3
385words
I nodded in silence.
The doctor studied me.“Your tests show poor recovery from the procedure,leaving complications.I recommend rest and a full checkup when you can.”
I nodded once more.
Though over two years had passed,the agony of that loss still haunted me,tearing open healed wounds with every memory.
The doctor added,“Also,your chances of having another child are very low.”
I began to nod,but the door swung open.
Thinking it was Ryan,I nearly spoke,only to see Ethan,his expression unreadable.
He’d been outside!
How much did he hear?
“Repeat that,please.”he demanded.
I interjected,“Ethan,this is private!”
Even the doctor hesitated.“Sir,patient confidentiality prevents me from sharing this information.”
Ethan restrained me,pulling me close,his voice icy.“What if I’m the father of her lost child?”
I panicked and wrenched free.“Who said the child was yours?”
His face darkened even more.
He gripped my shoulders.“Jessica Lane!”
“You spent five years abroad and picked this up?”
He laughed bitterly.“Promiscuity,miscarriage,deception—you’re impressive.”
I wanted to explain,but the words stuck.
Finally,I muttered,“Think what you will.”
I turned and climbed into bed,pulling the blanket over my face.
Silence hung in the air for several seconds.
Just as I braced myself for more arguing,a loud bang.
He slammed the door and left.
A sour ache filled my heart.Tears streamed as I touched my face.
After being discharged,I mulled it over and decided to quit.
My savings were low—abroad,I’d scraped by,part of why I returned.
But my health and Ethan’s presence forced me to take a break.
I submitted my resignation,only for HR to reject it.
Their tone was odd.“Ms.Lane,quitting so soon after starting?That’s unusual.”
“May I ask why?”
I gave a wry smile.“Health issues—I need to take time to recover.”
HR clicked.“Got it.I’ll need to check with Mr.Caldwell.”
Ask Ethan?
I almost protested,then realized—maybe he’d prefer me gone.
Who wants an ex they despise lingering,drawing a salary?
While waiting for HR’s reply,I went grocery shopping.
By the time I returned,it was dark.
My rented apartment was in an old complex,with voice-activated hallway lights.As I climbed,the stairwell lit up.
Ethan stood there,cigarette in hand,its glow flickering across his face.
I turned to flee,but he caught me,gripping my arm.
“Ethan!I’ll call the police!”
“Go ahead,”his breath hissed near my ear.“Let’s see if they arrest the fraud or me first.”
