Chapter 4

On the fifth day of the countdown, I handed in my resignation to the Marafel University Medical School.

Back then, for Jeffrey, I politely declined my professor's invitation to continue my research and decided to stay in Dalethyr as a lecturer.

My colleagues were all surprised. "Why are you quitting?"

"You just handed out wedding treats a few days ago. Are you going to be a stay-at-home wife now? Jeffrey's one lucky guy," one of them joked.

I smiled, holding the box. "No. The wedding's off."

After a week apart, I walked in and found Jeffrey and Thelma sitting on the couch.

Jeffrey glanced at the box in my arms and asked, "What are you carrying?"

I casually replied, "Just some things I don't need anymore, so I brought them home."

Jeffrey nodded, scanning the apartment with a confused look. "It's only been a week since I was last here, but it feels like the place is missing a lot."

I took the box to the bedroom and put it away, answering calmly, "I just got rid of some stuff we didn't need."

Jeffrey was about to say something, but Thelma cut him off.

Thelma said, "Erin, thanks for letting Jeffrey accompany me on the trip these past few days. And for allowing him to take photos with me. It really made my dream come true.

"How about I treat you both to dinner as a thank you for everything? I'll probably need your help for a bit longer. Erin, so I hope you won't get tired of me."

I noticed the smug glint in Thelma's eyes. She was clearly getting impatient.

After all, since I received the pregnancy test results, I hadn't reacted at all, not even once questioned Jeffrey about it.

But I wasn't in the mood for pointless drama with her. In five days, I'd be out of Jeffrey's life for good. Right now, I just wanted to get everything sorted so I could leave without a hitch.

Since I didn't respond, Thelma's eyes went red with tears. "Jeffrey, is Erin upset? I know you two are about to get married, but…"

Jeffrey's brows knitted together, and he snapped at me. "Thelma's just trying to thank us. Why the attitude? It's just dinner. She's not going to poison you. You have to come with us!"

I hadn't even said a word, but in Jeffrey's eyes, I was already the villain.

In the end, Jeffrey dragged me to Pearl Restaurant.

When the waiter came over to take our order, I'd barely opened the menu before Jeffrey jumped in. "Keep it light, nothing too greasy, and no cilantro in any of the dishes."

Once the food was served, Jeffrey was doting on Thelma, making sure she had everything she wanted.

Then he placed a plate of Maine lobster in front of me. "Thelma can't have seafood right now, so this is just for you."

Looking at the lobster, I instantly lost my appetite and set down my fork and knife.

"I'm allergic to seafood," I said.

I found this so ridiculous.

We had been together for five years. Jeffrey didn't know I was allergic to seafood, but he remembered every single thing Thelma couldn't eat, even down to little things like cilantro.

Jeffrey froze for a second, looking lost.

When he looked at me again, there was actually a flicker of guilt in his eyes. He hurriedly ordered a few more dishes.

But I didn't touch my food at all after that, just quietly sipped my water.

Just as we were walking down the steps after dinner, my phone rang, it was Ellen.

Ellen said, "Erin, the professor asked me to double-check. Are you really going to stick to the regular research schedule?

"The first experiment in the project is classified, and you might be cut off from the outside world for a year or two."

My eyes landed on Jeffrey and Thelma ahead of me.

They walked side by side, and as they went down the steps, Jeffrey carefully put his arm around Thelma's waist.

My voice was utterly calm. "Yes, I'm sure."

Ellen let out a sigh of relief. "Good. The professor was worried you might have trouble letting go of your husband."

I pulled my gaze away and turned to walk in the opposite direction.

I said quietly, "The wedding's canceled.

"I'm ready to leave."

Just as I finished, a confused voice called after me from behind. "Who's leaving?"

Jeffrey had just helped Thelma into the taxi when he caught the last few words.

Realizing he hadn't heard what I said before, I casually covered it up. "A friend of mine will be leaving in a bit."

Jeffrey just nodded and didn't ask any more questions.

On the fourth day of the countdown, Jeffrey brought home the photos he and Thelma had taken together.

He was video chatting with Thelma on his phone, and with his other hand, he held up the framed photo for me to see, his expression gentle and soft.

"Thelma, our photos are ready. The photographer said they turned out really well when I picked them up," he said.

I happened to walk out to get some water just as he was saying that.

Jeffrey glanced at me, a hint of embarrassment flickering in his eyes, like he wanted to say something but couldn't quite find the words.

I glanced at the photo and commented sincerely, "It really does look good."

Back then, I spent a fortune hiring Alice's team, all because I wanted to capture our happiest moments together.

I thought seeing the finished photos would make me happier than ever.

Jeffrey in that dark suit looked just as handsome as I'd always pictured.

The only thing was, the woman in the wedding dress beside him wasn't me.

But my heart didn't even flinch.

All my feelings for Jeffrey vanished the moment I learned Thelma was pregnant.

Jeffrey was caught off guard.

He suddenly realized I hadn't really talked to him in a long time. Even when he was away with Thelma for a week, I didn't send him a single message.

He wasn't used to that.

Thelma was still rambling on in the video call. Jeffrey shook his head, suppressing his unease. He felt that I was probably just exausted after preparing the wedding by myself.

On the second day of the countdown, I went to Azirhien Hospital to pick up some extra medicine.

To my surprise, I ran into Jeffrey and Thelma just as they were leaving their prenatal check-up.

For once, I saw a flicker of panic in Jeffrey's eyes. He was about to say something, but Thelma cut him off.

She walked up to me, grabbed my hand, her voice choked with tears.

She said, "Erin, I know you never approved of Jeffrey and me having a child, but I just can't wait anymore.

"The doctor said I might only have a year left, and I really want to see my baby born with my own eyes.

"Once the baby's here, I'll keep my distance from Jeffrey. I promise I won't come between you two."

Before I could say anything, Jeffrey's eyes were full of worry as he helped her up. "You're not well. Why are you pushing yourself like this?"