Chapter 3

When disappointment happened enough times, the final one wouldn't sting—it just became the end of the story. Kayla wiped away her tears and replied, "Okay." And at that moment, she made up her mind. Three days later, Kayla was discharged from the hospital. During that time, Jonah never reached out. Kayla never texted or called again either. "Ms. George, I know it was an ectopic pregnancy, but your body still went through a lot," the caregiver reminded her gently. "Take it easy when you get home. No cold water, eat well, and get plenty of rest." Kayla's chest tightened, but she managed a small smile. "Thank you. I'll take care of myself." After saying goodbye, she headed out alone. She'd barely walked a few steps when someone called her name. "Kayla?" She turned around and saw her best friend, Sarah, waddling toward her with a full-term belly. "What are you doing at the hospital? You look awful. Are you okay?" Sarah asked. "I was pregnant," Kayla said calmly, her voice level like she was just stating the weather. Sarah opened her mouth to congratulate her, but Kayla cut her off. "It was ectopic. I just had surgery. I'm being discharged today." "What? Why didn't you tell me?" Sarah's face twisted in frustration and heartbreak as she grabbed Kayla's hand. "Where's Jonah?" Everyone in their circle thought Jonah was the perfect husband—devoted, affectionate, never letting Kayla suffer the slightest bit. Thus, his absence caught Sarah completely off guard. "He's busy staying at the hospital with his childhood sweetheart's mother. He has no time for me." "What?" Sarah had heard bits and pieces about Jonah and Lily, but still, with this? His own wife went through something this serious, and he didn't even show up? "It's fine. It's over now," Kayla said flatly. "What about you? Why're you here alone?" "I'm here for the final prenatal checkup. Lucas' just paying the bill." Sarah wanted to dig deeper and ask what the hell was going on between Kayla and Jonah, but one look at Kayla's pale face made her think twice. She held her tongue. Kayla's ride was pulling up, so Sarah insisted on walking her downstairs. But as the elevator doors opened, they both froze. Jonah and Lily were standing right outside, her arm looped around his. All four of them stood there, stunned. In the next second, Jonah jerked his arm away. His expression darkened. "Kayla, I told you everything in my message. What's the point of following me around like some crazy stalker? When did you become so irrational?" he snapped. "Kayla, please have a little mercy!" Lily begged suddenly. Right there in the middle of the busy hospital lobby, Lily collapsed on the ground in front of Kayla, crying hard enough to shake. "Lily, get up! What are you doing?" Jonah immediately rushed to pull her up. "Don't stop me, Jonah," Lily sobbed. "It's my fault. It's my mom's fault. We ruined things between you and Kayla. But Kayla, I'm begging you—my mom's dying. Can't you just let Jonah stay with us for a while? Please?" She was literally begging Kayla, right there in the hospital. Jonah couldn't hold her back. So instead, he turned on Kayla. "Kayla, neither Lily nor Ms. White ever did a damn thing to hurt you. They've never said a bad word about you. And yet you keep pulling this guilt-trip crap? Honestly, you disgust me."