The Ex-Husband Returns; A Second Chance At Love

Inside the first gynecologist's room, Carmela Martins sat in a state of panic, her hands tightly clasped together.

She and her husband, Max Atom, had been married for five years, yet the one thing they yearned for-their own child-had eluded them.

It had been a long time since Carmela last seen her period, so she hurried to the hospital, her heart heavy with worry.

After a quick pregnancy test, she anxiously awaited the results, her mind filled with hope and fear.

The door swung open, and a man in a white coat, wearing rectangular glasses, entered with the test result in his hand.

He walked past Carmela and sat down before her, his expression serious yet compassionate. Adjusting his glasses on the bridge of his nose, he could sense the mix of anticipation and anxiety in the room.

"Mrs. Atom, I have the results," he said gently, his voice filled with empathy.

Carmela's heart raced as she held her breath, her eyes locked on the doctor, desperately searching for answers.

"What is it, Doctor? What's wrong with me?" Carmela anxiously bit her finger, her eyes locked on the doctor with anticipation.

She couldn't help but wonder if the rumors about her were true, that she couldn't conceive a child.

The doctor's gaze darted toward her, and her panicked fidgeting hand ceased. "Nothing is wrong with you," he reassured her. Carmela's heart skipped a beat as she awaited his words. "Your test results came back, and surprisingly, you're pregnant."

Carmela stood frozen in place, her eyes fixed on the doctor, her mind in a daze. So it turned out to be positive.

She was fine, and there was nothing wrong with her. She was carrying her husband's child. After years of yearning for a baby, she was finally pregnant.

Carmela forgot to breathe, her legs rooted to the ground, and she couldn't even blink.

Her mouth hung open for a moment, and she finally found her voice. "S-so... so, Doctor, you mean I'm pregnant?" Her trembling finger pointed at her chest, unable to believe what she was hearing. It felt so real, as if she were caught in a dream that she needed to wake up from.

In a moment of disbelief, she impulsively slapped herself, causing the doctor to flinch. "Mrs. Atom! You don't have to do that," he exclaimed, concerned. He quickly retrieved them from her hand.

Carmela needed to see it for herself, to be certain that she was truly pregnant. Her eyes scanned the paper feverishly until she found the words-"Positively pregnant." Relief washed over her, and she glanced back at the doctor.

"I'm pregnant!" Carmela's voice erupted with joy, tears welling up in her eyes. She couldn't contain her excitement as she leaped from her chair and embraced the doctor tightly.

"I'm pregnant!"

Releasing her grip on the doctor, she glanced at the test result once more, the words confirming her dreams had come true.

"Yes, Mrs. Atom. You have been eagerly awaiting this pregnancy, and it seems that the universe has finally answered your prayers. I am confident that Mr. Atom will be overjoyed to hear this news."

Without wasting a moment, Carmela swiftly left the hospital, clutching the precious result in her trembling hands. She hurriedly got into her car, started the engine, and set off on her way.

Before heading to her husband's office, she felt the need to confirm his presence. Dialing Mr. Atom's number, her heart sank as it failed to connect.

A sense of worry enveloped her, wondering what could have gone wrong.

Determined to gather information, she decided to call her husband's assistant. The phone rang, and relief washed over her as it was promptly answered.

"Paul! Why isn't Max picking up his phone?" Carmela's voice quivered with urgency, her desire to speak with her husband evident.

"Mrs. Atom, I apologize, but you just missed your husband," Paul informed her.

"Where is my husband?" Carmela's words conveyed a mixture of worry and curiosity, eager to know her husband's whereabouts.

"He didn't mention where he was headed, but he made it clear that he didn't want any disturbances from the office. I'm sorry, Mrs. Atom, but I have no idea where he went," Paul's voice explained, filled with uncertainty.

Carmela abruptly ended the call, flinging her phone to the other side of the car in frustration. Worry consumed her thoughts as she couldn't wait to share the incredible news of her pregnancy with her husband. As she gazed ahead, heavy rain began to pour, further adding to her unease.

Realizing that time was slipping away, and eager to share her joy with someone, Carmela's mind turned to her best friend, Nichole.

They had been inseparable since their university days, and even after Carmela's marriage, they remained close.

Carmela drove to Nichole's house, her urgency evident. Stepping out of the car with an umbrella in hand, she noticed her husband's car nearby and paused, her brow furrowing in confusion. "Isn't that Max's car?" she muttered to herself, her curiosity piqued. Ignoring the thought for the moment, she made her way into Nichole's rented building.

