chapter 4

After saying that, he ran after her. I just stood there, quietly watching his back as he walked away, rubbing my wrist where he grabbed me so hard it turned red.

"It's over. You'll never have to deal with this again."

The abortion was even faster than I thought it would be. Lying there in the freezing operating room, bright lights shining straight into my eyes, I could feel something leaving my body.

Even with the anesthesia, the pain still hit hard.

All I could see was bright white. A single tear slid down my cheek.

I'm so sorry, little one.

When the nurses wheeled me out of the room, I just happened to pass by Matthew.

He was so focused on Lydia that he did not even notice that I, his own wife, had just gone by.

"Wow, that couple looks amazing. I've always seen that woman here with her husband."

"I heard she has health problems and can't have kids."

"So what? Her husband clearly doesn't care. I'm actually kind of jealous."

I stared up at the ceiling, listening to them gossip about my husband and another woman.

I felt nothing.

Ever since I got pregnant, I had gone to every checkup alone. Matthew always said he was too busy with work.

Now I knew that it was not about work. He just did not want to come.

After he saw me at the hospital that day, he started avoiding me. After that big argument, he never even texted.

Lydia had even moved into the hospital, staying in the room right next to mine.

We were so close, but Matthew never noticed me.

Of course not. Lydia was all he cared about. She was his first love, so why would he even look at me?

The day I was discharged, I was surprised to see Matthew at home.

When I walked in, his face softened slightly. Under the warm lights, he appeared less cold than usual.

"You're finally back. I ordered takeout. Come eat before it gets cold.

"I saw some suitcases in the bedroom. Are you getting ready for the holiday?

"You're pregnant now. Let the housekeeper take care of stuff. Don't overdo it and risk the baby."

His words reminded me I had been packing before I left for the hospital.

I thought he would be with Lydia this whole time, so I did not bother hiding my luggage.

However, he already gave me a reason, so I did not have to make one up.

"Yeah, just packing for the trip home."

I glanced coldly at the food on the table. Everything was too greasy or covered with chili flakes. Just looking at it made me nauseous.

"Lydia said this place has amazing takeout, so I ordered a few things for you to try."

"Matthew, I can't eat spicy food. Every time I do, I break out in hives. Don't you know that?"

Of course, he did not.

However, he sure remembered that Lydia loved spicy food.

"My bad. I wasn't thinking. Look, I bought you a bunch of supplements too. I heard they're really good for pregnant women."

He clearly did not expect me to be so direct. His face looked a little uncomfortable.

Then he tried to change the subject.

I followed his gaze and saw the living room floor covered with colorful boxes.

Just by looking at the packaging, I could tell he spent a lot. I took a deep breath and looked straight into his hopeful eyes.

"Return them. I don't need any of them."

As soon as I said that, his face turned cold.

"Amelia, I know you're upset about Lydia. But I only see her as a sister. It's not what you think.

"She just got back and doesn't know anyone here. I'm the only one who can help her. Can't you understand? Stop behaving like this. You're pregnant now. Even if you don't care about yourself, at least care about the baby."