Maybe 3

I didn’t say a word to defend myself against Cassian’s accusations. 

In the past, I would’ve been crying and begging for forgiveness by now. 

Not anymore. Not ever again. 

After a long silence, Cassian looked confused by my coldness. 

He couldn’t figure out why I wasn’t breaking down like usual. 

“You done? I’m tired.” 

I turned and walked back to the bedroom. No explanations, no drama, no fear of anyone leaving. 

That night, Cassian slipped into bed and pulled me close. 

“Aurora, I’m exhausted, okay? Just… be good and stop picking fights with Melody. Our wedding’s in a month, and I’ll give you everything I promised, alright?” 

He buried his face in my hair, his hand gently rubbing my belly. 

“Mm–hmm.” 

My voice was dead flat. 

I don’t want the wedding. I don’t want the baby. I don’t want anything that has to do with you anymore. 

Keep your fucking promises yourself. 

The next day, Cassian dragged me and Melody to hang out with his friends. 

He said I’d be “more comfortable in the back seat. 

I closed my eyes and listened to him and Melody laugh and flirt in the front. 

All their inside jokes, their shared history. None of it included me. 

At the bar, it was the usual crowd–Cassian’s asshole buddies. 

23.50 

Ten Years of Mo Pin 

Chapter 3 

All of them were Team Melody. 

“Damn, the wife and the mistress, side by side like besties! Man, talk about living the dream!” His 

buddy teased. 

“Oh my god, don’t say that! Aurora’s carrying his baby–I could never compete with that! Cassian and I are just friends!” 

Melody covered her face, all fake–bashful. 

“Cut it out, guys.” 

Cassian barely tried to shut them down. 

“Aurora, sit here.” 

He pulled out my chair, then immediately did the same for Melody.. 

When the server started pouring drinks, Cassian grabbed his wrist before he could fill Melody’s glass. 

“Skip her–she gets all red and gross when she drinks.” 

I stared at my own glass, already filled to the top, and almost laughed. 

Didn’t give a damn to his pregrent fiancée, but another woman. Guess Cassian did love her. 

Someone suggested playing spin the bottle with truth or dare. 

First spin landed on Melody. 

They dared her to play the pocky game with someone. 

She covered her face like she was so embarrassed, then pointed at Cassian all shy. 

“Cassian, would you… help me out?” 

He glanced at me, saw my blank expression and shrugged. 

“Yeah, whatever.” 

Everyone lost their minds cheering as their faces got closer and closer. 

The whole table went crazy while I just sat there quietly rub my belly. 

23:50 

Ten Years of My First Love’e Mauba 

Chapter 3 

Like everyone forgot I was supposed to be Kevin’s fiancée. 

After they finished the cookie, Cassian’s ears were bright red. 

“Bro, it’s honestly tragic you two never hooked up. I always thought you’d end up together–you’re like, soulmates or whatever. Plus all that crazy shit you used to do for Melody in college? Good 

times.” 

Cassian shot him a warning look and the guy finally shut up. 

Then he grabbed my hand. 

“Aurora, they’re just messing around. Don’t take it seriously.” 

I smiled at him like I couldn’t care less. 

“It’s fine. Doesn’t bother me.” 

Cassian looked satisfied with my reaction. 

Then the bottle spun again. 

This time it pointed at me. 

I looked around the table. They all had this excited, predatory look. 

“Ooh, how about pregnant mama does her best kangaroo impression? She’s already got the pouch going, and that hair’s looking pretty wild–just hop around a bit!” 

I looked straight at Cassian, 

He didn’t stop them or think there was anything wrong with his friends humiliating his pregnant flancée. 

He was totally used to it. 

Because this wasn’t the first time anyway. 

I used to think taking their dirty shit was my ticket into his world. 

It took me way too long to realize some circles aren’t worth joining–especially when they make it crystal clear you’re not wanted. 

23:51 

Ten Years of Mu Pirat Imali 

Chapter 4