Inside the building, she headed straight for the elevator and pressed the button for Nichole's floor.

As she arrived at Room 21, a wide smile adorned her face. She brushed off the water stains on her body and took a deep breath, anticipation coursing through her.

Her excitement soared, causing her heart to race with joy. Carmela's hands trembled slightly, and her legs felt weak as she stood outside Nichole's door.

Overwhelmed by the secret she was about to reveal, a mischievous smirk played upon her lips.

Time seemed to stretch endlessly as her trembling hand inched toward the doorbell. However, just as she was about to press it, she froze, overwhelmed by her emotions.

But she realized there was no need to ring the bell; she knew the passcode to Nichole's room. Slowly, she pushed the door open, her head appearing first, followed by her entire body.

"Nichole..." Carmela's voice trailed off, her wet feet leaving marks on the floor. Her eyes darted around the room, hoping to surprise her best friend, but instead, an unwelcome sight froze her in her tracks.

"Stop, Nichole! You're my wife's friend. We can't continue this," Max's voice filled the room. He walked over to the table, resting his hand on his forehead, his face filled with conflict.

"I want you, Max. Don't you miss the nights we shared? I miss your embrace, longing for you to be inside me again," Nichole persisted, approaching Max from behind, her hands teasingly caressing his back.

Max turned to her, raising a finger to halt her advances.

He sighed, his voice weighed down with regret, "I've told you, Nichole. It was a mistake. You are my wife's best friend, and I am your best friend's husband. We should not repeat this."

Nichole's fury burned within her as she held Max's chin, forcefully pressing her lips against his. Slowly, Max reciprocated, deepening the kiss.

Witnessing the betrayal before her eyes, Carmela's legs faltered, causing her to retreat step by step.

Her hands flew to cover her mouth as tears welled up in her eyes. She couldn't believe what she was witnessing-the man she cherished the most, her husband, passionately kissing her best friend.

Max Atom, the person she had entrusted her life to, stood there in that room with her best friend. It became painfully clear that he didn't love her, and the five years they had spent together were merely an act.

Heartbroken, Carmela realized the devastating truth.

Who would have thought men could be this way?

"Are you going to deny that you desire me just as much as I desire you?" Nichole's words slipped out slowly, her blue eyes piercing through the room.

"I love my wife, Nicole, but..." Max's sentence was interrupted as Nichole silenced him, pressing her finger against his lips.

"No 'buts,' Max. Carmela only married you because of your money, and you know it," Nichole murmured, her hands tracing down his chest. Max remained transfixed, unable to tear his gaze away from her captivating blue eyes.

Carmela, standing in the background, took a step back, her legs trembling in fear. She couldn't believe what she had just heard. How could her best friend speak about her in such a way? The person she had shared all her secrets with.

Overwhelmed by the betrayal and hurt, Carmela couldn't take it any longer.

The two people she loved the most seemed to want her out of their lives.

What more could she endure?

As she rushed to leave the room, her hand accidentally knocked over a vase, shattering it against the floor.

"Who's there?" Max's voice boomed in the room, his tone harsh, causing Carmela to freeze in her tracks. Her breath caught in her throat, but she didn't move.

"Who's there?" Max repeated, his suspicion rising. Determined to make sure nobody had overheard their actions, he decided to investigate. He stepped into the hallway, scanning the surroundings, only to find...

Last night, Carmela couldn't sleep in her husband's bed.

Instead, she stayed in the visitor's room, tossing and turning, unable to find rest. It wasn't because of what Max said, but because of the kiss that kept haunting her thoughts.

The memory of it kept replaying in her mind, making it impossible for her to find peace.

After witnessing the disturbing scene at Nichole's apartment last night, Carmela couldn't bear to face Max or even look him in the eyes.

She felt disgusted and betrayed, and she decided to pretend to be asleep when Max approached her.

"Are you awake, Carmela?" Max's gentle voice called out.

As Max sat beside her, gently caressing her face, Carmela resisted the urge to open her eyes.

His touch made her uneasy, and she didn't want to give him the satisfaction of seeing her vulnerable.

"Your home," Carmela pretended to show concern.

"Yes, I came in late last night. You didn't sleep in bed. What happened?" Max asked in a dry tone.

Feeling a mix of emotions, Carmela lied to him directly, saying she was scared and couldn't sleep in their bed alone, so she opted to stay in the visitor's room. Max sensed something was amiss but didn't push further.

