Just then, Wanda’s soft voice broke the silence.
"It’s my fault, Heinry. I shouldn’t have insisted on those old farmer’s tomatoes. You ended up arguing with Yoanne because of me. Sorry, I was too selfish."
Her voice trembled and tears slipped down her face.
Seeing her cry, his expression shifted at once, panic flashing in his eyes. "Helena, don’t cry…"
"No, it’s Wanda."
Heinry froze for a moment. Then his face turned cold and his voice turned sharp. "I’ll call you what I want. Since when do you get to correct me?"
Wanda was stunned but quickly masked it with a sweet, playful smile.
"My mistake. I just felt bad for your pain and I’m not like some people who keep digging up old wounds. Helena is already gone, but Yoanne is still talking with such disrespect. The doctor clearly said it was due to poor bone marrow quality and rejection. How can her father not be at fault?"
Her words poured oil on the fire. Heinry’s temper snapped. He turned to me, his eyes cold as ice.
"You’re not even worthy to say Helena’s name, Yoanne. Go buy the tomatoes for Wanda. Don’t make me repeat myself."
I forced a bitter smile, then turned and walked away.
The tomatoes Wanda wanted were far away. To be exact, it needed a two hours drive on dangerous mountain roads, where cliffs and landslides were always a threat.
My burned hand was wrapped in thick gauze as I gripped the steering wheel. In such a situation, all I hoped was to reach the town and find a hotel before nightfall.
But just as I arrived, dark clouds gathered and rain poured down like a waterfall.
Heinry had only given me two days. Even in the middle of the storm, he sent another cold message reminding me to be back on time.
A bitter laugh escaped my lips. My own husband knew it was raining hard and the mountain roads were dangerous, that I could lose my life out there and yet he didn’t care at all.
The next day, I pushed deeper into the mountains, forcing the car over broken, muddy roads. Rocks and dirt slid down the slopes every so often.
By some stroke of luck, I finally reached the old farmer. I took photos and videos as proof.
Heinry saw them and was satisfied. After that, he didn’t say another word.
I packed my things and got ready to head back. However, just as I reached the most dangerous stretch of road, he called.
"Go back and buy some wild sour meat. Wanda is pregnant and she craves it."
My hands shook on the steering wheel as I froze.
Wanda was pregnant and my husband told me like it was nothing.
"Heinry, don't you think it's cruel enough to ask me to fetch food for your mistress carrying your child? I’m your wife. What do you take me for?"
"You’re my wife, yes. But the child in Wanda’s belly is mine too. What’s the point of fighting about it? I have to protect this child. Don’t worry, I won’t divorce you. I’ll just let you live in misery for the rest of your life to atone for Helena’s death."
My voice trembled, pain tearing through my chest as the mountain road blurred before my eyes.
"My father was never guilty. I am never guilty. It's you, Heinry! You’re the one at fault. You failed to save Helena and now you put all the blame on us. You’re nothing but a coward!"
"Ah!"
The moment the words left my mouth, a landslide came roaring down the mountain, leaving me no time to react.
A massive boulder slammed into my car. My head hit the glass, dizziness overtook me and then the car was swallowed by mud and darkness.
I thought that was the end.
I had no idea how long I was out. When I finally opened my eyes, I found myself lying in a hospital bed.
It was a small county hospital near the mountains. The rescue team had brought me there and they had notified my husband about what had happened.
The doctor said the car was completely destroyed. If not for a thick tree branch breaking the impact, I would have died right on the spot.
Thanks to that, I got away with only a mild concussion and a few scratches.
Heinry rushed in with Wanda by his side, yet not a single word of concern left his mouth.
