Chapter 2
Connor didn't come home last night, and as I turned off my screen, I couldn't help but laugh at myself for still clinging to hope.
Before we got married, he once said Vanessa's name in his sleep.
Back then, I thought about leaving, but the usually stoic Connor broke down when he heard I was considering it.
He admitted Vanessa had a place in his heart, but claimed it was just a small infatuation.
Then he proposed, promising that from then on, his heart would be completely mine.
And I believed him.
The wedding dress hanging in the closet felt like the cruelest joke.
I started packing my bags.
One week. I planned to use this time to finish up my work, say proper goodbyes to Connor's family, and leave with dignity.
At seven in the morning, Connor returned.
He looked exhausted, and when he saw me packing, he barely reacted.
“Ashlynn,” he said.
“Where are you going?”
I didn’t reply, just zipped up the last suitcase.
He suddenly grabbed my wrist.
“Are you still upset? Last night I...”
“No. I just need to get away for a few days,” I interrupted, heading for the door.
He stepped in front of me, blocking the exit with his long legs.
“You're not the kind of person who holds grudges.”
I met his gaze, my voice steady.
“True, I'm not. I'm just tired.”
He studied me, frustration etching his brow, and finally sighed.
“Maybe it’s good for you to get some fresh air. I'll take care of things at home and at the hospital.”
I said nothing, slipped past him, and left.
By ten, I was standing at his family’s doorstep, feeling uneasy.
I remembered when I was in the hospital after surgery, and Melany, my mother-in-law, worried about me, knowing my parents were far away. She stayed by my side every night, making various nourishing stews.
She cried, “It’s Connor’s fault, but from now on, you are my daughter.”
Because of that, I already saw her as family.
Leaving her was the hardest part.
But just as I was about to knock, I heard familiar laughter coming from the slightly open door.
It was Melany.
...And Vanessa.
“Auntie, I never thought this child would become part of the family,” Vanessa said.
Melany's voice was kind: “You've done well raising your little one alone. This child looks just like Connor when he was young.”
“Don’t worry, this child will be the center of our family's attention. I plan to transfer this house to you and your daughter,” Melany said.
I froze in place, the gift box I had brought for Melany making a noise as it hit the door.
Melany opened the door, her expression changing instantly, but she quickly forced a smile.
“Ashlynn’s here…”
Vanessa stood, holding her baby, who was soft and pale, with clear, innocent eyes.
I wanted to look away, but I couldn't help but take a few more glances.
I really... love children.
I always felt a surge of warmth when wrapping newborns in the hospital, feeling unlike myself.
Later, I even looked into the adoption process...
I steadied my voice and spoke slowly.
“Yes, I came to see you. I’m going on a business trip soon, so I’ll have less time to visit you after that.”
She hesitated, then nodded quickly.
“That’s good. At your age, it’s the perfect time to focus on your career.”
Her words “that’s good” pushed me further away.
She used to always insist that Connor and I stay together, unwilling to let me leave him.
She said that without me, her home wouldn't be complete.
Now, my leaving was “that’s good.”
Vanessa kissed her child’s forehead, her eyes full of warmth.
And I stood there, suddenly unable to say any of the farewells I had prepared.