Since being locked in the room, I lost all appetite and hadn’t eaten in two days. Combined with my prior injuries, my body was incredibly weak.
That night, I finally slipped out while the guards were distracted.
Just outside the house, the neighbor’s dog saw me and, overjoyed after days of not seeing me, leaped toward me. But I was too frail—I collapsed on the spot.
The neighbor uncle saw what happened and, realizing I was in danger, rushed over. While I was still barely conscious, he carried me into his car. “Nina, are you okay? I’m taking you to the hospital right now.”
He looked worriedly at me in the rearview mirror. “Strange… Why can’t I reach Ethan?”
The usually quiet road was now completely jammed. “Why is there a party on the road at this hour?” He muttered while trying to call Ethan again, but no one picked up.
Suddenly, pain stabbed through my abdomen like a knife, and blood soaked through beneath me. I clutched my stomach, screaming in agony.
Seeing my worsening condition, the uncle got out and carried me toward the emergency room.
“Excuse me! She’s pregnant and just passed out. Please help!” I vaguely heard his voice as I lost consciousness.
When I came to, I was in a hospital bed, aching all over. I struggled to open my eyes. Memories of the past day came rushing back, and I instinctively touched my stomach in fear.
“You’re finally awake. Congratulations, it’s a girl—though a bit premature,” the doctor explained gently.
I looked at my now-flat stomach with mixed feelings. I had intended to terminate the pregnancy today, but now the baby had already arrived.
“Try to rest. I’ve informed your family,” the doctor said as he left.
Ethan barged in right after, reeking of alcohol, the exhaustion on his face hard to miss. “Nina, thank you for going through this. I had an emergency yesterday, but I came as soon as I heard.”
He held my hand tightly, noticing how thin I’d become. “You’re too stubborn. You shouldn’t have starved yourself just because you didn’t want to admit fault to Nina.”
I gently pulled my hand away. No matter how attentive he appeared now, the lipstick stain on the back of his neck betrayed where he had been the night before.
“She’s adorable, just like you. Don’t worry, Nina. I’ll help settle your family’s debt with the company. No one will trouble you.” He tried to show concern, but I could hear the guilt in his voice.
Looking pale after giving birth, I saw him bring over tonic soup. He fed me slowly, one spoonful at a time. I had never seen him act so gentle with me.
As I touched my belly, I did the math in my head—there were still two days until my planned procedure. But he interrupted my thoughts again.
“I saw your records—you had a prenatal appointment today. I’ve been too busy, and haven’t accompanied you once. Thank goodness the baby is safe.” He smiled gently and stroked my hair.
Then he finally noticed my head injury and quickly called for a doctor. After learning it was from a car accident days ago, his face darkened with guilt.
Over the next two days, he busied himself with my recovery. When I requested to go home to rest, he agreed without hesitation.
“I’ve got everything ready,” he said, helping me into the car. A bouquet filled the back seat—powder blue, my favorite. But the strong pollen made me sneeze.
Then I noticed the card: “Sienna” in bold, cursive letters. My heart ached. The box of powder blue diamond jewelry beside it glistened coldly.
“It’s Nina’s birthday today. She loves this color lately. She’ll be thrilled,” he said proudly.
He still didn’t know I was allergic to pollen. Seeing my expression, he added quickly, “Nina, just ask me for anything. Now that we have a baby, Mom’s happy. She’ll come home to see you soon.”
“No need,” I replied softly. Just then, a message came in—Liam was almost at the address I sent him.
Once home, I was still editing my reply when Ethan glanced over. “Who are you texting?” he asked.
I locked my screen. “No one.”
He was about to accompany me inside when his phone rang. The caller ID read Baby, and Sienna’s sweet voice rang out.
“Nina’s at the bar. I’m going to celebrate her birthday.” He turned and drove off without a second thought.
I sighed, handed the baby to the housekeeper, and went upstairs. I placed my house key into the iron box, pulled out a final sheet of letter paper, and wrote:
“Today marks our third anniversary. He’s completely forgotten. He didn’t even name our child, only remembered his baby’s birthday.”
I signed it with number 100. One hundred disappointments—enough to let go.
I packed a small bag with a few clothes and photos. No trace of me remained in that house. Right on time, Liam arrived. I tossed the oxidized, blackened ring into the street—and left without looking back.
