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Chapter 4%
“I just don’t want to raise him,” I said, my voice flat and emotionless.
“Natalie, you’re so cold–blooded.“%
For the first time, Brynn’s eyes held nothing but disappointment, his expression as cold as ice.
“Solomon is my childhood friend’s only child. Before the accident, his only concern was ensuring Solomon had a home.“}
I stared at him, silent.
He was still playing his part, still weaving his lies. And he played them so convincingly.”
If I didn’t already know the truth, maybe I would’ve felt a stab of guilt at his words.
“Sister–in–law, don’t be so heartless,” Sylvie piped up, her voice oozing sweetness. “He’s just a child. Don’t you have any compassion?” From upstairs, the elderly woman descended slowly, Solomon clinging to her leg like a timid shadow.
She shot me a disapproving look, her face twisted in judgment.
“Madam, Solomon’s such a sensible child. Don’t you think you should soften your heart? You don’t have children of your own. It would bring some life into the house.“[
They spoke in perfect unison, like a well–rehearsed play, each word designed to pierce my heart with guilt.”
Pain twisted in my lower abdomen, and cold sweat trickled down my spine.”
“Brynn, we could have our own child,” I said through clenched teeth, staring him down. “Why adopt?“”
A flicker of broken hope shone in my eyes, but I still gave him one last chance.
But he only frowned, hesitation flickering in his eyes.
“I can’t bear to see you suffer through childbirth. If you want, we can try later. Solomon is so sensible; maybe he’d make a good older brother…”
A loud buzz rang through my mind, my chest feeling as though it was being torn apart.”
We had been childless for seven years because of our own issues.}
For seven years, people might’ve said we weren’t in a rush.
But once we adopted a child, what would others think?>
Men never understood the sting of having people stare at your stomach, their eyes full of pity.”
He hadn’t even considered that.
I let out a bitter laugh, cold as shards of ice.&
“In that case, why not let Sylvie adopt him? Didn’t she always say she wouldn’t marry? Perfect chance for her to have a companion. Or let your mom raise him, another little brother would liven things up around here.“}
“Enough!“2
Brynn’s face twisted in anger. For the first time in seven years, he snapped at me.§
“Natalie, stop being so unreasonable.”
“Sylvie’s a woman; how could she adopt a child?”
“My mom is too old; how could she possibly take in a child again?“}
He shielded Sylvie behind him, his anger a mask for the guilt in his eyes.
My last shred of hope for Brynn shattered with those words, like falling from a cliff and crashing to pieces.
Looking at him, standing protectively over Sylvie, my heart went numb.
His heart had already turned, hadn’t it?
I murmured, barely any emotion in my voice: “Fine, go ahead and adopt.”
After all, it had nothing to do with me.
We weren’t even legally married.
The child wouldn’t be registered under my name anyway.
Brynn seemed stunned for a moment before quickly exhaling in relief and immediately apologizing. “Honey, I’m sorry. I was too harsh just now. That was my fault.“2
Afraid I’d change my mind, he hastily left with the old woman to continue their act.”
Solomon stood at the top of the stairs, staring at me like a lifeless doll. His eyes mirrored Brynn’s exactly
A wave of unease washed over me. My steps faltered, and I gripped the handrail tightly as I descended.
“Natalie, feeling proud of yourself?” Sylvie sneered suddenly.
I hadn’t even processed her words when a sharp, tumbling noise echoed through the house, and Solomon actually fell down the stairs. He tumbled and landed on the soft mat below, a heart–wrenching cry exploding from him instantly &
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