Chapter 4

That hand, which countless nights had rested on my stomach, saying he wanted a daughter just like me.

Now it was pressed against another woman's belly, his expression tense yet tender.

I put away the report.

The nurse reminded them to pay the bill.

Brenda shoved the form into my arms.

"You pay it."

"This whole mess started because of you. It's only right that you cover the medical expenses."

Cheryl lowered her head, her voice timid.

"Never mind, Mom. Don't make trouble for Ms. Southbrook."

The more she said that, the more Brenda got worked up.

"Hasn't she caused you enough trouble already?"

"Being someone else's wife for so many years and not even laying an egg, and now she dares to bully a pregnant woman."

Alex's face was grim.

"Mom, ease up."

But he didn't take the payment form.

I placed the form back in Brenda's hand.

"Whoever's responsible for the baby in her belly pays the bill."

Brenda's voice rose.

"You're still a Caldwell, and a Caldwell's child is your responsibility too!"

The patients' families in the hallway all looked over.

Ashley called.

"Southbrook, where are you? I'm coming over now."

Her hurried breathing came through the phone.

Before I could answer, Alex snatched my phone and hung up.

"Don't make a scene."

My phone was clutched in his hand.

"Give it back."

Alex lowered his voice.

"Southbrook, calm down."

"Cheryl can't be stressed today. I'll take her home first, and then I'll come talk to you tonight."

"Come home tonight."

As if I would still be waiting, leaving the living room light on for him, just like in the past.

Cheryl suddenly leaned against the wall, bending at the waist.

"Alex, I'm dizzy."

Alex shoved my phone back into my bag and turned to pick her up.

His movements were so practiced, reminding me of the time he carried me to the hospital.

I had acute appendicitis then; he called my name all the way, his hands shaking so much he couldn't sign me in.

I thought that was love.

Brenda followed, clutching the prescription, bumping my shoulder as she left.

"Don't stand there looking pathetic. Go home and sign the divorce papers."

I stumbled backward from the impact.

My phone fell out of my bag, the screen cracking.

A little girl nearby picked it up and handed it to me.

"Ma'am, your phone."

As I bent to take it, tears almost spilled onto her hand.

Ashley called again.

This time, I answered.

"Ashley."

My voice was hoarse, unrecognizable.

"Come pick me up."

Half an hour later, Ashley rushed into the hospital.

Seeing my face, she raised a hand to go confront Alex.

I pulled her back.

"Take me home first. I need to get my things."

When the car stopped downstairs at our apartment complex, it was already dark.

Two hallway lights were out, and a notice from the property management about overdue fees was taped to the elevator door.

I'd paid most of the down payment for this apartment, but the deed was only in Alex's name.

The key slid into the lock, but wouldn't turn.

Ashley frowned.

"Did they change the locks?"

The door opened from the inside.

Brenda stood behind it, holding my pajamas.

Two suitcases sat on the floor.

They were stuffed with my clothes, even my underwear was haphazardly thrown on top.

She looked at me coldly.

"You're back just in time."

"Alex said you should move out for a few days. Don't upset Cheryl."

In the living room, Cheryl leaned against a cushion, wrapped in my cashmere blanket.

Alex sat beside her, pouring her a glass of warm water.

On the table sat our wedding photo.

It was turned facedown.

Cheryl looked up at me, slowly placing her hand on her belly.

"Ms. Southbrook, I'm sorry, but I'm not feeling well today, so I have to stay here temporarily."

I walked into the living room, my hand touching the facedown photo frame.

Alex immediately stood up.

"Southbrook, don't touch that."

The edge of the frame was half-lifted by my hand.

Underneath, a copy of a new property deed.

The owner's section read: Alex Caldwell and Cheryl Greene.