Chapter 9
In the room, Jessica and John were cooing over the baby.
Seeing us, John’s smile vanished. Jessica greeted Mr. Johnson.
“Ashley, come see your nephew! Isn’t he
adorable?”
I joined Mr. Johnson, peering into the crib.
The baby, fair–skinned with big eyes, was
indeed cute.
I remembered John saying, “Ashley, I love
boys. If we’re together, we have to have a
son.”
Now, he had one with someone else.
Noticing John’s gaze, I asked cheerfully,
“John, what’s his name?”
“Ethan Johnson.”
Jessica answered first.
“John said, praying he’ll have a safe and peaceful life, so that’s his name.”
I froze.
Years ago, John had told me, “Our son’s
name will be Ethan. Praying he’ll have a happy
life.”
The irony was sharp.
I couldn’t stay any longer. Excusing myself, I went to the garden, my usual refuge when upset.
John would always follow, comforting me, playing games with me.
Lost in thought, John suddenly appeared.
“What’s wrong?”
The audacity. He knew exactly what was
wrong.
“John, have you forgotten your promise?”
I met his eyes. Once filled with love, now
calm.
He frowned, his voice cold. “I was kidding.”
“You’re too young for me. We wouldn’t work.”
The hypocrisy stung.
Too young for me, but not for Jessica?
“Jessica might be younger, but she’s mature
and responsible.”
“So, Ashley, move on. I don’t love you.”
“I sincerely hope we can still be close as
brother and sister.”
The word “brother” felt like a slap.
He’d once said, “Ashley, I don’t like you
calling me brother. Im going to be your
husband.”
“Here’s a check. I think you understand what this means. Let’s part ways amicably.”
The check in his hand was a physical blow.
A cool breeze swept past. I laughed, taking
the check. “Fine. I won’t be back.”
み
I turned to leave. He called out, “If you have
time, stay for the wedding.”
“I don’t.”
I left.
Getting into the cab, I took one last look at
the house.
<
John and I had lived there for over a decade.
We’d spent hours in his room, eating fried
chicken, playing video games.
Now, he and Jessica were in there, laughing
with their baby.
Love was a trick question, and maybe only the right person held the answer.