"I'm sorry for staying out late. I went on a business trip," Max continued, offering a lie of his own.

Carmela couldn't help but smirk, knowing they were both keeping secrets from each other. Max then brought up the anniversary of his grandmother's marriage.

"It's Grandma's Marriage Anniversary," he snapped, disappointed that Carmela had forgotten.

"Oh... I forgot about that," Carmela replied, her memory failing her. She struggled to keep her emotions in check.

"It's alright, I understand you've been stressed lately. I got you something nice," Max said as he stood up from the bed and reached for a bag he had placed on the bedside table.

Carmela's eyes widened with curiosity. "What is it?" she exclaimed, anticipation in her voice. Max smiled at her as he slowly pulled out a stunning red dress from the bag.

"Ta-da!"

Carmela couldn't help but be amazed by the beauty of the gown. It was a queenly red dress, adorned with sparkling diamonds and elegant embroidery.

As she stood up from the bed, she approached Max to collect the dress. She held it against her body, and to her delight, it fit perfectly.

With a satisfied smile, she looked at Max and said, "It's perfect." Max smiled back, relieved by her reaction.

He walked closer to her and kissed her forehead. "Get ready," he said before leaving the room.

Carmela took a deep breath, trying to steady her emotions. She placed her hands on her hips, clutching the dress in her other hand.

However, a surge of rage and regret engulfed her, and in a moment of overwhelming emotion, she flung the dress onto the bed and let out a grunt of frustration. Slowly, she sank to the floor, her pain evident.

"I hate him... I hate him!" she screamed, tears welling up in her eyes. How could he pretend in front of her, pretending to go on a business trip while deceiving her?

How long had he been fooling her?

Taking a deep breath, Carmela gathered her strength and made a decision.

She knew she had to break free from him before she said or did something she would regret.

She was done with his lies and determined to move on without him. With her heart pounding in her chest, she walked away.

***

Carmela stood in front of the glassy mirror, looking elegant in the red gown Max had bought for her. Her gaze slowly met her reflection as memories of when she first met Max flooded her mind. A warm smile crossed her lips as she recalled the moment she knew she had fallen for him. It felt as though she wasn't just looking at her reflection, but also glimpsing into her future.

With the baby in her stomach, she wondered how she would take care of it alone, without Max by her side.

How would she explain the absence of a father to her child? The uncertainties of the future scared her, yet she felt a sense of excitement for the new life growing inside her.

With determination and strength, she knew she would provide for her baby, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door, and her heart skipped a beat as she saw Max standing there, looking handsome in his black suit and blazer.

A mysterious glint sparkled in his eyes, and Carmela felt a mix of emotions, as something unexpected was about to happen.

"Max," she whispered, standing up to greet him.

"You look beautiful in that dress, like the morning sun. I don't know what I'll do if you leave me," Max uttered, his words filled with lies. Despite everything, Carmela could only manage a soft smile.

He extended his hand, and Carmela placed hers gently into his. "Shall we?" he asked, his face adorned with a humble smile.

Carmela nodded, and they made their way to the waiting Limo outside the mansion. Max opened the door for her, and she got in. He followed suit, and as they drove off into the night.

Arriving at the Atom Family Mansion, Carmela couldn't shake her fear of visiting the family again.

The pain and trauma she had endured from Max's family haunted her every day she spent with him. Despite the suffering, she stayed by his side, fueled by her love for him, for five long years.

But now, it all felt like a lie.

"Carmela!" Grandma Atom stood at the entry of the building, eager to see her favorite daughter-in-law.

Surprisingly, Carmela felt loved in Grandma Atom's presence, but she couldn't bring herself to reveal Max's affairs to her.

"Grandma..." Carmela embraced Grandma Atom tightly. "I've missed you."

"Not more than I did," Grandma Atom playfully replied, teasing Carmela's nose with her hands, and they shared a laugh.

As Max appeared beside Carmela, Grandma Atom ignored him and pulled Carmela into the building.

"I love your gown, but red doesn't suit you," Grandma Atom remarked to Carmela, making her frown. She wondered why only Grandma remembered her favorites while Max seemed oblivious.

"How did you know?" Carmela exclaimed, and Grandma Atom chuckled.

"You're my daughter, why wouldn't I remember..." They continued chatting when a slender figure approached them.

The woman was wearing the same dress as Carmela, holding a glass of wine with a smile on her face.

"Carmela, you made it!" The woman attempted to hug Carmela, but she raised her hand, stopping Nichole from touching her.

