Chapter 2
“Julian, stop it. Anya is still recovering from childbirth, she’s very weak. This is when she needs care the most. If she doesn’t recover properly, she could suffer long-term health issues.”
Seraphina wrapped her arm possessively around Julian’s, her smile gentle. “Since Anya came to find you, be good and go home with her today.”
“Your baby is almost a month old, and you haven’t held him once as a father. It’s really not right.”
“Hmph, my child? He was just a formality, a duty I had to fulfill for my family. He doesn’t deserve for me to hold him!” Julian affectionately pinched Seraphina’s cheek. “Even if he’s not my own, I feel better holding your son.”
Their argument attracted a crowd of onlookers and hushed whispers.
[Oh my god, isn’t that Mr. Hayes and his wife? This is Anya Carter’s child, one she almost died giving birth to. What Mr. Hayes said is a bit harsh, isn’t it?]
[At least Anya Carter stayed by his side tirelessly for three years when Mr. Hayes was blind. From his tone, it sounds like he wants this woman dead.]
[Yeah, Mr. Hayes is such a jerk. Women are so weak after giving birth, and she’s not getting any care from her husband. So pathetic.]
People always follow the crowd, saying whatever suits the moment. In such scenes, some cursed me, others defended me. I was used to it.
I looked at Julian’s disgusted face, my eyes welling up with tears. He had long forgotten how he risked his life to save me from the fire. Forgotten how he donated bone marrow for me when I had leukemia, defying everyone. Forgotten his promise that we would love each other every day, forever.
The one trapped by those sweet memories wasn’t Julian. It was me.
Luckily, in three days, I would leave his world completely, never to see him again!
Leo’s cries grew more anxious. I felt a surge of panic, pushed past Seraphina, who was blocking my way, and rushed into the nursing room at the end of the aisle.
Behind the door, I heard the sound of a woman falling and a man’s shocked, pained cry.
I focused on feeding Leo, my phone ringing incessantly. It was Julian calling. I decisively turned it off.
After soothing the baby, I left the nursing room to find Julian holding Seraphina, who was resting on a bench. Seraphina had a bandage on her forehead, her eyes filled with tears.
“Julian, please don’t blame Anya. She was just anxious about the baby and accidentally pushed me. She definitely didn’t mean to disfigure me.”
“Hmph, this woman knew you depend on your looks, yet she deliberately pushed you down. How malicious!” Julian’s face was like ice, and he snapped, “Anya Carter, get over here and apologize to her!”
“No, no, it’s fine,” Seraphina demurred, though her eyes gleamed with triumph.
I looked at her, devoid of emotion. I took off the amulet I always wore close to my skin and handed it to her. “I bumped into you today. Take this as my apology.”
At this, Julian’s eyes flashed with confusion, and Seraphina was equally startled, feigning refusal. “Anya, you shouldn’t! This is your most cherished necklace. Keep it!”
“My face is really fine, you don’t have to be so worried.”
“Anya Carter, what trick are you trying to pull now?” Julian suppressed a sudden flicker of unease, frowning in displeasure. “Before, when I told you to return the amulet to Seraphina, you cried hysterically, refusing to give in even if it meant death. Why are you suddenly willing today?”
“I’m not playing any tricks. I just don’t want it anymore.” My expression was indifferent as I held Leo and walked away.
But Julian blocked my path. “Don’t think this reverse psychology will make me agree to go home with you. Are you so desperate for a man you’ve gone crazy? Dream on!”
I placed the amulet in his hand, not sparing him a glance, and walked away. In three days, I would be completely out of his life. Why would I care about an amulet he gave me, or if he wanted to come home?