C20
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gave a silent nod and stood up, walking toward the room.
He must have thought I was off to fetch him some medicine, summoning what little. strength he had left to thank me.
But to his shock, I emerged, pushing a suitcase, one I had packed long ago.
“Take care of yourself. I have things to do. I’m leaving now.”
My voice was calm, almost detached as if I were commenting on the weather.
His face drained of color, going ashen.
He tried to rise, to stop me, but collapsed again, this time cutting his hand on the broken Porcelain bowl. Blood poured from the wound.
As I walked away, his eyes, filled with agony and despair, followed my retreating figure.
The high–speed train slowly pulled out of the station.
After ignoring several of his calls, I finally saw his messages on WhatsApp.
[Darling, I finally understand how you feel now.]
[I know I was wrong this time.]
[Think about how much we used to love each other. Please, give me another chance.]
Without a second thought, 1 blocked him and erased every trace of his contact.
Standing at my parents‘ doorstep, an unexpected wave of hesitation swept over me, and I found myself too afraid to knock.
Our engagement had stirred up a storm between our families, leaving Trent with a bitterness that had only grown with time. In an attempt to keep the peace, I had kept my distance, even avoiding home during the New Year, only staying a few days before retreating again.
As I lingered, lost in my thoughts, a familiar voice called out, “Heather?”
Startled, I turned to find my father, his arms full of freshly bought groceries, his face lighting
up with a warmth that melted my worries.
Everything at home was unchanged, a snapshot of the past.
My certificates, from elementary school to high school, were carefully laminated and
adorned the wall in neat rows.
The photo frames on my desk and bedside table gleamed, clearly maintained with love and
care.
Unlike my father, my mom’s expression didn’t mirror that same excitement. She muttered under her breath, “Back without even letting us know in advance.”
She grabbed a blanket, tossing it onto the bed before she busied herself, making it up,
her
15:40 “Sun, 26 Jan
I Froze Myself Pregnant to Escape My Cheating Husband
she would say.
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When the Curran family demanded that I give birth before they’d consent to the marriage, my mom didn’t hold back. She unleashed a fierce scolding, but then, to my surprise, she turned on me even more harshly.
“Are you that desperate to get married? Why would you settle for someone like that?”
“Disgracing yourself, sooner or later, you’ll regret it!”
Her words cut deep, bringing tears to my eyes at the time. I thought she was being cruel, but looking back now, every single thing she said rang true.
From the doorway, my dad poked his head in, holding a jar of pickled radishes, and asked
my mom if she wanted them served as is or stir–fried.
She shot him a sharp look. “Our daughter is back, and you’re thinking about pickles? Go buy
some sea bass and make fish soup for lunch!”
Despite the reprimand, my dad hummed happily as he left to fetch the fish.
As I watched them fussing over me, my heart twisted, and I felt the familiar sting in my eyes, quickly wiping away a stray tear.
At lunch, my mom busied herself piling food onto my plate, her voice never pausing for a
breath.
“You still don’t know how to take care of yourself. Look at you, so pale. I’ll go to the
pharmacy later and get you something to build you up.”
“Since you’re home, don’t rush off. Ask for some time off and stay until the Winter Carnival.
My dad shot her a quick, silent warning with his eyes, but she didn’t seem to notice. He
spoke up, trying to ease the tension.
“Don’t pressure her about work. Heather can leave whenever she wants. Let her decide.”
I could sense his worry that my mom’s well–meaning demands might push me too far.
But how could asking me to stay just a few extra days be unreasonable?
As I sat there, feeling their warmth and care, the sharp contrast between their love and the way I had once shattered myself for someone who didn’t deserve a single tear twisted my heart with guilt and sorrow.
