to get back together with her because her ego was hurt. That was all.

"Don't worry, I'm fine. I want to make something for Priscilla," I replied, standing at the counter.

"It's okay, Sir. I will prepare food for Mrs. Priscilla. You should be with her because she doesn't look well at all. This stage of pregnancy is crucial, especially for a young girl like her. Anything can happen, so you should be by her side all the time," Marietta said. She was right; I should be with Priscilla right now.

"Okay then, I will go. But please make her a meal as soon as possible," I said and left the kitchen to go upstairs.

I opened the door to Priscilla's room and stepped inside. She wasn't in bed, and I immediately knew she must be in the bathroom. As I walked towards the bathroom, I found it empty. Sweat started dripping from my forehead. Did she run away with my baby? My heart raced at that thought.