Chapter 6

Jessica's messages kept pouring in.

Jessica: [Oh, by the way, check this out. This is my ultrasound report. I'm pregnant.]

I zoomed in on the photo and finally made out the first line on the report. [8 weeks pregnant, threatened miscarriage.]

Jessica: [We had sex on the rooftop countless times yesterday, trying every position. Maybe we were too rough. The baby's showing signs of a threatened miscarriage. Ugh, it's all his fault. He said you're boring in bed, so with me, he wants to get wild.]

Jessica: [The doctor said that whether I want to keep the baby or have an abortion, I need the father's signature. So I had to get him to come over.

[After all, when you compare his stomach bug to his own kid, the kid is obviously more important, right?]

*****

I grabbed a cab and left the hospital alone. I headed straight to a law firm. "Hi, I'd like to hire your firm to draft a divorce agreement for me."

I didn't ask for anything, and the lawyer handled everything smoothly.

Half an hour later, I had the full divorce agreement in my hands.

The lawyer told me, "You don't need his signature. As long as you've been separated for two years, this divorce agreement will take effect automatically."

As I walked out with the divorce agreement, Charles called, "Evelyn, where are you? I've been searching the whole hospital and can't find you."

I replied, "I waited for you for a long time, but you never showed up, so I went home."

"Alright, as long as you're home safe. Sorry, Evelyn, but something came up at work, and I have to deal with it myself.

"I might be away for a few days, so take care of yourself while I'm gone. Next week, I swear I'll drop everything and be with you," Charles said.

I let out a weary sigh. He had lied so many times that I believed a word he said.

I was numb now. "Yeah, go ahead."

"You're so sensible, Evelyn. Be good, and I'll bring you flowers when I get back tomorrow."

"Sensible? Charles, do you prefer women who act all cute and needy, always clinging to you? Am I too sensible for you? Is that why I'm so boring?" I asked.

Charles paused for a moment. "Of course, not. You're my favorite. I love you the way you are."

"Charles, could you ever fall for another woman?"

"Never."

"If you ever stop loving me, I'll walk away forever."

Charles let out a low chuckle. "You can try to run, but I'll block every airport and train station if I have to. As long as you're still Evelyn, there's no way I'll ever let you leave me."

But on my passport, I was not Evelyn anymore. My name was Dorothy.

I repeated myself, "I'm serious, Charles. If I could find a way to leave you, I can definitely make sure you never find me."

Charles kept laughing, like he was teasing a cat. "Alright, go ahead and run. I'll give you three days, then I'll come looking for you.

"As I said, as long as you're still Evelyn, I'll find you no matter where you go. You can't shake me off."

I couldn't shake him off? I smiled. We would find out.

Three days left before my flight, Jessica sent over a photo of Charles having a barbecue by the beach.

Jessica: [To celebrate me being pregnant with his baby, he whisked me off to the Mcrkland for a holiday. He says being pregnant is tough work, so I need to relax and wait to be fed.]

I didn't reply. Instead, I called up a few of my closest friends for one last get-together. I really enjoyed myself at the party. After all, I might not get another chance to see them.

Two days left before my flight, Jessica sent another photo, this time of Charles reading a book called Baby's Early Education Guide.

Jessica: [New dad is already super into baby's education. The little one's still a tiny bean in my belly, but Charles is already talking to the baby through my belly every day.]

I still didn't reply. Instead, I went to the bank, exchanged all my savings, and closed out every single domestic account and card I had.

One day left before my flight, Jessica sent over a video. The video showed a beautiful, romantic fireworks display over the ocean.

Jessica was so touched that she started crying, and Charles pulled her into his arms and soothed her. "Why are you crying? There's so much more in store for you."

Jessica: [He booked the whole island for me, and snapped up every firework in the Mcrkland, all to make my birthday special.]

It hit me that it was Jessica's birthday. Her birthday and the pregnancy were a double blessing for them.

After watching the video, I let out a faint smile and gave the local charity a call. "Hi, I've got some clothes I'd like to donate to those less fortunate."

Soon enough, a representative from the charity pulled up outside.

With Charles gone these past few days, I'd finished packing days ago. There were five big bags of clothes and shoes. I didn't keep a single thing for myself.

I took everything that belonged to Evelyn, like her personal papers, diploma, plus all her daily belongings, straight to the funeral parlor. I slipped the staff some cash and asked them to burn it all for me.

Standing in the place I'd called home for five years, I suddenly felt like a stranger here. I had cleaned this house thoroughly, leaving no trace of Evelyn behind.

All I had left was a backpack slung over my shoulder. Inside, there was only my passport. The only old thing I brought with me was the phone in my hand.

I booked a ride on my phone and made my way to the airport.

The driver stopped at the terminal entrance. As I was about to pay for the ride on my phone, it started ringing. It was Charles calling.

"Evelyn, I'm back from my trip. I'm on my way home to pick you up. Let's grab dinner together," he said.

He was back, and Jessica was with him.

I was sitting in the car when I saw the two of them walk out of the terminal.

Charles was pushing a luggage cart with two suitcases, one blue, one pink, clearly matching for a couple.

Jessica was holding onto his arm, nestled against his shoulder, looking so sweet and dependent.

"Was your business trip tiring?" I asked.

"It wasn't too bad. And hey, didn't you say I could finally open the present you got me today?"

"Yeah."

"I'm really looking forward to it. You made me wait an entire week for this, and I've been trying to guess every single day what it could be. It's our anniversary, so it has to be something meaningful, right?"

"It means a lot. You'll know when you see it."

"Alright, wait for me. I'll be home in about two hours."

Two hours was enough for me. By then, I'd already be out of the country.

"Okay," I replied.

"See you in a bit. Love you, Evelyn," Charles said.

After hanging up, I saw Jessica pout in displeasure. Charles leaned down and kissed her on the lips, as if to comfort her.

The driver reminded me. "Miss, you haven't paid your fare."

I looked away, took out all the money I had on me, and gave it to him.

The driver looked startled. "Miss, you must've made a mistake. The fare is 40 dollars, not 4 thousand. Please take back the extra."

"No need." I pushed open the door and got out. "I won't be needing it anymore. Thanks for the ride."

"No problem, it's my job. You paid the fare, so of course, I'd bring you here."

"This isn't any ride. You brought me to the beginning of my second chance."

Once I got out of the car, I powered off my phone, pulled out the SIM card, and tossed it in the trash, then casually handed the phone to a kid passing by.

The kid's face lit up. "Thank you, ma'am."

I smiled and ruffled his hair, "You're welcome."

The mom looked a bit embarrassed. "We really can't accept something this expensive."

"Are you going abroad?"

"Yeah, we're heading to Fairwak to see his dad."

I smiled, "Go ahead and take it. You might find it useful once you're in Fairwak."

"Alright, thanks," she said.

I waved goodbye to them. "Safe travels. Hope your journey is wonderful."

The announcement blared from the speakers. "Ms. Dorothy Taylor, please proceed to Gate H23 for boarding. Your flight is about to depart."

I clutched my passport, took one last look back, and then headed straight for the gate, no turning back.