Troy returned that evening. He didn't work overtime, by six, he was home. His coat, drenched by the rain, was tossed directly into the washing machine as soon as he entered.
He glanced at me painting in the study, a faint smile playing on his lips as he quietly approached me from behind, intending to kiss me. I dodged him again.
"Felicia, why do I feel like you've been avoiding me these past few days?" His gaze shifted to my belly and asked, "Has the baby been behaving? You haven't seemed to have much morning sickness lately."
Of course, there was no more morning sickness. Because the baby was long gone.
I let out a cold laugh, only to catch sight of a vivid red mark on his neck, immediately wiping the smile off my face.
Even though he had washed his coat, the heavy scent of a young woman's perfume lingered.
I said nonchalantly, "Stay away. You're making me nauseous again."
Feigning morning sickness, I left the study and shut myself in the bathroom, finally letting out a sigh of relief. At this point, it was truly tragic how things had come to this between Troy and me.
"Felicia, how about I accompany you to your check-up tomorrow?" Before bed, Troy suddenly suggested.
I glanced at the phone he had placed on the coffee table and replied indifferently, "I doubt you can. Louise has plans to take you to try out that new couples' hotel theme room tomorrow."
His face changed instantly and he snatched up his phone. Angrily, he typed something on the screen, prompting a call from Louise, her voice quivering with sobs, "Mr. Angelo, I was wrong! Please don't block me …"
Troy, visibly furious, scolded her harshly, "I told you before, if you say anything inappropriate again and upset my wife, I'll fire you!" Hanging up, he turned to reassure me.
He claimed Louise was drunk and speaking nonsense. I knew all too well, it was just a performance for my sake.
I chuckled lightly, "Troy, there's no need for this. We …" before I could finish saying 'should divorce,' another message came from Louise.
A video this time: In the rain, she was soaking wet, her body alluring, while several men with ill intentions loomed behind her.
Through tears, she pleaded, "Mr. Angelo, come save me! They've been following me …"
Troy's expression changed drastically, "Felicia, I need to step out for a bit!"
I smiled, "It's fine, saving a life comes first. Go to her."
Grateful, he cast me a quick glance and rushed out without even grabbing a coat. Meanwhile, I simply lowered my head and continued painting.
I had grown accustomed to these occurrences, which had happened far too often.
When he returned, it was already past midnight. By then, I had framed my finished painting and was fast asleep.
Half-asleep, I felt him gently embrace me, "Felicia, I know you're upset today, aren't you? Don't worry. I've decided to fire Louise. Once I've handed over my responsibilities at the company, I'll devote myself fully to staying home with you during your pregnancy. How does that sound?"
If my eyes hadn't been closed, I might not have been able to suppress a laugh. Had Troy acted so long that he began believing his own lies?
Or did he know I was only pretending to sleep and these words were intentionally for me to hear? Perhaps he hoped I would, as always, swallow my grievances and reconcile. But I had seen through it all now.
The next morning, I didn't wake until ten. Turning over, I saw Troy standing in the doorway wearing an apron. He said cheerfully, "Awake, sleepyhead? Come have breakfast."
I was taken aback. Troy didn't go to work?
Looking at the table overflowing with a lavish breakfast spread, I wondered if I was dreaming.
"Felicia, I've neglected you in the past. You've gone through over ten rounds of IVF for me, endured morning sickness and suffered so much." From his pocket, he pulled out a pigeon-egg-sized diamond ring and handed it to me with a tender expression. He said again, "From now on, I want to make it up to you."
I didn't reach out to take it, instead, I felt an unsettling awkwardness. Why this sudden kindness? Had he discovered I was planning to leave?
That day, he said nothing, staying with me through breakfast, a movie and even a visit to an art exhibition.
Watching him, I was momentarily reminded of our days dating six years ago. Back then, he had accompanied me like this, promising to do so for a lifetime. But now, it was better to part amicably.
I said, "Tonight, I'd like to eat at that restaurant with the long lines. Will you come with me?"
"Of course." He agreed without hesitation, smiling warmly.
Perhaps he had forgotten that today marked our sixth wedding anniversary. Our last meal together could serve as a fitting farewell.
But that evening, Troy ultimately failed to show up for our dinner. Once again, Louise's phone call had pulled him away.
Before leaving, he anxiously tried to explain, "Felicia, don't misunderstand. Although I've already fired Louise, she's threatening to jump off a building, in the company no less! I have to go and calm her down!"
What he didn't know was that I had already checked his phone earlier. There was no talk of jumping.
Instead, Louise had messaged him, claiming she was pregnant. She demanded a legitimate status, threatening that otherwise, she'd jump and take both lives with her, completely ruining his reputation.
I had said nothing, merely testing him. In the end, Troy still chose to leave. He didn't return all night.
I didn't harbor any hope either. I packed my things, leaving behind what needed to stay along with a note, placing it prominently on the coffee table in the living room. Then, I boarded a plane and left this city.
When Troy returned after handling everything, he even adjusted his expression beforehand. But upon opening the door, all he found was an empty, cold house.
"Felicia? Felicia!" He searched several times but couldn't find me.
Then he turned and noticed the items on the coffee table. A transparent glass jar held a small, nearly formed embryo. The note read:
[Troy, by the time you read this letter, I'll have already left Houston. Don't bother looking for me.]
[Your child is gone and I've signed the divorce papers. Lastly, I wish you and Louise a long and happy life together.]
[Farewell forever.]
Troy froze, his entire body rigid, his face ashen.
