Hunter's Late Love Confession

I sent Hunter on an errand, making a specific trip to the city's clinic for an abortion.

After the examination, the doctor warned me repeatedly, "Violet, it will be extremely difficult for you to conceive again. Once this procedure is done, having another child might be nearly impossible. Are you sure you want to sign?"

Without hesitation, I decisively signed the form. My father never cared about whether or not a child would be brought into the world, so what was the point in bringing one into existence?

The procedure was swift, and afterward, I tucked away the clinic record. Near the train station, I unexpectedly ran into Hunter, who had told me he couldn't come home today because of a college event.

Turns out we both lied.

Yet, his lie was to accompany Elodie to a charming chapel in the countryside. He held her close, their pace leisurely, appearing every bit the perfect couple. Elodie whispered something to him, and pretending to be annoyed, he crossed his arms and gave her a sidelong glance.

Moments later, he laughed, pinching her cheek and bending down to say, "Hop on, I'll carry you."

Elodie joyfully kissed his cheek as she climbed onto his back. "Hunter, I love you!"

Their exchange was like a sharp, cold blade, cutting through the little bit of indifference I had managed to build. I had never seen him so animated.

In my presence, Hunter never got angry or showed emotion, always the perfect husband. No request of mine was ever denied; the more gentle he was, the more brutal it felt. Because he never pretended to be angry with me, nor did he ever say, "I love you."

As if punishing myself, I quietly followed them. The silver bracelet on Elodie's wrist caught my eye like a splinter.

When I was pregnant, Hunter had stayed up all night at home, crafting that very bracelet, telling me it was for me and the baby. A charm to lock in fortune and ensure peace.

I was ecstatic, whispering every night to the baby, "Your dad loves you, loves us."

But before the bracelet was finished, Hunter told me it had been stolen at college. Now I saw clearly, the engraving read "ju" for Elodie.

From the very start, it was meant for her.

Leaving the chapel, he carried a stack of books while Elodie wore a new pendant at her waist. This was the charm he had spent a month acquiring, full of sincerity.

Pain gripped my chest as lie after lie, stained in betrayal, unraveled. I had promised myself not to shed another tear for him, yet I couldn't stop the tears from welling up.

Choosing not to watch their happiness any longer, I turned to leave, only to overhear Elodie say, "We need to make sure the fate swap for our child goes smoothly, Hunter. Our baby must be destined for prosperity."

She choked on her sobs, and Hunter comforted her, "Don't worry, our child will grow up safe and healthy."

"Thank goodness Violet's child's fate is good. I guess it's her repayment for all the unconditional love I've given her over these years."

My heart trembled as I gently touched my flat belly.

All the kindness over the years had been nothing more than a transaction, never genuine love.

Six years, and finally, I saw through Hunter Silva, the man admired by all, the one who spouted sweet words.