Chapter 2

Asher returned home to get his phone, telling me the project needed an all-nighter revision and I should sleep without waiting for him. I pretended not to notice the red marks on his neck and nodded indifferently, continuing to revise the script for the upcoming shoot.

He glanced swiftly at it, clicking his tongue with disdain.

"You’ve been out of the film industry for so long. Looking at these again is pointless."

I rolled my eyes silently. Ever since becoming a housewife, Asher’s appreciation for my artistic pursuits turned into sarcasm.

Seeing my displeasure, he softened his tone.

"It’s my fault for not spending enough time with you. That’s why you’re bored and keep flipping through these old things."

He suddenly draped his arm over my shoulder, reaching for my shirt button.

"Eloise, let’s have a child. Having a kid with you is better than being idle all day."

He leaned behind me, his breath heavy. I could smell Imogen’s perfume on him. The strong sandalwood scent made me nauseous.

I didn’t want to touch him at all. Fresh from her bed, now wanting intimacy with me. Doesn’t he find it repulsive?

I excused myself to the bathroom, brushing off his hand, locking the door behind me. Disgust overwhelmed me like a tide. I used to want children so desperately, clinging to him every night to have one. He said he didn’t like kids, so he refused.

Now, the child I’m carrying, I got pregnant only by faking taking birth control. I originally planned to reveal it after three months, betting he’d soften and keep the baby. But during a prenatal checkup, I saw him accompanying Imogen for her checkup; she was three weeks ahead of me. Watching him carefully protect Imogen, I realized he didn’t dislike kids, just didn’t want them with me. My heart went cold at that moment, and I immediately switched my registration to schedule an abortion.

Now Asher wants a child with me only because he feels guilty about his betrayal, thinking a child would make up for it. I wonder if he’ll break down when he finds out I’d rather have an abortion than have his child.

When I emerged from the bathroom, he had already taken a call and left quickly. I was glad for the peace, closing the door and getting a good night's sleep.

The next day, I went to the hospital early. As the cold anesthetic entered my body, tears fell uncontrollably. I’m sorry, baby, I once hoped for you to come, and now I’m sending you away. But I know you’d support my decision.

The procedure was over quickly, and when I opened my eyes again, the nurse told me I could go home.

"Ma’am, are you alone? Do you want me to call your husband to pick you up?"

I shook my head, leaning against the wall to slowly leave. Behind me, I could still faintly hear the nurses gossiping.

"So pitiful, her man didn’t show up."

"Love-struck fool. Hospitals can’t cure that."

I smiled wryly to myself; they weren’t wrong. My brain was waterlogged with love for Asher. Now, this is the price I pay.

At the hospital entrance, I bumped into a couple. As I struggled to get up, our eyes met. Across from me, Asher was supporting Imogen, looking at me in panic.

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