Chapter 2
I kept pestering her, asking who the father was.
But she said, "This baby only has a mom. Emmy, this is a test-tube baby. I'm going to raise him on my own.
"I guess I'll never find true love in this life. I don't want to get married, but I still want to be a mom. You'll support me, right?"
At that moment, my heart ached for her.
Still, I stood by her, no matter what.
"Don't worry, I'll be the baby's godmother. We'll shower him with love together," I said.
I never doubted a word she said.
And it never crossed my mind that this baby had anything to do with Michael.
After dinner, Michael went to wash the dishes.
I didn't bring up the durian and went straight to bed.
As I lay there, I happened to overhear Michael on the balcony, talking softly on the phone.
He said, "I almost got caught tonight. She asked why I didn't bring home any durian.
"Pregnant women really do have a sixth sense. We need to be more careful from now on.
"Tomorrow's the baby's check-up. I'll come pick you up. I'll tell her I'm going on a business trip, so she won't suspect a thing."
Sophie's laughter reached my ears.
She teased, "Mike, can you come over now? I bought those ultra-thin ones this afternoon, and we haven't even used them yet.
"We've been together for over a year, and Emmy still hasn't figured it out. She's really naive and totally oblivious."
I dated Michael for eight years before we got married, and we've been married for two.
But Sophie said she's been with him for more than a year.
So that means, half a year after our wedding, Michael started having an affair with Sophie.
My fingertips wouldn't stop shaking, and I gritted my teeth so hard my jaw ached.
Michael wavered, not really resisting, "Now? Isn't it a bit late?"
"You're always with her, and we can only sneak around. Can't you put me first for once?" Sophie pleaded.
Michael's resolve melted instantly.
"Give me half an hour. I'll be there soon," he said.
He couldn't wait to throw on his coat, grabbed his car keys, and headed out.
I wrapped myself in my coat, grabbed a cab, and tailed him.
As I expected, his car pulled up right outside Sophie's building.
It was midnight, and I was shivering in the cold wind.
Michael rushed forward and wrapped Sophie in his arms, holding her tight as she ran straight into him.
He held her gently, making sure to avoid her belly.
Without thinking, I placed a hand on my own stomach: my heart was breaking inside.
Sophie wrapped her arms around his neck, looking playful and cute as ever.
"See? All I have to do is call, and you drop everything for me: even ditching Emmy," she teased.
"Yeah, what can I say? You're my sweetheart. Is the baby being a handful?" Michael replied.
"Nope, I had some delicious food, so I'm in a great mood: and the baby's been good too."
Michael smiled and leaned his forehead against Sophie's, sharing a tender moment.
Sophie tiptoed onto his shoes, and the two kissed, slipping inside together.
I'd been here so many times before.
But I never thought Michael would sneak over here behind my back.