Seven Years Abroad: Now He Wants Us Back

Seeing my red-rimmed eyes, Anna threw herself into my arms and said softly, "Mommy, can we give Daddy one more chance? If he still doesn't remember by my birthday, then we'll leave."

"Alright."

But this was the last chance Anna and I would give him.

The next morning, Anna and I went out to set up our stall as usual. I'd graduated from a prestigious university, but I'd been out of the workforce too long after having a child. No company wanted to hire me.

Left with no other options, I could only take Anna to the park to sell things. I sold small items like toys and snacks while Anna sang and danced nearby to attract customers.

Anna was sweet-natured and well-behaved. Many people were willing to patronize my little stall for her sake alone.

"Excuse me, how much are these popsicles?"

"Three dollars for one, five dollars for two."

I looked up and discovered the customer was actually Lucy.

"I'll take two then. Hurry up, though. Don't let my husband see."

Like she was doing something illicit, Lucy handed me ten dollars, then glanced around furtively before sneaking the popsicles into her pocket.

Just then, a large hand reached out from the side and grabbed Lucy's wrist.

"Lucy, I've told you a hundred times. You can't have these right now. Your cramps are already bad enough.

"We're not taking these popsicles."

The moment our eyes met, Micah's expression darkened instantly. Lucy, however, seemed completely oblivious.

"Oh, come on, Micah. Look how adorable her little girl is. Let's buy two. We'll be supporting her business."

Right now, the pity in Lucy's eyes felt more like a blade cutting into me.

"Ah!" I winced. In my distraction, the knitting needle in my hand pierced my finger. Blood welled up immediately.

Seeing me bleed, Micah frowned and instinctively started walking toward me.

"Micah! My stomach hurts so much!"

The next second, Lucy clutched her lower abdomen and cried out in pain. At her words, Micah immediately turned around and gathered Lucy into his arms.

Lucy rested her head on Micah's shoulder and smiled at me triumphantly. So she'd known who I was all along.

In that instant, it felt like someone had driven a needle into my heart. The pain was sharp and throbbing.

"Mommy, are you okay?"

Anna didn't understand what was happening. She came over worriedly and blew gently on my finger with her small mouth.

"Mommy's fine."

My heart softened, and I pulled Anna into my arms. At least I still had Anna.

Micah carried Lucy toward the exit. Anna, not understanding, tried to call him back.

"Daddy, Mommy's hurt. Come help her."

At her words, Micah's steps faltered for a moment. But then he left without even looking back.

Faintly, I could still hear Lucy's voice. "Micah, is that your daughter?"

"I don't know her. She must have me confused with someone else."

Confused with someone else.

After five years together, after everything Anna and I had been to him, that was all we were worth. A case of mistaken identity.

I gently stroked Anna's head. "Did you hear that, Anna? That man isn't Daddy. We got him confused with someone else."

That evening, the piano store suddenly called me. They said a piano was waiting for me to sign for at home. Hearing this, I couldn't wait to rush home with Anna.

Micah was already there. Before I could say anything, Micah pulled me into the bedroom.

"Is your hand okay?"

He took my hand and examined it carefully. I pulled my hand back and asked him urgently, "My hand is fine. Where's the piano you bought?"

"What piano?"

I thought he wanted to surprise Anna, so I smiled and said, "Stop pretending. The piano store already called me."

Micah's gaze flickered. "The piano store must have called the wrong number. Don't worry, I'll buy one when I have time."