Chapter 4

I sat alone on a bench by the lake for hours, lost in thought, until night finally pulled me back to reality.

Five years dating, five years married—ten years of my life. I’d be lying if I said it didn’t hurt.

But right now, my heart felt weirdly calm—like the storm had passed.

Time heals all wounds, I guess.

I stood up to leave, but a motorcycle came out of nowhere. The impact sent me sprawling, and everything went black.

When I came to, I was in a hospital room.

There was an IV in my hand, and the pain had dulled to a throbbing ache.

The nurse changing my bandages smiled when she saw me awake: “Mr. Anderson, you got hit pretty good, but it’s just scrapes and bruises. You’ll be back on your feet in no time.”

“Ms. Maxwell’s right outside. Want me to get her? She was beside herself when she heard—voice shaking and everything. That woman really cares about you.”

She started toward the door, but I stopped her: “No, thanks. Let her wrap up whatever she’s doing.”

The nurse nodded and left without another word.

The hospital room was so quiet I could hear my own heartbeat. Even with Serena whispering outside, I caught snippets: “Really? I’ll be right there.”

Her footsteps faded as she walked away.

I gritted through the pain, pulled out the IV, and quietly followed her out.

She walked fast, heading straight for the fertility clinic floor.

Leo stood there grinning, holding some papers, and they leaned in to whisper—both looking way too excited.

Back in year two of our marriage, I’d brought up kids, but Serena shot me down.

She said she wasn’t ready yet—afraid pregnancy would change her body, and I wouldn’t love her anymore.

She said she didn’t want anyone splitting my attention—wanted all my love to herself.

But right now? Her face was lit up like a Christmas tree. She did want a baby—just not with me.

I didn’t get this messed-up version of love. Honestly, I was relieved we never had kids.