I No Longer Love, But He Regrets

"Miss Emily,I'm asking you for the last time.Are you sure you don't want the child?"The doctor asked repeatedly in the hospital's obstetrics and gynecology department.

The pungent smell of disinfectant filled my nostrils,making my nose twitch.My eyes reddened unexpectedly.Just then,my phone buzzed.It was a message from Michael Smith,"Honey,how are you feeling today?Still nauseous?Do you want something to eat?Wait for me at home,okay?I've got a surprise for you."

I sneered silently and placed my phone on the table."I'm sure."I told the doctor before adding,"When can the procedure be done?The sooner,the better."

——

I was three months pregnant.Michael had been attentive and submissive during these three months,cooking various dishes for me.Friends praised me for marrying such a wonderful man.But they didn't know Michael would rush to another city to embrace another man's new bride during my toughest moments of morning sickness.At the Metro station,I saw Michael clinging tightly with that other woman while their lips were locked.

"You're my life."he whispered."Don't leave me."

Their love story moved me,but why must it be built upon my pain?If I hadn't seen them at the station yesterday,I would have believed Michael had returned to our family.

Exhausted from conferences in two adjacent cities,I returned home at night.My whole body was aching.I devoured instant noodles.Tears were rolling down my cheeks.My phone beeped.It was a notification from Instagram.A beauty blogger posted a photo of two clasped hands–one strong,one delicate.There was a caption that read,

"Finally,I've found you.Thankfully,I didn't give up."

I recognized Michael's hand immediately.The mole on his hand and the ring mark on his finger.He removed his wedding ring before his mistress,thoughtful as always.

The doctor's words pulled me back from my thoughts,"Your surgery is scheduled for tomorrow at 10 a.m.,Miss Emily.Please come on an empty stomach and bring someone with you."

I nodded silently,my throat constricted.

At home,Michael had prepared dinner,awaiting my return with a warm smile.His good mood pierced my heart.

"Emily,where have you been?Did you and the baby miss me?"He asked with a gentle voice before pulling me in his arms,his chest carrying the faint scent of jasmine–a fragrance that wasn't mine.

The thought of him sleeping with another woman made me feel dizzy and nauseous.I pushed him away and rushed to the bathroom,vomiting uncontrollably.