Chapter 48 The Legitimate Wife's Battle
Maggie stood wordlessly, while James Anderson was completely panicked.
He had kept his secret for so many years, and now Maggie had stumbled upon the truth. If word of this got back to Isabella, he would be finished.
James quickly urged the woman to wait for him in the car, but his mistress, Grace Thompson, was reluctant. "Who is that woman anyway? You look as white as a sheet. What are you afraid of?"
Trying to keep his voice down in an attempt at humility, James explained, "That's Isabella' cousin."
On hearing this, Grace's mood changed to one of amusement. "Your wife's cousin, huh? So what if we're caught? It's about time we stop hiding. I'm getting too big to hide it anyway."
Maggie, having overheard this exchange, took another look at Grace and felt she looked familiar. Then it clicked - wasn't Grace a nurse at the same hospital where James worked?
In the past, when Arya was ill, Maggie had taken her to see a doctor at James's hospital. She had seen Grace there a couple of times and had a faint recollection.
James didn't work at the city hospital. He had deliberately brought his mistress to this particular hospital for her prenatal checks to keep it a secret.
"You go back to the car. I need to have a word with my cousin," James insisted, wanting Grace to leave first.
Grace pouted and walked away unwillingly.
James then turned to Maggie with a forced smile and said, "Maggie, at the hospital for a checkup? Are you not feeling well?"
"I'm here for a physical," Maggie replied, not wanting to delve into the topic of Grace.
Growing uneasy, James hesitated before speaking, "Maggie, about earlier... Please don't mention it to Isabella. You know her temper - she would make a huge scene and Grace's position is not yet secure."
Grace, known to James and others at the hospital as a former assistant and now his mistress, had become romantically involved with him over time.
Dulcinea, who overheard the whole conversation, couldn't help but scoff at the situation. Grace was already expecting their second child, and James still hoped to maintain the façade of a happy home life while carrying on outside affairs.
Maggie, who particularly despised those unfaithful in relationships, advised, "I suggest you come clean to my cousin sooner rather than later. There are no walls without cracks, and lies tend to snowball - they'll only grow until you can't contain them anymore."
James Anderson repeated emphatically, "Yes, yes, yes, I've been looking for the right opportunity to clear the air on this. You see, now that Grace is pregnant, Maggie, you can rest assured I'll handle this well. I was confused back then, made a mistake because I was drinking, and then Grace kept pestering me, and I just didn't know what to do."
Maggie couldn't believe such a hollow excuse, but she was an outsider to the situation. The details of James's affair were none of her business.
Dulcinea made a sarcastic remark, "Nine out of ten cheaters say the same thing."
James was embarrassed by the retort and chuckled awkwardly, "Maggie, regarding Isabella, you know..."
He was seeking Maggie's confirmation, trying to keep her on his side for as long as possible.
However, before James could finish speaking, a commotion from the direction of the elevator included the piercing screams of Grace.
James quickly ran toward the elevator, and Maggie exchanged a glance with Dulcinea before they both hurried to see what was happening.
At the hospital elevator, Grace was being dragged by her hair and hit by none other than Isabella.
Isabella slapped Grace multiple times, furiously yelling, "Shameless! Everyone, look at this woman who seduced my husband and wrecked my family, a shameless homewrecker."
Grace was stunned by the assault, her face swelling red. Spotting James, she cried out for help, "James, save me, please!"
"Isabella, let go!" James rushed over and pulled Isabella away, then turned to Grace with concern, "Is the baby okay?"
James was most worried about the baby. At nearly forty, having a son was a big deal for him, and he was understandably anxious.
Holding her belly, Grace cried in pain, "James, it hurts! Punish that woman. She's trying to kill your son!"
Isabella felt as if she'd been struck by lightning upon hearing the conversation between the two, realizing her husband was having an affair, and yet still unaware that the other woman, Grace, was pregnant.
It was only then that she noticed Grace's slightly bulging belly, indicating she was at least four months along.
Isabella collapsed on the spot, grabbing James without a care for her appearance, she demanded, "James, tell me, is that child in her belly yours? How long has this been going on?"
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