Hide-and-Seek with Death

Enzo slammed the door and left, and I had no idea how long it took me to catch my breath again.

In a daze, I walked out of the house without taking anything with me.

I stared blankly ahead as I wandered aimlessly through unfamiliar streets.

Then, it started raining. I didn't bring an umbrella, and I also had no idea where to hide. The "home" that once brought me warmth and contentment now only suffocated me.

Without realizing it, I arrived at the lakeside. My reflection was shattered by the raindrops—just like my broken soul.

Perhaps the rain was coming down too hard, for I slipped and fell into the lake. The icy water rushed into my lungs, and I struggled for a moment before stopping.

What was the point of struggling? What was the point of living?

Maybe dying like this wasn't so bad. After all, I was just a burden to everyone else.

But the Moon Goddess must not have heard my plea—because somehow, I opened my eyes again. I hadn't died.

When I woke up, Enzo was right there by my hospital bed. He looked exhausted and worn down, with bloodshot eyes, messy hair, and an unshaven face.

He was holding my hand tightly, and the moment I woke up, he noticed right away.

"Lynn, you're finally awake…" he muttered.

At that moment, Enzo truly looked happy. Although he looked tired, he also carried the joyful look of regaining something precious that he had lost.

I opened my mouth to speak, but my throat was dry and sore.

Enzo immediately brought me water. From the look on his face, he would've fetched the moon if I'd asked.

"I'm sorry, Lynn. I shouldn't have said those hurtful things, and I never should've left you alone. I'll never treat you like that again, I swear. I'll do whatever you want—just please don't give up. I can't lose you or the pup," he pleaded.

I looked down at my belly—it was still round and full. My pup was stronger than me.

There was indeed something I wanted Enzo to do. I took a deep breath, closed my eyes, and said, "Enzo, reject me."

He froze, frowning as he stared at me.

"Don't be silly. This isn't the time for tantrums. What matters now is regaining your health," he said.

I persisted, "I'm serious. Go be with Charlotte."

"Don't mention her!" Enzo suddenly shouted. "You're the true mate I marked, so why would I go to her? Let's not ever mention her again, okay?"

I had to admit that his words touched me right in the heart at that moment. I shut my eyes and fought the tears threatening to spill, but they still streamed down uncontrollably.

He gently pulled me into his arms. "Alright, don't cry. I know you can't bear to part with me. Even though you love me so much, you still dared to talk about rejection? If I really rejected you, wouldn't you just jump into the lake again?" he teased.

"You don't need to worry about that!"

"If I don't worry about that, then who will? I've looked after you since we were kids—I'm not stopping now," he said resolutely.

I couldn't argue with him, so I said nothing more.

…

Honestly, I didn't really believe Enzo's words, but from then on, he seemed like a different person.

He started coming home more and constantly tended to me.

The pregnancy made me sweat often, and I usually woke up drenched in cold sweat. Whenever I stirred at night, he would come over without even opening his eyes as he fumbled to help me change. "Lynn, are you uncomfortable? Come here into my arms…"

I felt my cold heart slowly warm up to him again. Maybe he really had been scared witless—many people only realized their feelings after they had almost lost something. Perhaps he was one of them—after this accident, he finally knew he loved me.

That was until I secretly overheard Enzo talking on the phone with a friend.

"It's fine. I've already coaxed her back to my side," he said casually. "Even a dog would earn some affection after so many years. And Lynn—she's even more loyal than a dog."

I stood there behind the door, stunned as I felt my whole body turn cold.

So, this was how he saw me—a dog wagging its tail desperately for his attention?

The moment Enzo hung up the phone and turned around to see me, he froze.