Chapter 32

Eric turned, blocking Jeremiah’s crazed expression. He glanced at my arm, where faint red marks had begun to show on my fair skin from Jeremiah’s tight grip. It was a shocking sight. Eric furrowed his brows. “Are you okay?”

I rubbed my arm. “I’m fine,” I said softly. As I spoke, I looked up and met his hesitant gaze. His eyes were on my belly. I froze. I knew he believed Elsa’s words and thought I was pregnant.

My lips moved slightly; I suddenly had the urge to explain. Eric and I had not slept together. If I were pregnant, he would naturally assume the baby was Jeremiah’s. Previously, Eric had said Jeremiah wasn’t suitable for me. I’d also told him I was determined to get a divorce, and he’d seemed happy. Now that a baby appeared, he probably felt disappointed. After all, he’d helped me a lot, but he probably never expected me to be so naive about love.

I wanted to explain, not only because I was afraid Eric would misunderstand me but also to prove his innocence. I couldn’t let him be unfairly labeled a homewrecker. I opened my mouth to explain, “I’m not preg-”

Before I could finish, Jeremiah interrupted. “You’re going to the hospital right now to get rid of this bastard child!” he roared. He reached out to grab my wrist. This time, I swiftly stepped back. “Are you done? I’m not pregnant!” I snapped.

Jeremiah laughed coldly. “Of course, you wouldn’t admit it.”

“It’s not up to you to decide whether I’m pregnant or not. We’ll know when you follow me to the hospital for a test.”

Jeremiah was consumed by betrayal; he didn’t believe a word I said. Any further explanation would be a waste of time while he was so agitated. “I’ve said I’m not pregnant, and I won’t go to the hospital. You can talk to me again when you’ve calmed down,” I said firmly.

It felt uncomfortable with the wet clothes sticking to my body. If I didn’t change soon, I would catch a cold. I tugged at my shirt and prepared to leave.

Jeremiah grew more emotional. “You can’t leave! Are you thinking of running away because you don’t have an explanation?” he shouted. “You’ll tell me the truth about your affair today! Get over here, you bitch!” He charged at me. I couldn’t move away; he grabbed my hair, making me gasp in pain.

A second later, I heard Jeremiah scream. I rubbed my scalp. Eric had grabbed Jeremiah’s palm and twisted it backward. Jeremiah’s face turned pale.

“How dare you put your hands on a woman? Have you no shame?” Eric reprimanded him, quickly flinging his hand away as if it were dirty. Disdain was clear on Eric’s face.

Jeremiah stumbled back, clutching his hand, glaring at Eric. “Eric, just you wait. I won’t forget this!”

Elsa ran to check on Jeremiah while Jack silently watched. He looked at me as if I had brought shame to our family. The entire time, Jack hadn’t even tried to help me, not even when Jeremiah put his hands on me. My heart sank as I gave a bitter smile. This man was beyond saving!

I grabbed Eric’s hand and pulled him away, leaving that circus behind.