I didn’t want to stay there for even a minute longer.
I hadn’t slept all night. Memories kept flashing through my mind.
As dawn broke, Martin woke up as usual, preparing breakfast for me.
His tone was a little puzzled. “Last night, I didn’t sleep well. I feel weak all over this morning, not sure why.“>
I ate my sandwich and simply smiled at his words. “Maybe you’re just too tired from the case. Martin, about my parents‘ case… maybe we should just let it go. It’s been five years already. I don’t want you to keep exhausting yourself. Maybe it’s time to give up.”
I saw the flicker of surprise in his eyes and he visibly relaxed.§
But he still forced a comforting expression, trying to act like he cared. “Jessy, don’t worry. I will keep my promise and finish what I’ve started. I won’t get tired of doing things for you. Thank you for understanding, honey.“}
Just as he was about to kiss me, a wave of nausea hit me.”
I rushed to the bathroom, vomiting uncontrollably.
As if sensing something, Martin hurried after me, his eyes filled with excitement. “Jessy, are… you pregnant?“}]
froze for a moment.
Martin was overjoyed, lifting me up and spinning around in place. “Great, great! I’m going to be a father! We’re going to have our own child!”
If my parents knew about this, they’d be so happy. It’s been a while since we’ve visited them. How about we go home in the next couple of days and share this good news with them? We should also let them know. I’ll buy some gifts and come pick you up.“}
Before I could say anything, he was aiready on his phone, selecting maternity and baby products to order.
I keenly noticed that there were quite a few similar items in the cart. They were all placed at the bottom, looking like they’d been prepared for quite a while.
With me expecting, it seemed like Martin had naturally gone ahead and placed the order.
But he had bought everything in pairs.”
After paying, he finally remembered that I was still standing beside him.”
His expression darkened slightly. After a long pause, he reluctantly spoke, “Going back home, we’re bound to run into Rachel. It wouldn’t be right to go empty–handed. How about I buy a small gift in your name to give her? Sweetheart, it’s been five years. Rachel is also a victim. Please don’t blame her for taking Mark away. We’re so happy now and it’s time to let go of the past…“)
splashed some cold water on my face and responded casually.
“Okay, you’re right. Rachel was just a hostage. Five years have passed without any new leads, which is enough to prove her innocence. Let’s do it your way and I’ll apologize to her.“}
For the past five years, I’d been tormented by the cause of my parents‘ death. I could never bring myself to be kind to Rachel during the family dinners. For that reason, Martin often argued with his family. He even bought a new house outside to protect me. I once thought this was his way of showing love for me. Now, I understood that it was just to avoid embarrassing his beloved Rachel.§
He would stop at nothing to protect her.
This five–year–long deception needed to come to an end.”
The moment he left, I followed suit. I went straight to the law firm to print out a divorce agreement. While there, I also inquired about the case from five years ago.
The lawyer said that the only evidence I had were photos and it would be almost impossible to reopen the case. Plus, with the public opinion from back then, no one would believe the daughter of a traitor.
I walked down the street, lost in thought. When I came to my senses, I realized I was already standing in front of Martin’s workplace. As I entered, his colleagues excitedly gathered together, gossiping.
“Was that just now Martin’s wife–the guy from the forensics department? She’s so beautiful, though she looks a bit familiar… Oh, wasn’t she the hostage in that intemational case five years ago?”
