Chapter 4
Rachel arrived at six the next morning.
Daniel had not returned.
She carried the divorce papers in a gray folder.
“The pregnancy isn’t included in the initial filing,” she said. “That gives you time, but it doesn’t erase the issue.”
“I understand.”
“If Daniel asks me directly, I cannot lie.”
“I’m not asking you to lie.”
“What are you asking?”
“Don’t tell him where I went.”
Rachel studied me, then nodded.
“I can do that.”
I signed every page.
Maya arrived with a small suitcase—clothes, medication, and my medical records.
Everything else could stay behind.
The doctor entered while I was changing.
“I am not clearing you to fly.”
“My aunt is waiting for me in another city. She’s the only family I can turn to right now.”
“Then let us help you find somewhere safe to recover before you travel.”
I looked toward the door. Daniel and Sophie both worked in this hospital. I had already removed Daniel from my medical records, but he still knew where to find me.
“I can’t stay here with them.”
“You had surgery yesterday. You bled again last night. Flying could put both you and the pregnancy at risk.”
“I know.”
“Then please reconsider.”
I pressed my hand against my stomach.
I had spent two years waiting for this baby. The thought of risking the pregnancy terrified me.
But I couldn’t bear the thought of waking up to find either of them beside my bed again.
“My aunt is waiting for me. I won’t be alone when I get there.”
The doctor’s expression softened, but she didn’t agree.
“If you feel pain or dizziness, tell the flight crew immediately.”
“I will.”
Before leaving, I removed Daniel from every remaining authorization form.
Maya checked the hallway.
“He’s still with Sophie.”
“Good.”
She pushed me through a staff corridor and down a service elevator.
No one stopped us.
At the airport, Maya stayed until I reached security.
I handed her a sealed envelope.
Inside were my wedding ring, house key, a copy of the divorce petition, and the white card I had written after learning I was pregnant.
“Put this in my hospital room after the plane takes off.”
“What if Daniel follows you?”
“He won’t know where to look.”
Only Maya and my aunt Celeste knew my destination.
My father did not.
Seven years ago, I had walked out of his house for Daniel. I wasn’t ready to face him again.
Maya hugged me carefully.
“You can still change your mind.”
“About the flight?”
“About everything.”
I thought of Daniel promising to choose me.
Then I remembered the door closing behind him.
“I already gave him the chance to change my mind.”
The boarding announcement sounded.
Once I reached my seat, I checked my phone one last time.
My aunt Celeste had texted me. She had arranged for a medical team to meet me at the airport and take me straight to the hospital.
Then I saw Daniel’s message.
I’m getting your usual coffee. I’ll be back soon. We need to talk when you’re calmer.
He still believed my pain was a mood.
The plane began moving.
Maya’s message arrived.
Your ring, card, key, and divorce papers are on the bed.
I switched off my phone.
Back at the hospital, Daniel opened my door carrying my coffee.
The room was empty.
On the bed lay my wedding ring.
Beside it was the white card.
Beneath both lay the divorce papers.
For the first time in seven years, Daniel had come back to me.
And I was already gone.