Chapter 3

It was 2025, and the hospital wasn't exactly swarming with expectant moms—pretty chill, honestly.

I grabbed my number and waited to be called. It was all very smooth.

The checkup went off without a hitch, so I could finally breathe easily.

When the doctor handed me the ultrasound printout and said the baby was healthy, my heart was racing—nervous and excited all at once.

Ever since I lost my family, this was the first time I had someone who was really my own flesh and blood.

This little one growing inside me was my biggest concern and my greatest creation.

Even though it was not born yet, I already love it. There was no way I could ever let it go.

I held the ultrasound photo carefully, already planning the best way to keep it safe.

This was my little one's very first photo. I gotta seal it up and pick out the cutest frame I could find for it.

"Ouch!" I blurted out.

Someone came running way too fast from the other side, and before I could dodge, they smacked right into me.

I nearly toppled over, but before I knew it, a strong arm grabbed my waist, held me steady, and then let go just as quickly.

Once I got my balance back, my eyes went straight to the ultrasound pic lying on the floor. I quickly checked on my belly, making sure my baby was okay.

The person who'd crashed into me just mumbled a quick "sorry" and kept running, not even looking back.

I grumbled to myself, scooped up the ultrasound pic and brushed it off, then looked up to thank whoever had caught me.

Next thing I knew, he was checking out the ultrasound pic in my hand.

When I finally saw that familiar face, my words just died in my throat.

Those sharp eyebrows, the intense eyes, the straight nose...

Holy crap, the guy who just caught me and saved my baby was Albert?

My mouth hung open, but the words "thank you" just got stuck in my throat. I couldn't get it out no matter how hard I tried.

Albert looked me up and down, then stared at the ultrasound pic. His usual cold expression seemed to freeze over completely, like an iceberg in deep winter.

That look made my skin crawl. I was scared he'd suddenly remember everything, drag me off to get rid of the baby, or take the baby from me once it was born and never let me see it again.

The more I imagined it, the more freaked out I got.

My mind just went blank, and before I knew it, I blurted out, "The baby's not yours."

As soon as I said it, I instantly wished I could take it back.

He had amnesia. Why did I say that? I just gave myself away for no reason.

I gave him an awkward smile and scrambled to fix it.

I let out a nervous laugh. "Just kidding."

"Thanks a ton, handsome. You're really kind. My husband wasn't here just now, and if it weren't for you, I'd have no idea how to explain this to him. My whole family's been waiting ages for this baby..."

The smoother my story sounded, the darker Albert's expression grew.

Finally, he'd had enough of my family act. Without saying a word, he spun around and strode off.

Damn, that was scary as hell.

I was never coming back to this hospital for my next checkup.

Staring at his retreating figure, I made up my mind right then and there.