"Nichole, what are you doing here? This is a family anniversary. Who invited you?" Carmela's emotions were getting the best of her.

As they stood, glaring at each other, Max walked towards them, his hands deep in his pockets, and said...

"I invited her," Max admitted, his voice filled with audacity. Carmela's eyes widened in disbelief and anger.

How dare he!

Carmela couldn't believe her eyes - her best friend, Nichole, was wearing the same red queenly gown, adorned with shiny diamonds and almonds, just like her.

She glanced at Max, who stood solemnly by her side, admitting that he had invited Nichole. The audacity of him to bring his affair to his grandmother's anniversary left Carmela seething with anger.

"Wow, you guys wore the same dress," Grandma Atom exclaimed, looking at Carmela and Nichole's dresses.

Nichole laughed, covering her mouth with her hand and waving her wig in the air. "Oh my goodness, I had no idea you would wear the dress. I hope you're not angry, Carmela?"

As Max and Grandma Atom looked expectantly at Carmela, she felt torn inside. Her anger wanted to lash out at Max and confront Nichole, but she knew she had to put on a fake smile.

"No... no, I don't mind. I don't even like the dress. Red is not my color," she replied, forcing herself to chuckle, and Grandma Atom seemed to appreciate her response.

As they continued chatting, two black Jeeps pulled up at the outskirts of the Atom's mansion.

A man in his late 60s stepped out of the first car, accompanied by his wife, who was dressed in a black linen garment. They looked graceful as they walked together.

The door of the other Jeep swung open, and a masculine figure emerged. He was the second son of the Atom family, Gregory Atom. Beside him stood a young woman adjusting her short skirt - Vanessa Atom, the youngest daughter of the family.

"Goodness, you're all here," Grandma Atom exclaimed, rushing to greet them with warm hugs.

Good day, sir," Max greeted his father, Mr. Atom, bowing his head slightly. Mr. Atom nodded, his gaze shifting to Carmela, who stood frozen like a statue.

"You've forgotten how to greet your in-laws?" Mr. Atom sneered, disgust evident in his eyes.

Carmela lowered her head, her heart sinking, as she tried to apologize for any offense caused.

She waited in silence, feeling the weight of his disapproval. However, before he could respond, Mrs. Atom interjected.

"I don't understand why she thinks so highly of herself. She's just an empty barrel with no child-" Her words trailed off as she glared at Carmela, but Max quickly interrupted.

"Mom..." he called out, attempting to intervene. Mrs. Atom snapped back, "What? Am I not speaking the truth?"

"It's okay. Let's not speak hurtful words to one another. Let's go inside," Grandma Atom intervened, guiding Mrs. Atom away from the tense situation.

After a while, as they waited for the other guests to arrive, the ceremony commenced.

Gifts were exchanged, and couples took to the dance floor. Carmela looked around, searching for Max, but he was nowhere to be found.

"Aren't you going to dance with your husband?" Vanessa Atom teased a hint of malice in her voice. "By the way, where is your husband?"

Carmela's heart sank further as she realized Max was missing. She scanned the room, desperately trying to locate him, but he remained elusive.

"I'm sure he's tired of being near his barren wife," Mrs. Atom interjected, her words stinging with cruelty, as she approached them, holding a glass of red wine.

Carmela raised an eyebrow at Mrs. Atom, who couldn't help but revel in her discomfort. "Are you seeing that, Vanessa? Look at the way she's glaring at me," Mrs. Atom taunted, her eyes gleaming with malice.

Vanessa tried to defend Carmela, but she knew she didn't need anyone's support. She had grown accustomed to the family's mistreatment, especially from Mrs. Atom. She was done being bothered by their petty remarks. Her focus now was on keeping her husband away from her best friend.

"Please, ma'am, if you have nothing else to say, I'll excuse myself to find my husband," Carmela calmly stated, unwilling to engage in their drama any longer.

"Look at her, that witch!" Mrs. Atom cursed in anger as Carmela left.

Throughout the ceremony, Max's eyes remained fixated on Nichole, filled with fury. He approached her and asked to talk, but when she refused, he grabbed her wrist and pulled her into the restroom.

"What are you doing here?" Max whispered, his voice cold.

"So, you weren't going to invite me?" Nichole retorted, crossing her arms and pouting.

"No, I wasn't. And why are you wearing the same dress as my wife? I asked you to get something nice for her, not to copy her and embarrass me," Max lashed out in anger.

