Chapter 3

I cut off the other man's chatter, lowered my gaze, and pressed my lips together. "Just give me a few more days." I had just ended my call when Zachary returned to the ward. When he noticed the smile he hadn't seen in ages playing on my lips, an unexpected heaviness settled in his chest. But he had just promised Abigail to immediately return to her side to sing lullabies to her and her baby. Thus, he didn't have time to ask who I'd been talking to. He figured it was probably my cousin who stopped by occasionally. Ever since I married him, the only people left in my social circle were blood-related women. After grabbing his documents, Zachary left without turning back. "Something came up at work, Keira. I'll come back tomorrow," he said coldly. Tomorrow came and went. Then, the day after passed. He never showed up even on the day after that. However, thanks to our mutual acquaintances, I received a steady stream of videos of him and Abigail. He took her to parties and dinners and acted like a lovesick teenager who was eager to show her off to the world. On the day I was discharged from the hospital, Zachary posted a nine-photo collage on his social media. He stood in a hot air balloon, romantically cradling Abigail's flushed cheeks as they shared a passionate kiss while the sun dipped below the horizon. I left a comment that said, "Wishing you both a long, happy life and a child to share it with." Zachary called me ten minutes later. I didn't answer. Half an hour later, I saw Zachary and Abigail outside the obstetrics department after I handled the discharge procedures by myself. I overheard the nurse at the front desk speaking to Abigail. "Your husband is really sweet, Mrs. Twain. He's here with you for every appointment. Even during your ultrasounds, he insists on warming the gel himself before allowing us to use it on you." The pregnant women nearby all looked on in envy upon hearing the nurse's words. I instinctively rested my hand against my stomach. I remembered that there had been a baby in my womb once, too. I lost too much blood and miscarried on the day of the car accident. I video-called Zachary in tears, but I was met with the sight of a naked Abigail. "Hello, Mrs. Twain. Mr. Twain lost a game against me. He's currently chained to the bed and serving his punishment. Do you need something?" I hung up immediately without saying a word. Barely a minute later, Zachary called me back. He had a teary-eyed Abigail in his embrace as he cursed me out. He accused me of being petty and foolish. And then he said, "I wonder what a useless idiot like you is good for. You can't even protect your own child. You should get hit by a truck and die, Keira." I snapped out of my daze. I was just about to take a detour when Zachary strode over with a frosty expression. "Why are you just standing there like an idiot?" I lowered my gaze and instinctively explained, "I wasn't following you. This really was just a coincidence. I'm sorry for disturbing you." "Wait." A shadow of jealousy crossed Abigail's gaze when Zachary frowned and shouted at me. She tightened her grip on his hand and smiled at me. "Mrs. Twain, I really want to thank you for donating blood to me. If not for you, I'd still be dizzy right now. Zach, could you please let her come home with us? Please?" Zachary tenderly brushed Abigail's nose. "You're the kindest mama-to-be the world has ever seen. Whatever you say goes." I had planned on returning to collect my luggage anyway, so I didn't turn down Abigail's "kind" offer. It was inside the spacious black car that I soon found a pair of lace underwear—still damp, wedged between the seats as Abigail intended. "Oh my… Why is that still in the car? Zach, didn't you say you already took care of it?"