His First Love Killed My Unborn - Chapter 5: Chapter 5

The next morning, I went straight to the funeral home by taxi. By the time all the paperwork was done, afternoon shadows were already stretching long across the pavement.
When I saw my baby's tiny, still form in that cold box, hot tears blurred my vision. The pain hit me like a physical blow, leaving me numb and disoriented.
We returned to the village after dark to find Ian already sawing logs in the outer room, not a care in the world.
Next morning as we prepared to leave for Paula's place, Ian suddenly blocked my path with unusual intensity. "Wife," he said, face uncharacteristically solemn, "skip the party today. Too many people - if you catch something and get sick, I'd never forgive myself."
I met his gaze evenly. "Alright. I won't go."
Relief washed over his face as he extended his hand. "Give me the bracelet. I'll present it to the baby for you." I reached into my bag and handed him the beautifully wrapped gift box.
His grin nearly split his face as he pocketed the box with exaggerated care before rushing out. From the window, I watched his car disappear down the dusty village road, a slow smile curving my lips.
Showtime.
Paula had booked the Vans Hotel - the fanciest venue in the county - for her kid's first birthday. When I slipped in, the party was already in full swing. I took an inconspicuous corner seat.
There on stage under the spotlight stood my husband of three years, cradling Paula's baby decked out in ridiculous red birthday finery. Paula clung to his arm like a limpet, beaming for the cameras like she'd won the lottery.
Gossip buzzed around me:
"Paula really scored big! Who else from our village could afford this place? I heard each table costs thousands!"
"The grandparents adore that baby - insisted on going all out."
"Wait till you see grandma's gift! Paula's opening it live on stage later."
I watched the happy little tableau with cold detachment. So this was Ian's idea of delivering my gift? Well... the real present from auntie was still coming.
As the grandparents finished their presentation, the host turned the spotlight back to Paula. She held Ian's gift box, grinning like Christmas came early as cameras moved in for the big reveal.
"What special blessing has grandma prepared?" the host gushed. "Let's open it together!"
Under the bright lights, Paula tore into the box with theatrical excitement - then shrieked like she'd been scalded, dropping it like a hot potato.
The cameraman instinctively zoomed in on the fallen contents, projecting them onto the massive LED screen for all to see.
A crystal-clear, very NSFW photo filled the display - Paula in nothing but scandalous lingerie, lips parted, eyes heavy with invitation.
The room went so quiet you could hear a gnat cough.
Ian stood frozen, his expression priceless.
I rose calmly, took the stage, and picked up the mic. "My apologies everyone," I said smoothly. "Wrong gift." I held up another package. "This is the child's actual present."
As shocked whispers erupted around me, I exited stage left, leaving them to drown in the scandal I'd served.