2:
I arrived home late, the house empty.
Curling up on the bed, I drifted into a restless
sleep.
Hours later, as dawn crept through the
window, I heard David come in.
He tiptoed into the bedroom, careful not to
wake me.
When my eyes fluttered open, he rushed to
my side, taking my hand.
“You’re so pale. Are you feeling okay?”
<
I looked at him, the encounter from earlier
feeling surreal.
His eyes held the familiar warmth, no hint of
deception.
I almost doubted it had been him at the pawn
shop.
Then, I saw the red marks on his neck. Reality
crashed down.
I turned away, refusing to meet his gaze,
pulling my hand from his.
His hand hung in the air, then slowly fell.
He sighed, sitting on the bed. “I’m sorry I’m
late. I should have been here for you.”
L
I closed my eyes, unwilling to hear his false
apologies, unwilling to let him see the tears
welling up.
He sighed again, stroking my forehead. “Is
the baby giving you trouble again? Just stay
home and rest these next few days… After
that, I promise I’ll make it up to you.”
His voice was gentle, full of concern.
But my heart felt like it was being pierced by
a thousand needles.
His tenderness, his concern, it was all an act.
All for Amelia.
I forced out the words, “No need.”
く
Sensing my resistance, he paused, a flicker of
hurt in his eyes. “Are you still upset about me
missing the ultrasound? I promise, it won’t
happen again.”
He even held up his hand, like he used to
when we were dating, making a childish.
promise.
I looked at the man I had loved for so many
years, a bitter smile twisting my lips. “David,
do you really love me?”
He opened his mouth to answer, but his
phone rang.
Even without the speakerphone, I heard
Amelia’s faint, weepy voice.
She said something, and David’s face paled.
<
“Wait for me. I’ll be right there.”
He hung up, scrambling to dress, his eyes
filled with guilt. “Something’s come up with
Amelia. I have to go.”
My heart sank.
“Today’s my parents‘ death anniversary. You
promised to go with me.”
He frowned, irritated by my tone. “Amelia’s
blind, and my brother made me promise to
take care of her. How can I just ignore her?”
“When did you become so petty and
heartless?”
Whether it was emotional pain or physical, I
couldn’t tell. My eyes stung. I turned away.
As if realizing his harshness, his voice
softened. “I’ll make it up to you. I promise.”
With that, he hurried out the door.
The click of the latch echoed in the sudden
silence, leaving only the frantic beating of my
heart.
