The day I joined the Geological Society, I teased Theo Chandler with a playful warning:
"If you ever betray me, I’ll vanish so completely that you’ll never find me."
He took my hand, kissed it tenderly, and vowed with all the sincerity in the world:
"I would never betray you. But if I ever lost you, I’d dig to the ends of the earth to bring you back."
Fate has a cruel sense of irony. One day, I walked into the master bedroom to find him entangled with his secretary, Celeste Radcliffe.
I didn’t scream or cry. Instead, I left quietly, my heart heavy but my dignity intact.
Now, he’s searching for me everywhere—chasing shadows and whispers. But just like I warned him, I’ve made sure I’m nowhere he can reach.
...
As a geologist, I had just completed a grueling month of exploration on an undeveloped desert island in the northwest. The relentless climbing, wading, and high-intensity work had pushed my body to its limits. The moment the project was done, exhaustion overtook me; my vision went black, and I collapsed into a deep sleep.
When I woke up, I was back in San Francisco. Overwhelmed with relief and joy, my happiness grew when I learned there was a tiny life growing inside me—a small embryo nestled in my belly. I couldn’t stop imagining how Theo would react to the news.
I wanted to surprise him, so I didn’t tell him the exact date of my return. But as I stepped into our home, my heart sank. From the bedroom came muffled, unmistakable sounds—laughter, moans, and voices that made my stomach churn.
"Mr. Chandler, who’s better, me or her?" Celeste’s voice was coy, teasing, dripping with mockery.
Theo’s reply was cruel, his tone laced with disdain.
"Fiona’s dead fish eyes… she bores me to death. She thinks I actually like her? I only tolerate her because she’s so obedient."
I froze, clutching the ultrasound report, feeling my heart shatter piece by piece. It wasn’t just the betrayal; it was the venom in his words, reducing me to nothing more than a joke. My hands instinctively cradled my stomach, and for a fleeting moment, I thought I felt the faintest flutter from within—as if the tiny life inside me was responding to my pain.
Child, you’ve come at the wrong time.
Silently, I reached for my phone and recorded the scene—his words, her laughter, the sounds that would haunt me forever. I saved the file and steeled myself to leave.
But then Celeste’s voice rose again, playful and sharp. "Oh, it seems Fiona is back. She’s outside."
Theo’s movements slowed, but only for a moment. His voice was full of mockery.
"You care about her now? That’s cute. She’s probably just standing there, watching from the sidelines. What can she do? Without me, she’s nothing."
He was right—Theo knew me too well. He knew I wouldn’t scream, wouldn’t cry, wouldn’t tear at him like some broken-hearted madwoman. My dignity wouldn’t allow it.
Yes, it was Theo who sponsored my college education, and it was his family’s company that funded our project. Now, I realize he must think I’m only after his family’s wealth. That must be why he feels no guilt, shamelessly desecrating our wedding room with someone else, treating me as if I’m insignificant.
I don’t even remember how I managed to walk out of the bedroom. Standing outside the door, I watched the faint light flicker on in the master bedroom. Their overlapping shadows moved against the walls, each silhouette a dagger to my chest. The pain was unbearable, and tears welled up in my eyes.
In a moment of self-inflicted anguish, I dialed his video phone. I didn’t expect him to answer—but he did.
"Theo, I’m back. Pick me up at the airport," I said, my voice trembling yet calm.
He covered the microphone, but I could still hear Celeste’s muffled giggles and the sound of her kissing him with reckless abandon.
Theo’s breathing was heavy, his tone deliberately composed, yet the strain in his voice betrayed him.
"Honey, just take a taxi home. I’m working overtime. Don’t worry, I’ll be there to welcome you when you get back."
I ended the call, tears streaming down my face as a bitter smile formed on my lips. When I return, he won’t even recognize what he’s lost.
That night, I went to the hospital under the cover of darkness. The doctors were surprised when I said I wanted to terminate the pregnancy. Only hours ago, when they told me I was expecting, I had been brimming with joy.
One of the doctors glanced at my records, her expression softening with concern. She reminded me of my medical history, of the child I had lost before because of my short cervix. Seeing how hard it had been for me to conceive this time, she gently tried to dissuade me.
