Chapter 3

Daniel’s smile froze. His phone rang in his pocket.

He answered, and Carter’s voice was unusually clear in the quiet room.

“Daniel, hurry over! Chloe fainted on the way, and someone needs to pay the hospital fees.”

Daniel didn’t hesitate, immediately pulling out the bank card we’d saved money on together from the nightstand.

“Are you crazy, Daniel?”

I stopped him, furious.

“For Chloe, you’re going to take our baby’s savings, aren’t you?”

Daniel tried to push past my obstruction.

“That’s enough, Zara.”

“It’s a matter of life and death, and you’re only thinking about your petty concerns. How selfish can you be!”

I frantically hit his shoulders, and his momentum pulled me out of the room.

“I’m selfish? She’s your childhood sweetheart, not mine! How dare you use my money for her?”

Daniel, provoked by something I said, pushed me roughly to the ground like an enraged animal.

No one had cleaned up the scattered debris. I collapsed onto it, exhausted.

A sharp pain shot through my body. I lifted my arm; my back and arms were covered in cuts.

Daniel had already left, without even a backward glance.

Seeing my hands covered in blood, I used my last ounce of strength to dial 911 before losing consciousness.

In a blur of fading awareness, I dreamt of that young boy, who went with me to pray at church.

His hands clasped, his expression devout:

“I’ll love and protect Zara forever.”

“If I ever break this promise, may I die a horrible death.”

When I woke up again, it was late at night.

The dark hospital room was empty except for me.

Nurse Olivia came in to offer me a glass of water, carefully helping me sit up.

She looked at me, wrapped in bandages, and said with a sympathetic tone:

“Ms. Zara, you just had a miscarriage, and now you’re in this state again? Please make sure to get plenty of rest.”

I closed my eyes, bitterness and pain washing over me.

I thanked her softly, my heart filled with endless sorrow.

I opened my phone and saw that Carter had posted an update on Ins.

[Looks like Daniel still cares about Chloe the most.]

The accompanying picture showed Daniel sitting on a hospital bed, with Chloe’s head resting on his lap, smiling contentedly and happily.

Cheating scum. No wonder they say they’re truly meant for each other.

My heart ached until it was numb. I forced down the sorrow.

They weren’t worth my tears or my sadness.

I logged into my mobile banking and checked the balance.

Thankfully, my $15,000 was still there.

I calmly transferred the money to my personal account.

My marriage with Daniel, like our child, had reached its end.

I called Karen Hayes, the General Manager:

“Karen, is there still a chance for me to transfer to headquarters?”

A week ago, I had been offered a transfer to headquarters for my outstanding work, but I’d refused due to my pregnancy, not wanting to be separated from Daniel.

But now, I didn't need to consider any of that.

“Zara, aren’t you pregnant?”

“Just rest and take care of your pregnancy for now. There will be other opportunities, and I’ll keep you in mind for future openings.”

Listening to Karen’s gentle voice, I took a deep breath to calm myself.

“Karen, I lost the baby. I want to return to work as soon as possible.”

Karen was silent for a few seconds on the other end of the line.

“I’ll add your name back to the list. A miscarriage is a serious matter, though. Take another week to rest before reporting to headquarters.”

I affirmed, my voice choked.

“Thank you, Karen.”