Chapter 3
I remembered back in high school, Sophie and I would hold hands and run straight to her place as soon as the bell rang.
At her house, I had my own slippers, pajamas, and a dedicated dressing table at her place, and all that.
She always said we'd be best friends for life.
When I started dating Michael, she threw a fit for ages.
She said, "Emmy, listen, Michael is so not your level.
"He's such a player, it drives me crazy.
"I'd rather be single for fifty years than even consider a guy like him. Watch out of him, okay? And if he ever messes with you, I'll be the first to take him down."
I honestly thought she'd never go for a guy like Michael.
But then, she gave me the shock of my life.
The evening breeze gently dried my tears.
I walked for ages before I finally made it home.
Early the next morning, the durian Michael had ordered arrived.
He opened the box, arranged it on a plate, and came taking credit with me.
He said, "Babe, here's your favorite durian. But remember, a little bit, like the doctor said.
"I'm heading out for a business trip today, but Mom will come over later to cook for you."
He made all these thoughtful arrangements so he could accompany Sophie to her prenatal appointment.
"Okay, go ahead," I said.
I nodded, giving him the green light.
After he walked out the door, I quietly slipped out behind him.
Chances are, they picked a different hospital for their prenatal checkups, so I wouldn't catch them sneaking around together.
Michael held Sophie's hand the whole time, rushing all over the building with her, like he wasn't even tired.
Then it hit me: there were two times when Michael didn't come with me for my prenatal checkups.
He said he had a lot going on at work, so I had to go to the hospital alone.
I didn't think much of it. I could handle it alone: I wasn't that fragile.
Back then, Sophie would make up some excuse, saying she was busy and couldn't come with me.
Turns out, those two times must've been when she had her own prenatal checkups.
When it came down to choosing between us, Michael always picked her, like it was no big deal.
I was always the one who got left behind.
Watching them walk in front of me, laughing and chatting, my heart felt empty and cold.
Betrayal hurt more than I could stand.
So I grabbed a cab and headed straight to the city hospital.
I told Dr. Ryan Brooks to set up the surgery: I wanted to terminate my pregnancy, even though I was already four months along.
He folded his hands and said, "So, you've found out the truth, huh?"
That one sentence sent chills down my spine.
"Ryan, what do you mean? What truth? What do you know?" I asked.
He was our high school classmate, and now he works at the city hospital.
Seeing how upset I was, he looked a bit sorry for letting that slip.
"Are you sure you want to terminate the pregnancy and call it quits with Michael?" he asked.
I nodded. "I'm sure. Say it. I can handle it."
He said directly, "Honestly, I've known all along that Michael and Sophie were together."
"So why didn't you tell me? You watched me, so pathetic, feeling proud of myself, coming here for checkups like everything was perfect," I said.