Chapter 5

The heartwarming scene that had taken place before I went out that morning popped up in my mind. Vivian had snuggled into my arms and placed my hand against her stomach. She had said sweetly, "Feel this, honey. The babies are kicking." I could even remember the scent of jasmine on the ends of her hair. I remembered her ticking things off on her fingers as she talked about how she was going to decorate the babies' rooms in different colors. I had genuinely believed her at that moment. I had thought that I was finally going to have my own family. "Did you ask me what I'm going to name them?" When I heard the note of amusement in Vivian's voice, I felt as if I had been doused with a basin of ice-cold water. "I decided ages ago. The Kingston baby will be called Zane Kingston, while the one from the Laine family will be named Hudson Laine—" She began counting them off one by one so casually that she sounded as if she was reading out a list of groceries. I felt my vision go black, and I leaned my forehead heavily against the ice-cold wall. The warm things she had said about our future that morning had all been rehearsed in advance. I had been touched to the point of tears, like a total fool. "What's even funnier is that Rowan lay on my stomach and earnestly read fairytales for an hour. He kept saying 'Dad loves you' to them—" She imitated me in a nasally tone and then burst into laughter. Michelle laughed along with her. "He's totally immersed in his role!" "Exactly!" Vivian was shaking with laughter. "He looked like a stray dog who found himself a new owner. If he had a tail, he would have been wagging it." I took a deep breath, pushed the door open, and walked in. The laughter in the living room stopped abruptly. The smile froze on Michelle's face, and there was a look of panic in her eyes. Vivian merely paused slightly. When she saw that my expression was neutral, she smiled reassuringly at Michelle. "Um… Vivian, since Rowan is back, I won't impose further." Michelle grabbed her bag and said quickly, "I'll get going. Let's hang out some other day!" Vivian leaned sideways on the sofa and smiled sweetly as she looked at me. "Honey!" She dragged her voice out in a simpering tone as she placed her hand on her stomach. "I have a sudden craving for pomegranates. I've heard that it's very good for the babies' skin." "Alright. I'll order the best pomegranates from Fayland. Do you want them right now?" Vivian looked surprised, but her eyes lit up. "My best friend also says that Serenity Center is the best for postpartum care. It costs 28 thousand a month, so it's just a little expensive." "Book it." I interrupted her and walked over to crouch down in front of her. I laid my hand gently on her bulging stomach and looked up, flashing a perfect smile at her. "As long as it benefits both you and the babies, it'll be worth it no matter how much it is."