Nichole was taken aback by his rage. Max pushed her against the wall, his grip tightening around her neck. "What are you trying to do? I thought I made myself clear. I only love Carmela. She's the one my heart beats for. I don't feel a thing for you."

Nichole was speechless, her voice choked in fear as Max's grip tightened. Trembling with terror, she struggled to catch her breath.

How long would she keep toying with Max and his marriage?

.

"L-let go off my neck, I'm pregnant, I'm pregnant!" Nichole's voice trembled, and Max immediately released his grip, stepping back in fright. At that moment, Carmela emerged from behind the restroom door, her eyes wide with disbelief.

How could it be? Was Nichole telling the truth? Was she carrying Max's child?

Tears welled up in Carmela's eyes, but she stayed silent, listening to their conversation.

"I'm pregnant. What else? I'm carrying a child in my womb," Nichole said, her emotions in turmoil - joy, fear, worry, and sorrow all intermingled.

Would Max accept his responsibility or push Nichole away?

"Why are you telling me this?" Max's face contorted with a frown.

"Because you're the father," Nichole replied without hesitation.

"How? We just had sex once-"

"Are you going to deny your d just because it happened once?" Nichole interrupted, her words rushed and anxious.

Carmela took a step back from the door, her heart pounding in her chest as she heard Nichole claim that the child was Max's.

How was this even possible? Carmela's mind raced with questions as she turned away, feeling overwhelmed.

"Really?" Max exclaimed, a brief smile appearing at the edge of his lips. He couldn't deny his excitement at the prospect of being a father, even if the circumstances were complicated.

He wondered why it was so easy for him to impregnate Nichole while he and Carmela struggled to have a child.

Despite his momentary happiness, he still felt concerned. He knew he had to confront the truth and sort out his feelings for both women. Max couldn't afford to lose Carmela, as she meant everything to him.

How would he accept the child and tell his wife without making her angry?

"Yes.." Nicole raised her brows, and Max breathed hard. "What are we going to do?"

"Nothing, we can't let Carmela know." He turned away from her and faced the mirror in the restroom.

Nicole's figure appeared behind him, saying, "Did you think Carmela would stay with you if she found out you are facing some financial challenges you are passing through right now in your company? She only married you because of your money." Max raised his eyes to meet Nicole's.

"I can't leave my wife; I love her," Max firmly said.

"What about my baby?" Nicole rubbed her belly, and Max turned to her, holding her soft hands.

"I'll think about it, I'll find a way."

After the two discussed in the restroom, Max walked out first and discovered that his wife had already left.

In an hour or two, he was already at home. He opened the door to the mansion, and slowly his feet stormed on the footrest.

"Carmela!!!" He called, and the light turned on immediately.

"Yes, Max, have you finally noticed that I left early?" Carmela was sitting at the dinner chair, frustrated. "Tell me Max, did you ever love me?" She stood up in a rush, moving the chair back.

"Carmela, what do you mean?" Max approached her where she stood. As he reached her, he wanted to lay his hands on her, but she shrugged his hands away.

"Don't touch me, just answer the question." She moved inches away from him. Max noticed that she was upset about something, and if he didn't apologize to her now, he was going to lose her forever.

"Is this about the dress that Nicole wore? I can explain-." Carmela flared up.

"Don't call Nicole into this. I don't need your explanation about her wearing the same dress as me. All I need to know is if you ever loved me."

A brief silence filled the room, and the couple exchanged glances at each other. Carmela was waiting for his response to be yes. Max, on the other hand, was confused. He didn't know where he had wronged her, and he didn't know what to say. Yes, he loved her, but if he told her, would she believe him?

"I-I don't know." He looked away, and tears slowly rolled down Carmela's eyes.

"Here, sign the papers." She stretched her hands forward and turned immediately to the papers in her hands.

"What's this?" Max collected the paper from her hand, and slowly he realized that he had made a terrible mistake. "No... no, it can't be. This isn't real. Is it because my company is facing a financial crisis that you want to leave me now?" Max asked, his heart sinking at the thought that Carmela might have married him for his money.

"Yes, it's because of that. I can't stay with you." Although she wanted to hurt Max in return, she was more hurt that Max could believe Nicole's claim about her intentions.

"Forget it, I won't sign the papers." Max ripped the papers apart.

"What are you doing?" Carmela screamed, holding his hand as he tore the papers in front of her.

After he was done, he stormed out of the mansion, leaving Carmela behind, both of them feeling a mix of anger, pain, and confusion. Their once strong and loving relationship now faced its most challenging test.