Chapter 3

When I woke, Haley was by the bed. His handsome face was grim, unshaven, unusually haggard. He gripped my hand tightly. “No more fighting, okay? It’s my fault. I said things that hurt you.” “No matter how upset you are, you can’t jump into the river!” “If that doctor hadn’t been passing by and saved you today, the consequences would have been—Too much to contemplate!” So, his panic was because he thought I’d tried to drown myself. I could tell he was genuinely scared. Indescribable feelings, numb and sour. I wanted to sob, but couldn’t utter a word. Closing my eyes, tears streamed down uncontrollably. After crying for what felt like forever, I finally spoke with all my strength. “Haley, let’s get a divorce.” Since this day was inevitable, I might as well say it first. Haley froze. His face darkened. “What nonsense are you talking?” “Haley, I don’t want to stand between you and her. This is best for everyone.” “Shut up!” His voice rose. “Can you stop being so dramatic?!” Then, as if resigned, he sighed heavily. “I just feel like I owe Mia from the past.” “Be good. Once I help her sort out the divorce, I’ll cut contact, okay?” “We’ll live well, have a cute little baby.” That day, my tears broke like a dam. He gently wiped my cheeks and kissed my forehead. Then his phone rang. Haley paused, and under my gaze, still chose to step outside to answer it. Just then, a nurse walked in with a report. “Congratulations! You’re pregnant! You must take extra care of yourself now.” “Hmm? Where’s your husband?” Haley was deep in conversation in the hallway corner. He didn’t notice my approach. Shrouded in shadow, his expression was unusually tender. “Yeah, she’s calmed down now.” “Honestly, Lola’s like a lapdog. She can’t live without me, you know? She’d never really leave me. It’s all just talk, playing hard to get!” “Once I handle things here, I’ll come pick you up.” I stood in the corridor for a long time, until my hands and feet turned icy. That positive pregnancy test result never reached him. The following days, Haley was attentive. He bought me strawberry cake. Ordered me matcha lattes. But these were Mia’s favorite flavors. “Lola, once things settle, I’ll take you to the island resort, okay?” “I promise, I won’t see her again.” I knew it was all lies meant to placate me, yet I lacked the courage to push him away. Even if he offered poison, someone as spineless as me would drink it willingly. I was starved for love. An alcoholic father, a timid mother. Haley was the only light in my bleak life. Like a drowning person clutching the last straw. I nodded. “Okay. I’ll wait.” Haley smiled, satisfied. Then he left for abroad again without hesitation. Different this time, he video-called me regularly. Sent me little gifts. Shared ocean views. Perhaps too perfunctory, he didn’t notice— In the reflection of the large villa window, a pair of women's shoes were visible, along with an empty box of condoms. “Lola, wait for me to come back.” So, keeping me pacified was just to buy more time with Mia. I was… utterly foolish. A month and a half later, Haley returned. As a reward for my obedience, he took me to the longed-for island resort. He took me speeding on a boat. Waves crashed, seagulls soared. Such a beautiful scene, but we could never go back. The seawater completely engulfed me.