His usually calm voice was now panting with rage.
I simply asked him, "Are you really in such a hurry to leave because of the flying knife surgery? Was Kelly's post on Instagram really a drunken family member forcing you to play games? Or are you in such a hurry to leave just to accompany your young disciple to Disneyland?"
His breathing suddenly stopped on the other end of the line. There was silence for two seconds.
"What nonsense are you talking about? It's not happening. You're really... delusional..."
Then came Kelly's voice, "Doctor Steven, the fireworks are about to start. You finally came out to relax and I don't want your mood to be affected by my situation. When I get back, I'll personally apologize to your wife, even if I have to kneel down."
The phone was immediately disconnected. I guessed he was afraid of missing the beautiful fireworks?
I held the children's urns, tears streaming down my face. "Mom will never let them go."
I didn’t remember when I fell asleep; I only knew I cried until I was out of breath.
I woke up the next day, my eyes so swollen I couldn’t open them. I simply put on my sunglasses and went downstairs, only to see a busy figure moving around below.
Steven came out with porridge. He was stunned for a moment when he saw me, but then smiled nonchalantly.
"Are you up? I made you breakfast, have some. I know you’ll be thinking too much about what happened yesterday. I didn’t even bother to rest and flew back overnight."
I opened my mouth, about to say no, when a brisk figure in my pajamas rushed out of the bathroom. She threw herself into Steven’s arms, saying sweetly, "Doctor Steven, you look so much like a married man. I love men who look like married men."
Steven quickly pulled her off him, his tone flustered, "You’re so grown and you still act like a child."
He turned to explain, "It was raining when we landed and we got soaked. I asked Kelly to go home and change clothes, but she insisted on coming with me to apologize to you, so I took out your clothes for her to change into."
Kelly stuck out her tongue and said to me, "Mrs. Brandy, I’m here to apologize. I was really joking yesterday! If you’re worried, I’ll find someone to date this weekend and get married quickly. It won’t affect your relationship at all."
"Kelly! Don’t mess around!" Steven called out, then noticed my sarcastic smile and quickly added, "What I mean is, my wife has always been gentle and kind. She’s definitely forgiven you. There’s no need for you to randomly date men."
Then he turned to me, "Isn’t that right, Milena? Let’s just leave yesterday’s matter behind and let it go, okay?"
My child’s body was still warm and he was already flirting with his new love beneath the fireworks. And now he wanted me to let it go? Of course.
I put on a sarcastic smile, "It’s okay. I don’t mind."
Anyway, he would be leaving for Africa soon too. What their relationship was, where they went last night, or what they did—I didn’t care.
Hearing me say this, Steven seemed relieved, pushing his gold-rimmed glasses up, "I’m glad you’re sensible. I’ve postponed all the surgeries I’m currently doing and will be with you for the time being. I’ll go back to work when you’re feeling better and the children’s seventh day of mourning has passed."
I calmly replied, "Okay."
He was the child’s father; he should be by the urn, accompanying them through the seventh day of mourning.
A hint of displeasure flashed in Kelly’s eyes. With a quick roll of her eyes, she suddenly snatched the bowl of soup from Steven’s hand and walked toward me.
