###4
I kept my eyes shut.
He let out a sigh of relief and gently wiped the tears from my cheeks.
“Sweetheart, you had a nightmare. I’m here now. Don’t be scared…”
I frowned and instinctively turned away from the lips that had just kissed another woman.
His expression froze, then his eyes turned red, and his fists clenched in frustration.
“Ruth, I swear I’ll never let you suffer again.”
But haven’t all my wounds and pain come from you?
Just then, a soft, pitiful sob came from the floor, and Nate noticed Cassie lying there like a wounded little bird.
He immediately let go of my hand and rushed over to her, cradling her in his arms and gently massaging her bruised leg.
“Baby, I’m sorry. But we can’t let Ruth find out about us.”
Only then did he seem to realize the shamelessness of what they’d done—right here in my hospital ward.
He scooped Cassie into his arms and quickly left.
But what difference did it make now?
He had already shattered the love I had given him without reservation since I was sixteen.
Later, I received an email—a video sent by Cassie.
“Ugly pig, your husband is truly passionate.”
They were entangled again in the backseat of a car, not even bothering to fix their clothes.
I saved the file.
Evidence, straight from her. A woman parading as noble and refined, but in truth, a shameless thief of someone else’s fiancé.
I’m sure others will be very interested.
The next morning, Nate called.
“Sorry, Ruth. I just wrapped up some work. I’ll come back to the hospital to be with you.”
I replied coolly, “No need. I think Miss Cassie needs you more now.”
My distant tone made him pause.
“What are you saying, baby? I don’t understand.”
I took a breath and asked calmly, “Nate, where is our child?”
“She… she was born premature and didn’t survive. I’ve already had her buried. I’ll take you to visit the grave tomorrow, okay?”
A grave? Then what was that tiny lifeless body I pulled from a stray dog’s mouth?
Grief choked me, and I couldn’t speak.
Nate sensed something was wrong.
“When you’re discharged, let’s have the perfect wedding, okay?”
I forced the words through clenched teeth.
“Okay.”
But in my heart, I made a vow too.
There won’t be a wedding.
Only your funeral, Nate.
He soon arrived, holding a thermos, and knelt before me.
“I learned to make this chicken soup from an American chef. It’s great for recovery. Please, have some.”
I stared at the golden broth, my heart was cold.
Outside, I overheard nurses chatting as they passed:
“Miss Cassie is so lucky. Her boyfriend’s absolutely devoted.”
“Right? He even flew a chef just to help with her anemia. Stayed up all night making her soup!”
So this bowl—was just a test batch for Cassie.
I pushed the spoon away.
“I can’t drink it.”
Big tears rolled into the soup. Guilt shadowed Nate’s face.
He threw the bowl aside and slapped himself, hard.
“I regret it! I should’ve let you deliver the baby. Even if she was sick, I’m her father—I should’ve raised her!”
But it’s too late now.
And worse…
“Do you truly mean that, Nate?”
He froze when he saw my red, tear-filled eyes.
At that moment, his phone rang.
He glanced at the screen, then answered angrily:
“I told you—I’m with Ruth! Can’t you handle such a small issue yourselves, useless bunch!”
Hanging up, he turned to me.
“Something’s wrong at the company. I need to go.”
I grabbed his wrist, pleading,
“Please don’t go. Stay here. I… I need you.”
He averted his eyes.
“I’m sorry, love. I’ll be back soon, I promise.”
He slowly pried my fingers off, one by one.
As he rushed out, I stared after him, filled with despair. Then I laughed quietly.
He thought I didn’t see the caller ID.
But I did. It was Cassie.
His choice was clear.
She always came first, didn’t she?
I hope you never regret this.
Because soon… you’ll understand.
I picked up the phone and dialed.
“We need to talk.”
