Goodbye,My Once Beloved

The wedding, I told neither my mother nor anyone at the company. We planned to simply get a marriage license and take a few days off to travel nearby.

This would save money on a banquet and avoid any hassle.

Let's take it one step at a time. I really wanted a home of my own.

But where was there a wall that didn't let the wind through?

A real estate agency offered a free thermos for sharing their post.

Yes, for that thermos, I blocked my mom, colleagues, everyone I could think of, except I forgot my brother's classmate!

''Sister, I heard you're buying a house?''

Over the phone, I could almost see my younger brother's smug face.

''Yes, I'm planning to marry Jack.''

'Sister, are you crazy? Paying for a house yourself, Mom was not stopping you from getting married, but Jack really can't take care of you. He can't even provide a 200,000 dollars dowry. Can you be happy with him?''

I had anticipated my brother's words. My tender heart felt stabbed again.

Only my silent sighs were left on the phone, no more words.

It was false to say I wasn't hesitant. I touched my belly, and after calming down, I felt only worry.

However, reality proved that all worries would be validated by a worse truth.

The day before we were to pay the deposit coincidentally was my prenatal check-up.

Jack received a sudden notice to work overtime, so I had to go to the hospital alone.

I added a few hundred extra, got a specialist number from a scalper, and after rushing to catch the subway and bus, I even took a whole day off from work and sat alone in the obstetrics ward, covered in dust and dirt.

Yet, in the hospital corridor, I saw Jack bustling around with another woman!

''Doctor, the surgery should be fine now, right?''

Sitting in the waiting area, I heard Jack's voice from the specialist's office.

I froze for a second, quickly looked up at the partially closed door.

''Doctor, when can we do the surgery? Money is no object for the medical expenses!''

As I approached the office, I heard that all-too-familiar tone of voice.

It couldn't be! I must have heard wrong. Jack told me he was working overtime today!

My heart raced to my throat, my steps quickening.

Had Jack betrayed me? I dared not think further.

When I saw Jack's figure through the crack in the door, I could find no more excuses for him.

'The pregnancy is too far along and surgery is very risky. We are a reputable hospital! We can't just do anything."

The doctor, wearing a cap and mask, looked coldly at Jack, his face full of disdain for a scoundrel.

"Yes! Yes!"

Jack apologized profusely, nearly bowing at a ninety-degree angle.

And there I stood at the doorway, my mind blank.

It was clear now. Jack had gotten this woman pregnant and was bringing her here for an abortion!

''Money is not an issue!''

It was laughable. In the ten years I was with Jack, the first time I heard him speak so grandly was in a maternity clinic, helping another woman get an abortion!

The woman sitting next to Jack was sobbing softly, her belly swollen like a blown-up balloon.

''Angel, what are you doing here?''