To Love You, Never Again

Callie let out a sardonic laugh. “Very considerate of him. He’s about to become a father. That’s how he supposed to act.”

She knew the man the nurse was talking about was Reid. Not long after the conversation end, her phone buzzed from message from Geneva. She couldn’t wait to gloat. Geneva had sent videos of Reid washing her underwear and photos of him pressing his ear against her belly with a delighted smile, listening for any signs of movement. Geneva had even attached a slew of Reid’s blissful expressions from every angle, as if determined to send Callie a hundred snapshots of his happiness.

Reid had told her that when the baby was born, he wanted to name it “Reva,” to signify his devotion to Geneva. This, he said, was the embodiment of their love.

The embodiment of their love? Callie thought bitterly. Reid had a big heart and so much love to give to the point where he could share it to more than one person at the same time.

But she couldn’t do it. Her heart was small, able to hold only one person. She wasn’t the type of woman who could share her partner with someone else.

That evening, Reid didn’t return. Geneva had kept him by her side and Reid, true to form, sent another excuse through a message.

Callie didn’t care. The doctor had told her she could be discharged the next day. Perfect timing—she wouldn’t miss the wedding.

Later that night, Tommy somehow found out about her allergic reaction and sent over a bouquet of flowers. He even hired a private chef to prepare a meal to soothe her stomach. Tommy stayed for a while, urging Callie to eat before he left. 

Moved by this gesture, Callie sent him a text, “Thank you.” She didn’t know what else to say apart from that words.

Tommy quickly replied, “I’ll pick you up tomorrow.”

“You don’t have to. I’ll take a cab.”

After that, Tommy didn’t send any more messages.

Callie spent the night tossing and turning, her thoughts a jumbled mess. She couldn’t understand Tommy’s motives. For a marriage built on mutual benefit, he didn’t need to go out of his way like this. Eventually, her mind grew tired of overthinking and she drifted off into a dreamless sleep—peaceful for the first time in ages.

The next morning, Reid finally appeared. His hair was disheveled and he wore the same clothes as the day before. He must have stayed by Geneva’s side all night without even going home. But Callie no longer cared. Soon, they would be strangers, each walking their separate paths with no more ties to bind them.

Reid’s gaze landed on the flower bouquet and his expression darkened. “Who sent this?”

Callie calmly packed her belongings, not even bothering to look up. “A friend.”

Reid grabbed her arm, his frustration evident. “Last time, you said the pink roses were from a friend. Now it’s this bouquet? Who is this friend who keeps sending you flowers, Callie? Are you hiding something from me? You’ve been acting distant lately, like you’re upset with me. Did I do something wrong?”

His eyes were red with desperation. He seemed genuinely anxious, as though some unseen force had taken root inside him, growing uncontrollably. Even the slightest hint of trouble now sent him spiraling.

A cold laugh escaped Callie’s lips. “Why are you so nervous, Reid? It’s just a bouquet of flowers. If I were to marry someone else, would you go mad?”

Her words made Reid’s heart skip a beat.

“If you really married someone else, I would go insane. Callie, promise me—never abandon me in this lifetime.”

Callie grabbed his crumpled shirt, her eyes lingering on the faint lipstick stain. Her voice was calm, devoid of warmth.

“Reid, as long as you don’t betray me or leave me, I won’t walk away. But if you ever lie to me, I won’t hesitate to turn my back. I told you this a long time ago.”