Chapter 2

Nadia's eyes widened in disbelief when I pulled her away. I didn't comfort her. I listened to her cries behind me and said nothing. Zachary gently consoled her. "Don't cry. Maybe Mom isn't feeling well. I'll check on her. Be good, Nadia." She sniffled. "Okay." The moment I tried to close the bedroom door, Zachary pushed his way in. Right then, a message popped up on his phone. "Are you coming over tonight?" Zachary didn't notice at all. He frowned in worry and leaned toward me. "What's wrong, Clara?" I lowered my gaze to avoid his and said it plainly. "I saw the message on your phone." Then I took his phone from his hand, unlocked it, and set it right in front of him. "Hurry up and go. Don't keep her waiting. You still have to comfort her." A flicker of panic crossed Zachary's face before he quickly tossed the phone aside, like a gesture of loyalty. "My only priority now is making you happy. I don't care about anyone else." He kept talking as he leaned toward me with a hint of desire in his eyes. "Clara…" I couldn't pull away as he pinned me in his arms. His lips curled as he whispered against my ear, "I knew you couldn't stay away from me…" His head dipped against my neck. Suddenly, the door outside rattled with loud knocks. "Daddy, Mommy, I don't feel good…" Zachary snapped back to clarity and rushed to open the door. "What's wrong, Nadia?" Nadia was crouching on the floor, clutching her stomach. She immediately switched to Jirnum and said, "Daddy, I'm pretending to have a stomachache so we can leave. You said we'd go over to Ms. Carton's place today, so I thought of this…" She didn't even lower her voice. Tears filled her eyes, ready to spill. It was my first time realizing how good she was at acting. If I didn't understand Jirnum, I might have panicked too. Zachary finally realized what she meant and grew anxious. "Don't be scared. I'll take you to the hospital." He scooped her into his arms and glanced back at me. "Stay home and wait for us." Nadia buried her head into Zachary's chest and cried while looking at me. "Mommy…" I walked over and gently brushed her cheek. I said softly, "Don't be scared. I'll be here waiting when you're back." Her eyes lit up for a moment before Zachary carried her out the door. A while later, I saw her through the window, skipping beside Zachary, looking as lively as ever. She didn't look the least bit sick. I pulled my gaze back and bit my lip hard, forcing myself not to break down. I already knew they weren't coming home tonight. Keeping myself steady, I contacted the immigration office about returning to Jirnumia. Since I traveled often, they replied quickly. As long as I brought the documents, I could leave in about two weeks. Once I got the confirmation, I shut my laptop and smiled in front of the mirror. "I'll be home in two weeks. Be happy."