The thought had barely surfaced before it was cut off by a calmer, clearer voice within me.
A kite with its string severed can never return to its original direction, no matter how carefully it is repaired.
Daniel showed a brief look of hesitation, then quickly returned to the tone I knew so well, gentle, steady, and firm.
“This project is really important. I have to go.”
“I’ll ask your mother to come stay with you, alright?”
My stomach churned as a faint chill spread across my skin. I nodded, my voice so soft it was almost inaudible.
“Drive safely.”
He noticed nothing unusual. He got dressed and left.
The moment the door closed, I opened my eyes.
Slowly, I sat up. Supporting my belly, I made my way downstairs and hailed a taxi.
“Maplewood Estate,” I said, my tone unexpectedly calm.
The car had barely stopped when Daniel’s vehicle came into view. I immediately asked the driver to pull over and park behind the shadow of roadside trees.
Through the window, I saw Carla almost jump into his arms.
Daniel caught her with ease. One hand rested naturally on her still flat abdomen as he lowered his head and gently tapped her nose, as if teasing her.
Instinctively, my hand moved to protect my own belly.
I took out my phone and started recording. My fingers trembled, but I did not stop.
On the screen, he opened the car door for her, settled her into the passenger seat, and carefully fastened her seatbelt. His movements were practiced and tender.
My eyes burned sharply, yet no tears fell.
“Follow that car,” I said to the driver.
Night flowed past the windows. Neon lights passed one by one. I gripped the window frame until my nails pressed into the wooden edge. The pain kept me awake and clear.
Endure it, I told myself.
Do not fall apart here.
The car finally stopped in front of Riverside General Hospital.
After paying the fare, I stepped out. The driver, who had been silent the entire ride, suddenly glanced back at me, his voice unexpectedly gentle.
“Miss, take care of yourself. For the baby.”
That simple sentence nearly broke me.
Since discovering the truth, I had buried everything deep inside, like swallowing a slow acting poison.
A stranger’s quiet concern allowed me to breathe for a brief moment.
I hid behind a pillar and watched Daniel.
Throughout my entire pregnancy, he had never accompanied me to the hospital even once. He was always too busy.
And now, here he was, registering for someone else, collecting medication, supporting her by the hand with patience and care.
Like a flawless husband.
In that moment, I finally understood.
He never lacked time.
He had simply chosen to give it to the wrong person.
And I, too, finally needed to make a choice, for myself and for my child.
The hospital lobby was flooded with harsh white light. It was noisy, crowded, and restless.
Daniel’s arm rested naturally around the woman’s shoulders, his voice soft and careful.
“The doctor said you should eat a little less these days. Walk around a bit, it helps digestion. Early pregnancy is sensitive, so do not push yourself. This time, let’s listen to the doctor, alright?”
She gave a dissatisfied hum, sounding spoiled.
“I know, I know.”
Then she smiled and added,
“It’s all your fault for buying so much food.”
“Alright, my mistake,” he said with a low laugh. “I care too much.”
She looked up at him, the corners of her lips lifting slightly.
“Then I’ll let it go this time.”
Their voices were light and natural, like lovers long accustomed to one another.
I stood not far away. The fluorescent lights washed my face pale. People passed by me again and again, yet not a single one noticed my presence.
As if, in their world, I had never existed.
