Chapter 5
After my checkup that day, I didn't waste a second. I got home and put the apartment up with a realtor that very night.
Better safe than sorry.
Running into the amnesiac Albert was one thing. But Felix knew everything. If he found out about my pregnancy, it would be a real problem.
He'd almost certainly tell Albert right away.
Albert never wanted kids even before the amnesia. Now that he'd forgotten everything, there was no way he'd accept one.
If that happened, my baby and I were finished.
Riverside City had been my home since I was a kid. I can't just pack up and leave. So the only option left was to find a place far outside Albert's reach and switch to a different hospital for checkups.
This time, I swore, I didn't want to run into him ever again.
*****
For my third prenatal checkup, wouldn't you know it—I ran into Albert yet again.
He was posted up by the entrance of the outpatient lobby, rocking a designer suit like he was about to close some huge business deal.
His hair had finally grown out to his ears, and he was starting to look like his old self again, just like before the accident.
But now, he felt colder than ever, like ice that would never thaw.
His eyes were as deep as an abyss, fixated on me like I was his prey. He didn't look away for a second.
I was just a few steps away, frozen in place, no way I was going any closer.
I couldn't help but sigh. Seriously, maybe I should just leave the country for good.
If I moved overseas, even if he suddenly got his memory back, good luck finding me then.
Leaving everything behind would be rough, but for my baby, I'd do it in a heartbeat.
If I ever got really homesick, I could always come back once the child was older.
Once I'd made up my mind, I felt calm again. When I looked at Albert, my nerves settled. I even managed to flash him a smile.
Just then, I saw him take a deep breath and march right over to me.
After all those random encounters, this was the first time he had ever approached me to talk.
He said, "Why does your husband keep letting you come to these appointments alone?
"Having a child is a big deal. You shouldn't have to do this by yourself.
"Honestly, I kinda like you.
"If you're willing, I could help. With the baby, I mean."
I blinked, wondering if I'd imagined his words.
Albert lowered his head, his usual cold front cracking to show a rare bit of shyness.
"Ms. Lane, I don't care that the baby isn't mine. I'll be good to him, I promise," he said, his voice surprisingly gentle.
I was speechless, totally stunned.
My mind went blank. I was unable to process what I was hearing—all because Albert had suddenly dropped this on me.
He used to say he hated kids, and now wanted to play stepdad to someone else's child?
Seriously?
I rolled my eyes at him and gave a sarcastic laugh.
"My kid's got his own father. We don't need you filling in," I said, dripping with sarcasm.
Albert's face went dark for a second, but then he squared his shoulders, sounding dead serious.
"A father who doesn't even show up for your appointments? What kind of father is that?" he fired back.
"Oh yeah? You think you'd do better?" I shot back, rolling my eyes.
"I would," he replied, not missing a beat.
"Yeah, right. If you're serious, wire me 150,000 dollars, and maybe I'll buy it," I shot back, not missing a beat.
Albert glanced down, and a second later, my phone buzzed—a transfer notification for 300,000 dollars, just like that.
He looked at me, his gaze softening, almost tender.
"Trust me, I have the means. And I could be a good husband. A good father to your child," he said, sounding way too sincere for a guy like him.
I stared at the extra 300,000 dollars sitting in my account, completely speechless.
"Huh?" Felix had somehow wandered over without us noticing, his jaw practically on the floor, looking completely stunned.
He gave us a look like he couldn't believe what he was seeing.
"Uh, what's this? Are you two starting something new?" he blurted out, looking totally confused.
I just stared at Felix, completely at a loss for words.
I was not starting anything. It was Albert who'd gone off the deep end, insisting on playing stepdad to my baby.