Chapter 3

Panic flashed through Jason's usually calm eyes.

"Mia was too worried about Snowball, so I took her out to relax. She had a few too many drinks and..."

His tone softened slightly.

"Alright, let's not talk about this. Next checkup, I'll definitely go with you."

Here we go again.

Using a lame excuse to brush me off, then offering a consolation prize, as if nothing had happened.

But Jason, you'll never need to accompany me to another prenatal checkup.

"No need. Let's get divorced."

Jason froze, then spoke angrily, humiliated.

"Hermione, do all you journalists like to blow things out of proportion? I told you it was an accident. Is this really necessary?"

"Besides, you're just doing odd jobs in the TV station's logistics department now. You're almost thirty, pregnant, and other than me, who else would want you?"

"I work myself to the bone at the hospital every day for this family, not to come home to your unreasonable tantrums!"

He stormed toward the door.

As he passed the entrance, he suddenly noticed a document peeking out of my bag.

The words "Death Certificate" were clearly visible.

Jason turned back, confused.

"Who died?"

Jason was about to pull it out for a closer look.

But his phone suddenly rang. Mia's helpless, choked voice came through.

"Jason, one of the puppies seems to be choking on milk, and I still have customers in the shop. I'm completely overwhelmed."

"It's not going to die, is it? I'm so scared..."

Jason's face filled with concern.

"Don't cry. I'll be right there."

With that, he rushed off without looking back.

He even forgot to lock his study, which he normally never let me enter.

As if possessed, I walked in, only to be stabbed in the eyes by what was under the desk.

That year, I was the station's most promising new reporter, assigned to interview the old director.

But the old man was arrogant and turned me away.

After several days of working overtime, I had low blood sugar and fainted in the garden.

Jason was the one who saved me. He said the old director was stubborn and wouldn't change his mind once it was made up.

I hung my head in disappointment. The next second, an orange candy was pushed into my mouth.

Jason winked at me playfully.

"But I admire people who work hard, so interview me instead."

Later I learned he was the city's youngest medical professor.

So many people wanted to interview this genius heartthrob of the medical world but couldn't, yet he made an exception for me alone.

That's how Jason and I became connected.

Later, we each got busier and busier. Jason looked at me with difficulty.

"Hermione, I know becoming a top reporter is your dream."

"But the elders in our family need someone to care for them. Could you resign? I promise I'll treat you well for the rest of my life."

And I knew equally well that becoming an outstanding doctor was his dream too.

So I compromised.

I didn't resign, but transferred to the relaxed logistics department. At least that way I could stay close to the work I loved.

On many sleepless nights, I'd trace my reporter's badge under the lamp.

Every time Jason caught me, he'd feel incredibly guilty and promise over and over that he'd treat me well.

But now, that reporter's badge I treasured so much was being used by him to level a table leg.

I used Mia's birthday to open his safe.

On top was a thick kraft paper envelope.

Inside were all kinds of photos of the two of them together.

Hugging, kissing, walking hand in hand on the beach.

There were also receipts for him buying Mia a house, funding her business startup, paying for renovations.

Even though the shop lost money every month, he kept subsidizing her.