"My mom is right. Besides, Ivan has been chasing after me for ten years, practically worshipping the ground I walk on."
"Asking him to give up marrying me would be no different from asking him to die. Just relax. I've got your back."
Their laughter pierced my chest like a blade of icy wind. I lowered my eyes, let out a self-mocking smile, and dialed my father's number.
"Dad, cancel Rachel's promotion for now," I said calmly. "I want to marry someone else."
——
When I pushed aside the screen and stepped in, Rachel was nestled in Tyler's arms. They were holding an ultrasound photo, chatting happily about who the baby would resemble in the future.
The moment I appeared, everyone's expressions soured, as if they'd just seen something filthy.
A flicker of panic crossed Rachel's eyes. She was about to pull away from Tyler, but he tightened his arm around her waist and led her toward me instead.
"Ivan, you came at the perfect time," he said, speaking first.
"I'll explain this for Rachel, so you don't blow things out of proportion."
"You know I don't plan on getting married. But my parents only want one thing in this life—a grandchild. That's why Rachel agreed to have the baby for me."