She Got A Better Man

Chapter

3

Elvira woke up in the middle of the night, unable to fall back asleep, so she decided to explore her new home.

It was a spacious three-bedroom apartment with a practical layout, including two sunlit bedrooms and a smaller one. The place, however, felt barely lived in, with just a few pieces of basic furniture and no curtains to speak of After a walk around, she realized she didn't have Zach's number. The irony that they, supposed to be the world's closest people, didn't even have cach other's mumbers didn't escape her.

Sounds like a joke, doesn't it? He'll be back, though. I'll snag his number then: She mused with a resigned chuckle.

Her phone, littered with missed calls from family and friends, remained unanswered. Her social media was ablaze with congratulations supposed marriage to Calvin, with no one suspecting she'd married someone che,

000

her

To set the record straight, she posted. [FYL My husband is Zach, not Calvin. Appreciate the love, though.)

Switching off her phone in annoyance, Elvira barely got a moment's peace before Calvin's call came through. He dived straight into a rant about her alleged lies and disappointment

"Really, Calvin You think I'm nothing without you?" Elvira countered, his silence confirming his ego. With finality, she stated, "Well, tough luck. I'm married now. And it sure as hell isn't to you. We're finished. She then cut the call. Meanwhile, Judy was trying to pacify a visibly upset Calvin. "Could you check on Elvira, please! Don't let me be the reason she's upset," she urged. "No need. She is just being a brat," Calvin coldly responded, pocketing his phone. Judy, I know you love your sister, but you're too selfless. You're always there for her, and she just takes advantage, Amber said, her worry evident. "Mom, stop. She is my sister. I'll always have her back, Judy countered, clearly not agreeing. it you," Amber started, only to be cut off by judy.

"Mom, just drop it! This is my mess, not Elvira's. I can't mess up her

up her life with Calvin, I will hate myself" Judy said firmly.

"Judy, this is insane! Calvin has to know," Amber argued, her voice filled with conflict

"Mom, if you tell, you'll break Elvira's heart. Then you're no mother of mine Judy declared, her determination

unwavering

"What the hell is going on?" Calvin demanded, noticing the tension.

"If you're disowning me, I still have to say it Judy is pregnant with your kid!" Amber blurted out, defiance in her voice.

Calvin froze, and Judy rushed to deny it. "Calvin, she is lying! I'm not pregnant!"

Judy, I know you want to protect Elvira, but how will you handle this? You're a r public figure, and you can't hide your pregnancy forever," Amber

said, her eyes tear-stained.

"I'll claim the baby is mine alone. It's nobody's business, Judy said, her eyes red but her voice strong.

"Judy, are you fucking kidding me! I'll make things right with Elvira. I love you. I can't lie to myself anymore, I have to own up to my feelings. Calvin declared, deeply moved, and hugged her.

A victorious glint flashed between Judy and Amber as their plan seemed to work, Judy, crying into Calvin's chest, murmured, "Calvin, I never meant to fall for you. I thought about ending the pregnancy to not come between you and Elvira, but it's our baby. I couldn't do it. I thought I would raise it alone, without destroying your relationship with her

"Stop the bullshit! We're getting engaged. You're not facing g this alone, Calvin stated firmly, determined.

Initially, Calvin wanted to do right by Elvira, but Judy's apparent fragility and the thought of their child inflated his ego. He fancied Judy's so-called softness over Elvira's sharpness.

t, his mind made up.

After all this time with Elvira, I'm exhausted. I refuse to settle fo

for less or deny my true feelings any longer, Calvin thought, Judy and Amber locked eyes, sharing a silent, triumphant chuckle over their manipulation

When Z

returned, he was carrying a thermos of hangover soup, a thoughtful gift from Tracy intended for Elvira.

"Mr. Gilbert, you're back." E

Elvira said, a bit awkwardly. "I'm really sorry about getting drink. Didn't cause you any trouble, did I?"

6:14 PM

Chapter 3

Having never been drunk before, Elvira was genuinely unsure about her behavior under the influence. She had witnessed many, like her friend Olivia Santos, become utterly unrecognizable when drunk, with a repertoire of crying, fussing, singing, and dancing that could exhaust anyone.

Zach was about to tell her she was fine but, seeing her so sheepish, decided to have a bit of fun. "If you don't count throwing up on me and serenading me all the way home as trouble, then no, no trouble at all," he teased. Elvira was mortified. Her r

reyes went wide, her cheeks turned scarlet, and she stuttered out an apology. "I'm so sorry! Let me clean your clothes!"

Zach hadn't expected her to take his words seriously. He diverted the topic seeing her flustered. "Drink this hangover soup; it'll help."

Embarrassed to even look at him, Elvira quickly took the soup Zach offered. "I'm sorry for any trouble. My first time getting this drunk. Have you eaten? I can order us some food if you like."