Chapter 3

He kept explaining that Regina’s child had a tantrum and wouldn’t let him leave. After finally putting the child to sleep, it was already past midnight, so he stayed there to avoid disturbing me.

I nodded. “Are you finished? I’m tired and need to rest.”

William opened his mouth but said nothing. I slept lightly and regained some strength. When I woke up, he was gone. A note lay on the bedside: [Regina was in a car accident. I’m going to check on her.]

For days, William was gone. His WhatsApp updates showed him caring for Regina. Her leg hurt, or she was injured and couldn’t cook, so he looked after her and the baby.

Every update was about Regina. Since our child was born, he hadn’t even looked at her or given her a name.

I stopped relying on him and named the baby Rena. I couldn’t eat the hospital food, while other mothers ate meals their families had brought.

I could only ask if I could pay for an extra meal from them. Meanwhile, Regina posted a picture of delicious food on her phone.

[Your cooking is still so good. I never get tired of it.]

On the fifth day after Rena was born, the doctor said she had high jaundice and lung inflammation. I cried all night secretly.

The next morning, as I left the ward for the bathroom, I saw William with Regina and the little girl. The girl looked a bit sick.

William held her, gently patting her back. “Take your medicine and get better soon. Daddy’s here and won’t leave.”

My hand was white from gripping the phone. I had messaged him last night about the baby’s stuffy nose and lung inflammation, but he hadn’t replied. He probably knew I was at this hospital, too.

In the afternoon, William came with a bag of fruit. “Regina said her child had a fever and couldn’t manage alone, so I helped this morning. I didn’t see your message.”

I noticed a lipstick stain on his collar. He saw me looking and looked awkward. “The child is playful; she wore Regina’s lipstick and accidentally rubbed it on me when she kissed me.”

My heart had grown cold. Seeing him like this, my anger and resentment faded, replaced by calm. “Hmm.”

William paused, surprised by my reaction. Seeing how much weight I’d lost, a hint of guilt appeared in his eyes.

“You’ve been through a lot these past days. From now on, I’ll stay with you and your daughter and take care of you during your recovery.”

Before I could reply, his phone rang. It was Regina’s child’s ringtone. The little girl’s loud voice filled the room. “Daddy, answer! Mommy needs you! Daddy, answer!”

William quickly answered, “What is it? Okay, I’ll be right there.”

The next moment, he stood up. “Regina fell and hurt her foot. The baby’s been crying. I’m going to check on her.”

Finally, as if remembering, he added, “I’ll be right back.”

But, like before, until Rena and I were discharged, William only came three times and each time Regina quickly called him away.