Chapter 2
Arabella Martin was an expert in conserving historical artifacts. At the age of five, a car accident left her partially deaf, muting her world. By thirteen, she was already learning artifact restoration under Ronald Wheeler's guidance, achieving notable acclaim by twenty.
A month ago, Ronald invited her to join a confidential heritage restoration project. Spanning three years, it required participants to reside at a set location with all outside communication strictly regulated. Although Arabella, who had just discovered she was pregnant, initially turned down the offer.
Shortly after, Ronald reached out again. "Arabella, didn't you mention you were expecting?"
"I lost the baby, and I'm not planning to have children anytime soon," she responded, gently stroking her barely noticeable belly with a weary smile.
"And your boyfriend? Have you discussed it with him? You won't see each other for three years if you go," Ronald cautioned, concerned she might regret her choice.
As tears silently rolled down her cheeks, Arabella looked down. "We've broken up."
"Maybe it's for the best. You're incredibly talented; you shouldn't be confined to a simple domestic life," Ronald reassured her. "Look after yourself, and if you’re up to it by month’s end, join us."
After the call, Arabella checked the calendar on her phone. It was March 12th, leaving her less than 20 days until the month's end.
She promptly booked an abortion appointment online at a distant clinic, scheduling it for the day after tomorrow. Tomorrow, Graham Thomas had arranged for her prenatal check-up.
Just as she was about to turn off her phone, a video call notification appeared—from Graham Thomas. Arabella hesitated before accepting the call.
Graham's handsome face appeared on screen, framed by a luxurious setting that suggested he was no longer in his hotel room. Communicating in sign language, he said, "I'll be back later. No need to wait up for me."
Arabella was about to reply when another female voice cut in, "Graham, does she really can't hear? You're not pulling my leg, are you?" It was Josie Perez speaking.
With a casual indifference, Graham turned his head, eyes filled with indulgence. "She really can't."
He then signed to Arabella, "Just catching up with a friend. You should get some rest."
Josie's voice echoed again, nearer this time, "Graham, if you marry someone else, will I still be your favorite?"
"You always will be."
"Alright then, I approve of you marrying her."
A faint smile lingered on Graham’s lips, his dark eyes flooded with tenderness as they gazed off-screen.
Arabella's hand trembled as she clutched her phone, tears welling up. Unable to endure more harsh words, she abruptly ended the call.
That night, she dreamed vividly. In her dream, she revisited the therapy center where she had spent much of her youth—the place where she first encountered Graham. Arabella's mom worked there as an aide. Graham, then recovering from a leg injury due to an accident, struggled with the sudden change in his privileged life, leaving him irritable and defiant toward his treatment.
Arabella visited him daily, softly massaging his legs during his sleep and bringing him small tokens of joy. Later, when she was eager to delve into the study of artifact restoration under Ronald Wheeler, Graham pulled her away from the station. In the backseat of his car, he held her close, kissing her repeatedly, insisting, "You can’t leave me, ever..."
Back then, she truly believed they would find happiness together.
When she awakened from the dream, her tears streaked her lips, a delayed recognition of the bitter resonance of that kiss.
Yesterday, Graham didn't come home. As Arabella made her way downstairs, she saw him approaching, wrapping his arm casually around her waist, kissing her before signing, "Let's go, darling. I'll take you for your check-up first."
Being so close, she noticed a pink lipstick stain on his collar, stark against the morning sun. Only then did he realize she was wearing her hearing aid. "You’re using your hearing aid? How long has it been?"