Chapter 3
Broken things stay broken—compensation meant nothing at all.
Lena turned to leave, but Lisa grabbed her arm.
"Jason, I haven't been out in so long. Let's go shopping, shall we? We can pick up something for Lena to make up for it."
Jason nodded eagerly, "Come with us, Lena. It'll do you good to get some fresh air."
Lena didn't pause.
"I have plans later. Can't make it."
She'd originally planned to handle her visa today.
Jason frowned and stepped forward, taking her hand.
"Don't run around alone while pregnant—I'll worry. Let me drop you off, okay?"
Afraid of arousing suspicion, Lena reluctantly agreed.
She watched as Jason lifted Lisa into the car, showering her with affectionate gestures right in front of her.
Before Jason could say anything else, she quietly slid into the back seat.
The entire drive, she listened to Jason and Lisa reminiscing about their youth and the passage of time—until Jason suddenly spoke up,
"We're almost there, Lena. What do you need to take care of?"
Lena's fingers tightened around the seatbelt, turning slightly pale.
The visa center was just ahead, and she still hadn't figured out how to explain why she was there.
"I need to go to..."
"Jason, look!" Lisa suddenly interrupted, holding her phone up to his face.
"It's that limited-edition doll I used to love! The mall's having its last collaboration event today. Can we go now? It'll be too late if we wait!"
Jason glanced at the map—they were just one street away from Lena's destination.
He hesitated for a moment, then turned to her, "It's only a few hundred meters. Can you walk the rest of the way? I'll drop Lisa off and come right back for you."
Lena froze. A wave of sudden relief washed over her, followed by overwhelming self-mockery.
She'd been on edge the entire time, fearing he'd see through her—but as long as Lisa asked, he didn't care at all.
"Sure." She pushed open the car door and stepped out.
The paperwork went smoothly. The staff informed her the visa would be delivered within fourteen days.
Lena let out a sigh of relief. As soon as she walked out of the building, Jason's call came through.
"Lena? Where are you? Don't wander around alone while pregnant."
His voice carried a faint, urgent softness—as if she were still the treasure he'd once cherished so carefully.
A sharp ache tugged at Lena's nose. Jason had been like this before, always worrying about her being alone.
But now...
She steadied her trembling voice, "I just finished up. What's wrong?"
Jason sounded as if he'd let out a breath.
"Lisa wants to celebrate her discharge—she booked that restaurant you love. Come join us."
"The table's already reserved."
She had no desire to go, but she knew all too well his controlling nature. She had no choice but to agree.
In the private room, Jason was using a wet wipe to carefully clean each of Lisa's fingers.
When he saw Lena enter, his movements faltered, and he pulled his hand back awkwardly.
Lisa smiled sweetly, "Lena's here! I thought you'd gone home first, Jason—you should've told me."
"Jason and I always order the couple's set when we eat out. Now that you're here, there won't be enough food."
Jason waved for the waiter and handed the menu to Lena.
She shook her head, "You two order. I'm fine."
He proceeded to rattle off a list of dishes—all Lisa's favorites.
"Wow, Jason! You still remember what I like to eat!"
Lisa cheered in exaggerated delight, her voice sickeningly sweet.
No wonder Jason always let her order for herself whenever they went out.
He'd never bothered to remember her preferences at all.
Jason didn't glance her way again, too busy ladling soup for Lisa, blowing on it to cool it down, and urging her to eat slowly.
Lisa suddenly spoke up in a delicate, fragile tone, "Jason, don't just take care of me. Lena's pregnant now—she needs plenty of nutrition. Why don't you give her some stuffed shiitake mushrooms?"
Jason thought it made sense, so he casually picked up a large piece and placed it in Lena's bowl, "Eat up. It's good for the baby."
Lena silently pushed the mushroom aside.
She was severely allergic to shiitake mushrooms—he'd seen her react before.
"Why aren't you eating, Lena? Is it not to your taste... or is it because I suggested it that you don't like it?"
Jason frowned, "Don't be childish, Lena. Lisa's only trying to be nice."
Lena looked at him, her voice calm and flat, "I'm allergic to shiitake mushrooms. A severe reaction could send me into shock. Did you forget?"
Jason froze, a look of shock and embarrassment crossing his face.
But Lisa refused to let it go.
"A little bite won't hurt! You can't put your anger with me above the baby's health!"
Lena's gaze instinctively flicked to Jason's face, then quickly drifted away as she remembered what had happened that morning.
He won't defend you anymore, Lena. How foolish can you be?
She curled her lips in a bitter smile. Without waiting for Jason to respond, she picked up the mushroom and ate it.
When she got home, Lena's first move was to find her anti-allergy medication and swallow a pill.
Her throat and skin were already starting to itch and burn.
She leaned back on the living room sofa, enduring the discomfort as she waited for the medicine to take effect.
Before long, she heard movement at the door.
Jason carried Lisa in, with Lisa leaning weakly on his shoulder and her arms wrapped around his neck.
When he saw Lena on the sofa, Jason's steps hesitated.
"Why aren't you asleep yet?" he asked, his tone somewhat harsh.
"I'm going now."
Lena stood up, unable to bear the sight of their intimacy any longer.
As she passed him, she heard Lisa murmur in a tipsy, coquettish voice,
"Jason... my head's so dizzy... don't leave me..."
Jason's reply was softer than she'd ever heard it, "I won't leave."
Lena didn't stop. She walked straight to the master bedroom and closed the door behind her.
She slid down to the floor, listening to the faint whispers and gentle reassurances from outside. The rash on her neck burned and itched relentlessly.
Lena closed her eyes and let out a slow, shuddering breath.
Tomorrow would be the day she terminated the pregnancy.
This baby never should have been born into a family built on lies.