Chapter 2
Because I was that designer. This runway show was actually a kickoff event for my husband Hudson’s business venture. So d booked several high–profile models, but I was certain Harper wasn’t on the list I’d reviewed earlier.
In a flash, I remembered. One model had an emergency, and Harper was the last–minute replacement.
But at this hour… I raised my eyes, keeping my voice neutral. “Shouldn’t you be backstage getting ready by now?
Harper’s smile froze, as if offended by my tone.
“Don’t act like you know anything. How would you know better than me? It’s still plenty early!”
I frowned slightly. With such an unprofessional attitude, no wonder her career hadn’t gone anywhere all these years.
Seeing me standing alone, Harper suddenly linked her arm through James’s, pouting playfully.
“This yacht isn’t exactly easy
get onto.”
“I’ve heard some women sneak in with scalped tickets, hoping to catch rich husbands.”
Heard of that, James looked at me with a complicated expression, his eyes lingering on my dress.
“Claire, you can’t possibly afford clothes like that. Did you rent it? Or borrow it?”
After said that, he pulled out a card and held it out to me.
“There’s $200,000 on this. You’re still my son’s mother–I can’t watch you struggle like this.”
“I thought you left me so decisively because you’d found someone better. Instead, you’re…”
His voice trailed off with condescending pity.
Harper covered her mouth and laughed. “Maybe it’s a knockoff? Don’t be embarrassed, Claire. This money is nothing to us, but it should help you avoid… well, this.”
Just as she finished speaking, a young woman’s voice cut in.
“That’s definitely not a knockoff. The craftsmanship and materials are unmistakable. It’s the latest design from the famous designer Skye Bridge, and nearly impossible to get.”
Harper’s face tensed. She turned around, ready to snap, then recognized her old acquaintance, Natalie.
Natalie hugged her excitedly. “Darling! What a surprise! How have you been? After your pregnancy, you just disappeared.”
She glanced at Tyler, looking confused. “Is this your son? The ages doesn’t seem right…”
Harper’s expression tightened, forcing a bitter smile.
“There were… complications. I lost the baby.”
14:36
Trash Husband, Billionaire Upgrade: Dumping the Fake for Real Love
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Chapter 2
I was surprised, yet not entirely shocked.
James had low sperm count, but I’d never told him to protect his ego. That year, I’d endured countless hormone shots to maintain my pregnancy, even suffering a major hemorrhage that nearly cost me the baby.
Yet instead of comforting me, James had constantly criticized me during my postpartum recovery. I cried for three days straight until my vision temporarily blurred, scaring me into stopping,
The past felt like a dirty, tattered rag. I sighed silently, pushing the memories away.
Natalie laughed awkwardly, offered some perfunctory comfort, and walked away.
I checked the time, ready to leave too.
Suddenly, Harper grabbed my arm, her nails digging into my skin.
Her composed façade crumbled into pure hatred.
“Hearing about my lost baby makes you happy, doesn’t it?”
“It’s all YOUR fault! James was always out looking for YOU instead of being home with me! That’s why I got upset and miscarried! You’re a murderer!”
I reflexively pushed her away, then stood stunned.
James had been looking for me? Why?
Wasn’t he the one who insisted on divorce in my past life?
Besides, how was Harper’s miscarriage my fault? James had poor sperm quality to begin with.
Combined with her extreme dieting, losing the baby was entirely her own doing.
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