Chapter 2

I didn't want to think about it anymore. Sophie's laughter behind me was like nails on a chalkboard, and I found myself walking faster without even realizing it.

Ever since Adam stopped coming home much, the whole house felt empty. It was me and the housekeeper, May Lewis now.

When May heard me come in, she came out with a smile, but when she saw how pale I looked, her face fell. "Lily, you've been gone so long. Are you sick? You look awful."

Even May cared about me, but Adam never seemed to worry about me. He couldn't even spare a single word of concern.

I forced a weak smile, trying to comfort her. "It's okay, May. Could you make something to eat? I'm a little hungry."

"Of course. I'll whip up your favorite soup; it'll help you get your strength back," May said warmly, bustling off to the kitchen.

I took out the jar of stars and placed it on the table, sitting there, lost in thought as I stared at it.

Suddenly, the doorbell rang. I opened the door and saw Adam's mother, Grace Carter, standing there.

Before I could say anything, Grace exclaimed, "Oh, Lily, you look so pale. Are you alright?"

She hurriedly pulled me inside and made me sit down. If I hadn't held her back, she would've rushed me straight to the hospital.

"You're still carrying a baby, you really have to be careful with your health," she said. "Where's Adam? Shouldn't he be with you?

"He hasn't been showing up at the office lately. His dad and I figured he was spending time with you. If May hadn't called me, were you planning to hide this from me?"

Grace was always so good to me; her kindness really warmed my heart.

I was at a loss for words, but then May walked out, holding my favorite soup.

"Lily, please don't think I'm being too nosy. I was really worried something might've happened to you," May said.

I smiled and shook my head. "Of course not, May. How could I ever blame you?"

The door swung open again, and Adam stepped inside.

Adam blinked in surprise when he saw us. "Mom, what are you doing here?"

"How can you even ask? Where have you been, and why aren't you with Lily?" Grace's voice was full of reproach.

Adam hesitated, mumbling, "Things have been hectic lately."

"What's more important than Lily right now? She's pregnant. And seriously, can't you let someone else handle things? Do you really have to do everything yourself?" Grace pressed.

I reached out and took her hand, trying to reassure her and speak up for Adam. "It's really okay. If he's got things to deal with, let him get on with his work. I'm fine."

Adam glanced at me, guilt in his eyes. "Thanks, Lily."

I wasn't sure if he was grateful I had bailed him out or glad I hadn't exposed him.

"No matter what, you're not leaving tonight. You need to stay with Lily," Grace warned.

"But..." Adam faltered; the words stuck in his throat. He knew there was no excuse for what he had done.

The only light left in the bedroom was a dim wall lamp. Its dull glow washed over my face, making me look even paler and more worn out.

Adam slipped in and sat carefully at the edge of the bed, testing the waters as he spoke. "Lily, Sophie's still waiting for me. She can't handle being by herself right now."

I stayed silent, took out the jar of stars, and set it down.

"What's this?" Adam asked, his face full of confusion.

"Ninety-nine stars. I made them all myself," I said softly.

Adam looked surprised, pausing for a moment. "Is it really ninety-nine already?"

"Are you still going to leave?" I asked, my voice nearly begging, but he stayed unmoved.

"Lily, Sophie doesn't remember anything. I can't abandon her; you get that, right?" Adam said. "I promise, once Sophie recovers, I'll send her away. Then it'll be you and me, alright?"

How could I ever make him stay? His leaving was always meant to happen, just like mine.

I nodded and said, "Could you get a baby anklet? As a keepsake for our child."

Adam gently stroked my hair. "Alright, I promise. When I get back, we'll go to the baby store together and pick out something special for our child."

As the sound of the door faded away, the quiet sobs in the room became more noticeable.

I turned on the light and pulled out the stack of test results from the cabinet.

I used to look at these papers with tears of pure joy, so happy to be having a baby for the first time.

But now, as I let them go, my tears were only filled with sadness.