Chapter 2
In West City, the rain had been relentless for a week, and today was just another rainy day.
The streets were barren, and no ride-hailing apps had any cars available.
I found myself awkwardly juggling an umbrella in one hand while carrying Aiden with the other, heading toward the hospital.
After finally arriving and getting Aiden the care he needed, I was able to breathe a sigh of relief.
A passing nurse noticed me slumped on a bench, panting heavily. Concerned, she asked, "Are you okay, ma'am? Do you need me to call the police?"
My hair was plastered to my neck and cheeks, soaked from the rain.
The rashes from my allergy hadn't cleared up, leaving certain areas swollen and painful.
Along the slippery road, I had lost a shoe.
Curled my toes in the chilly air, I forced a smile, "I'm fine, thanks for asking."
The doctor asked me to pay via my phone, and as I did, I mistakenly opened Facebook instead.
There was a status update from Rafael Diaz just moments ago.
“Today, I was three minutes and one second late, humbly accepting Miss Jordan's critique.”
In the photo, Rafael had a dab of cream on his high-set nose, looking somewhat ridiculous.
Yet, his smile was genuine, bright, and charming.
A stark contrast to the cold, unfeeling demeanor he displayed around Aiden and me.
As I stared blankly at the screen, he posted another update.
"The first year I met you, I knew no one else could compare."
"By the second year, I was planning how to make you my wife."
…
Each post was accompanied by carefully chosen gifts for Holland and a record of a significant money transfer.
I looked at it indifferently and quietly closed Facebook.
I then opened the flight app to adjust our tickets, moving them from seven days out to just three.
Aiden’s condition was serious; the doctor recommended staying under observation for a day.
Rafael was unaware that with every hurtful act towards Aiden and me for Holland’s sake, I had already decided to divorce him.
In my past life, on this exact day, I had packed our bags, ready to leave after Margot's birthday in a week.
But we never had the chance to discover a new world; we were stuck in the old one.
This time, I won’t repeat past mistakes.
I will take Aiden and leave, to live the life we deserve.
During the two days at the hospital, Rafael didn’t call once.
Instead, his Facebook was filled with updates.
Each post revolved around Holland.
Suddenly, I remembered the day Aiden was born.
After our marriage, Rafael seemed dedicated to our family.
He was either at work or at home.
But slowly, his business trips and social events grew more frequent.
I never doubted him, always concerned for his health, crafting nutritious meals for him.
Even during the hardest times of pregnancy, I personally managed his diet.
Until my water broke, on the day Aiden was born.
I called him twelve times, but he didn’t answer.
I thought he was busy at work and was about to give up when someone finally picked up.
“Hello? Rafael’s exhausted and asleep; whatever it is, call back tomorrow…”
Before she could finish, a breathy, suggestive voice from the background interrupted, “Holland! What do you mean exhausted?”
Holland's laugh was crisp, but then her breathing grew labored, teasingly she said, “Take it easy, Rafael, it hurts…”
That was when I realized, as I was bringing Aiden into the world, Rafael was entangled with another woman.
Later, I confronted him in tears and fury, only to hear, “I married you, you should be thankful.”
I once believed he proposed out of love, thinking his heart changed later.
But eventually, I learned the truth: Holland rejected his proposal and left the country.
In a fit of spite, he chose me.
All the genuine love I showered on him met nothing but a void.