Never Again in Another Life

I quit my job and stayed home to rest.

Back when I was broke, I'd tough out sickness until I couldn't anymore. Then I'd drag myself to a clinic.

I could feel my condition getting worse by the day. It pushed me to go back to the hospital for a checkup.

There, I ran into some familiar faces, but I didn't feel a thing. It only left a bad taste in my mouth.

Years ago, they dumped me at an orphanage after finding out I had a genetic defect.

Money wasn't an issue for them, but they didn't want me.

Later, they had another kid. It was Sophie.

In 20-plus years, we had only met once. It was my 18th birthday.

They showed up, all guilt and apologies, with 100 thousand dollars as compensation.

I didn't want anything to do with them, so I turned it down.

Later, I found out they were bidding against some big company. I was their only dirty secret.

If word got out that they had abandoned a daughter, their company would face a PR nightmare like never before.

I didn't care and refused to take the money. I just told them to leave me alone.

They hesitated before walking away. Until now, I hadn't seen them again.

Unaware of my presence, they brought Sophie to the maternity ward.

Sophie had never met me, but I knew her from the albums on Mateo's phone.

She clung to her mother's arm, rubbing her belly and giggling.

A young couple nearby looked at her with envy.

"Her parents love her so much. They come along with her every time."

"What about her husband?"

"Busy at work, probably."

"Heard he's a therapist, hot and loaded."

Who they were talking about was not hard to guess. I'd be lying if I said it didn't sting.

I turned to leave, but a cold voice stopped me.

"What are you doing here?" Mateo demanded, yanking me out of Sophie's sight. "I told you, once Sophie's better, I'm back with you. Why are you stalking her at the hospital? If she freaks out and her condition tanks, can you cover that?"

"I'm here because I'm ill," I replied, expressionless.

He eyed me up and down, snorting, "But you look all fine. I caught you red-handed, so stop lying."

"Just feeling off. Came to check," I said calmly. "Oh, and your new girl is pregnant. You know that?"

"No way," he blurted out. "Sophie has never even dated. How could she be pregnant?"