Chapter 2

The scar on my abdomen, long since healed, began to ache faintly. I leaned against the wall, moving quietly, making my way back to the bedroom. Behind me, the sound of two people reaching the height of ecstasy shattered the silence, their pleasure unmistakable.

Lying on the bed, silent tears streamed down my face. I bit my lip, too afraid to make even the smallest noise. Not long after, a fresh scent of creamy soap enveloped the room.

"Jane, why are you crying?" Hugh's fingertips gently brushed against my cheek, wiping away the tears staining my face.

I opened my eyes, staring blankly at the ceiling above me. He leaned closer, his lips carrying the faint aroma of his shower gel, inching toward mine. I turned my head away sharply, a wave of nausea rising from deep within me. Struggling, I climbed out of bed and rushed to the bathroom, retching violently though nothing came up.

Behind me, he lightly patted my back in an attempt to comfort me.

Splashing cold water onto my face, the icy chill brought a sharp clarity back to my mind.

"I've been feeling nauseous and tired these past few days," I said, my voice tentative as I looked into the bathroom mirror, my eyes red and swollen. "Do you think... do you think I might be pregnant?"

I turned slightly to watch him through the mirror, scrutinizing every flicker of his expression.

"Absolutely not." The words left his mouth instantly, his eyes narrowing as if in reflex. Realizing the abruptness of his reaction, he coughed awkwardly, attempting to disguise his discomfort.

"Don't you remember? After the accident when you had Leo, the doctors said your chances of conceiving again were extremely low." His tone carried a forced calmness.

"Is that so? 'Low' doesn't mean impossible. What if...?" I let the question linger, my voice soft and probing.

He pulled me into a tight embrace, his tone suddenly tender, almost pitying. "Don't overthink it. We have Leo, and that's enough for us."

I gave a quiet hum of acknowledgment, lowering my head as if in disappointment. Turning, I accidentally bumped into the doorframe.

"Daddy!" A clear, childish voice broke the moment.

That face... I had imagined it countless times, sketched it repeatedly in my mind. But now that I was seeing it for real, especially those striking almond-shaped eyes, the irony couldn't have cut deeper.

"Daddy, Aunt Yvonne said she's taking me to the amusement park!"

From the moment he entered the room, his gaze never once landed on me. Not even a glance. And he certainly didn't call me "Mom."

"Leo, come here." Hugh's voice carried a hint of irritation as he shot the boy a look. Only then did Leo reluctantly shuffle toward me.

Reaching out, I placed my hand on the back of his head, patting it gently. I fought hard against the urge to let my hand slide to his neck.

"Go on," I said, my voice calm, though every word felt like it scraped against my throat. "Mommy's not feeling well tonight. You go have fun with Daddy and Aunt."

"Yay!" Leo immediately wriggled free from my touch, hopping excitedly toward the door.

"I'll stay here with you," Hugh said, his tone full of forced concern.

"Daddy, come with me! I want you to join us. We always have fun together. Mommy can't see, so she can't play with me. It's always Aunt who takes me."

His words, laced with disdain, pierced me like needles. It was a good thing he wasn't my child. I wouldn't allow myself to feel soft-hearted now—or ever.

"You should go," I said, forcing a smile. "You've been spending so much time with me at the hospital lately, you've been neglecting your son. Go, spend time with him for me."

Their figures disappeared into the distance, their laughter fading with every step.

I dropped the smile as soon as they were gone. Opening my palm, I stared down at the strands of hair clutched in my hand. The warmth in my eyes faded entirely. The face in my memory didn't even need confirmation anymore.