Chapter 4%
Without a word, I pushed him away and forced a fragile smile.
‘I’m fine. You don’t need to worry about me. I’m just worried about our son being home alone. You should go back and take care of him.“}
For a fleeting moment, something unreadable crossed his face: sorrow, perhaps even guilt. I almost believed it was for our child.
“Adeline, with the way things are now… the doctor says our child may never recover. He might not even live long enough to grow up.“>
His next words sliced through me like a blade.
“Should we start planning… and adopt a healthy child instead?”
I lifted my gaze, staring at him in disbelief.
Felix didn’t seem to notice. Instead, he pressed my hand to his lips, placing a feather–light kiss as if he were the most devoted husband in the world.
“Adeline, you’ve been heartbroken ever since Henry’s accident. It pains me to see you like this. Instead of drowning in sorrow, why don’t we adopt a healthy child?“%
The words of accusation burned on the tip of my tongue, but I swallowed them back, forcing myself to stay composed.]
After a long silence, I carefully tested the waters.
“Felix, I don’t want to raise someone else’s child. How about we have another baby instead?“}
The shift in his expression was instant. His face darkened and without warning, he shoved me away.”
“What nonsense are you talking about?”
As if realizing his outburst, he quickly reined himself in, softening his tone, but his eyes flickered with unease.}
“Adeline, your body isn’t fit for another pregnancy. I can’t bear to see you suffer again.“}
“Besides, with Henry’s condition, he’ll need extra care in the future. Coincidentally, the doctor mentioned today that the person who received your blood is looking for someone to adopt their child, so I thought…“}
“Trust me, Henry will always be my only biological child. Everything I do is for his sake.“}
A sharp, twisting pain clenched my heart, suffocating, unbearable.}
He had taken everything from my son, yet he refused to leave him, even the smallest fragment of love.
And he had the audacity to claim it was for the child’s well–being.
He had lied for so long that perhaps even he believed his own deception.
When I finally spoke, my voice was eerily calm.2
“Alright, I understand. Do as you see fit.“2
Felix’s eyes lit up with joy, glistening with unshed tears. He bent down and pressed a lingering kiss to my forehead as if he were the most devoted husband in the world.
1 forced a composed smile, swallowing back the metallic tang of blood rising in my throat.
But inside, my heart had already been reduced to ruins.
Unable to contain his excitement, he hastily found an excuse to leave, murmuring something about discussing my follow–up treatment with the doctor. Then, without a second glance, he walked away.
I pretended not to notice Gianna standing in the doorway, her eyes brimming with silent provocation.
My hands trembled as I reached for the phone Felix had carelessly left on my bedside table.}