Chapter 4 - The Invisible Wife

Hazy, fuzzy.

Carol woke up again and found herself lying in a hospital.

"You know there's a fire and still go back to check, are you trying to die?" Hubert Anderson's voice came from beside the bed. He was still in his pilot uniform, but it was wrinkled and disheveled now.

"I..." Carol's throat was choked from the thick smoke, and didn't have much strength to speak.

"If you don't care about your own life, hurry up and sign the papers. In the Anderson family we only have divorce, not widows." Seeing her weak and powerless state, a nameless anger rose in Hubert's heart.

The door to the hospital room was pushed open from outside, and first officer Bartholomew Evans rushed in, panting and holding a bouquet.

"Carol's alright?" His words were full of concern.

Hubert Anderson's gaze fixed on the roses in his hand for two seconds before he silently turned and left.

Bartholomew Evans placed the flowers on the bedside table and sat down.

"How are you feeling? Still uncomfortable?"

Carol swallowed twice, then croaked out hoarsely, "The plane..."

"The fire alarm was caused by a power bank overheating and catching fire. The fire department responded promptly and there was no further damage, human and plane are safe." Understanding her concern, Bartholomew quickly updated her on the situation. "All passengers have been rebooked on flights to continue to Rome. Our crew is standing by until you recover, then we'll go back to Armadillo."

Carol breathed a sigh of relief, weary but also relieved. "That's good..."

"What's your relationship with Captain Anderson?" Bartholomew suddenly gossiped, "Earlier when he saw you in the smoke, he rushed in without hesitation to save you..."

Carol's breathing hitched as complex emotions swirled inside.

Hubert rushing recklessly to save her was only because he was worried about becoming a widower.

"We're colleagues on the same plane, how could he not try to save me..." Carol gave a bitter laugh, not wanting to continue this topic.

"I was going to rescue you, didn't expect he was quicker...long legs have their advantages, he stole my chance to play hero saving the beauty..." Bartholomew muttered, seeing Carol's tiredness he quieted down, "Get some more rest, I'll contact the company about when we can go back to the airport."

Not long after Bartholomew left, the hospital room door was pushed open again.

Carol thought he had come back and was about to greet him with a smile, but seeing it was Hubert Anderson, her expression instantly froze.

"What, disappointed it wasn't Bartholomew?" Her reaction clearly displeased Hubert. "Since when have you caught his eye, how did I not know about this?"

Carol was stunned, then scoffed coldly, "We're getting divorced, don't you think you're meddling too much?"

Hubert's eyes hardened briefly. "Bartholomew's mother has always wanted grandchildren. He's looking for a woman now to marry and have kids. You're not suitable for him."

Whether he was advising Carol or mocking her infertility, only he knew.

Carol stared blankly up at the ceiling, but her hand getting the IV unconsciously moved to rest on her flat belly.

If she and Hubert had children over these years, perhaps their marriage wouldn't have deteriorated to this point...

The next day, a company car from Armadillo arrived to bring them back.

Carol had just walked to the car when a little boy rushed out and threw himself into Hubert Anderson's arms.

"Dad!"

Carol's pupils contracted, almost not believing her ears.

But when she saw Gillian Davies get out of the car, her whole body froze.

"Hugo missed you so insisted on coming along." Gillian said to Hubert with a radiant smile, then beamed at the crew, completely ignoring Carol's existence.

Hubert held Hugo in his arms, letting him smear his wet mouth over his face.

Gillian gently wiped Hubert's cheek with a handkerchief, the 'family of three' picture extremely warm and yet jarring.

Seeing everyone's astonished looks, Hubert also made no attempt to hide it.

"Let me introduce, this is my wife of three years Gillian, our son Hugo," Hubert Anderson said openly.

Carol stood rooted to the spot, her mind buzzing blankly.

Hubert Anderson had a secret wife and child for three years? How was this possible? She racked her brains but couldn't think of any signs that he had a family on the side.

Seeing the crew's shock and Carol's stunned expression, Hubert's gaze was complicated. He didn't offer any explanation, just said calmly, "Let's get on the car."

Gillian glanced indifferently at Carol before turning and entering the car.

Carol mechanically followed the others onto the vehicle. She sat wordlessly in her seat, fixated on the sight of Hubert Anderson interacting with his "other" family.

Hugo chattered happily to his father about his days while Hubert listened attentively. Gillian nestled close to Hubert's shoulder, gazing at him and their son with unconcealed affection.

The loving picture of the three pierced through Carol like a knife, but she didn't make a sound. She only quietly blinked back the moisture gathering in her eyes.

The car soon arrived at the airport. Carol numbly grabbed her bag and moved to get off.

Just as she stepped out of the car, she heard Gillian coo to Hugo behind her, "Say bye-bye to Daddy, he has to fly the plane now."

Carol's shoulders stiffened. Without looking back, she strode rapidly into the airport terminal alone.

The truth she had believed for years was shattered. Carol didn't know how to face this entirely foreign situation. The only thing she could do was bury her heartbreak, put on a professional facade, and continue forward.