Rejected by my Husband novel Chapter 19

(Third Person point of view)

The room was quiet except for the faint sound of a zipper sliding closed. Karline’s hands trembled slightly as she chained the suitcase shut.

She had packed only a few clothes for herself and Ethan, barely the essentials. The rest of her belongings, even the ones closest to her heart, were left behind.

On the bed, Ethan slept peacefully, his little chest rising and falling, his lips pursed in an innocent dream.

The door creaked open.

Reid stood there, his tall frame shadowing the room. His eyes were bloodshot, his tie loosened, the weight of a sleepless night written on his face. He stepped inside slowly, his voice low, almost hoarse.

“You’re not recovered fully, Karline,” he said, his gaze fixed on her fragile figure. “Stay a few more weeks. Then you can leave.”

Her hands stilled on the suitcase handle. She didn’t look at him, didn’t falter. “No need,” she replied coldly, her voice stripped of any softness.

The words cut deeper than she knew.

Reid’s eyes shifted to the crib, where Ethan lay sleeping with his tiny fists curled by his face. He walked closer, silently, as though afraid his presence alone might disturb the child. For the first time, he truly looked at him, so close, so defenseless, so heartbreakingly pure.

Something in Reid’s chest twisted violently. He clenched his jaw and tore his gaze away, forcing his eyes instead to the wardrobe.

It was then he noticed. The closet was still half full. Dresses he had bought for her hung neatly, untouched. The jewelry he had gifted her over the years...anniversaries, birthdays, moments he thought were happy, remained in their velvet boxes. Even the gowns she had once called her favorites.

“You didn’t pack them,” he said, his voice heavier now. “They’re yours. You should take them.”

She finally turned, her eyes rimmed with redness, her face pale yet strong. “No need,” she repeated firmly. “They’re not mine.”

Reid’s brows furrowed, his chest rising sharply. “What are you saying? I bought them for you.”

Her lips curved into a bitter smile, her eyes stinging as they locked on his. “Then maybe you should give them to Natalie. You gave her dresses too, didn’t you?”

The jab landed, but Reid chose silence. His jaw tightened, his gaze falling to the floor. He couldn’t deny it. Not when the truth was carved so deep between them already.

He cleared his throat instead, masking the sting with a cold voice. “At least… at least inform Ethan’s father. He deserves to know.”

Karline froze, fury flashing in her eyes, but her voice came calm, sharp as ice. “That’s none of your business now. About me, or my son.” She lifted Ethan gently from the crib, cradling him in her arms. Her lips brushed his hair as her next words came out in a whisper laced with finality. “You are not one to him. Or to me. Not anymore.”

Reid’s chest constricted painfully, but his face remained unreadable. His fists curled at his sides, nails biting into his skin, yet he said nothing.

There was a light knock on the door. “Madam?” The driver’s voice came softly.

Karline turned her head. “Come in.”

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