Chapter 2

My father had long wanted me to transfer back to the Headquarters Medical Center, but I, wanting to be closer to Chris, insisted on staying here for three years.

My colleagues often asked,

"Dr. Reed, you're a medical doctor, what are you doing in this backwater town?"

I'd just laugh it off, saying,

"It's close to home, very convenient."

Yes, close to Chris, convenient for doing his laundry and cooking his meals, convenient for being at his beck and call.

But what I got in return was him building a new family, supporting another woman and her child.

I scoffed at my own foolishness, not only harming myself but also my daughter.

Three years ago, when Chris proposed, he said,

"The unit doesn't allow relationships. This is a critical time for my promotion. Once I transfer to Headquarters, I'll give you the grand wedding you deserve."

I believed him, and in return, I spent three years living without any official recognition.

My daughter was left in our hometown, being gossiped about and judged, unable to even attend kindergarten.

I had once brought up going public because of Lily.

But Chris would always wave his hand impatiently,

"Not yet, wait a little longer. We'll talk about it once the transfer orders come through."

I'd heard that sentence for three years, and I'd waited for three years.

Now I finally understood. His "wait a little longer" meant waiting for his son to start school.

But now, I wouldn't wait anymore.

The next morning, I received my transfer orders from my father.

But as I went to get the signature from my superior, I ran right into Sarah.

She was holding her child, her face showing no panic when she saw me, only a triumphant smirk as she approached me step by step.

"Hello, Dr. Reed. Chris sent us. He said you should take a good look at his son."

I clenched my fists, staring at her,

"What do you mean?"

Sarah immediately forced a saccharine smile,

"Oh, I misspoke. My son has a fever, and Chris said Dr. Reed here is the best doctor, so we absolutely had to come find you."

I suppressed my anger. Colleagues were all around.

I didn't want to make a public spectacle of myself.

"I'm sorry, this is the fire station's medical clinic, only open to internal staff and their families."

She deliberately raised her voice,

"That's right, we *are* family."

"Dr. Reed, you wouldn't believe it, but the father of my child was so anxious he didn't sleep all night. That's just how parents are, you must understand, right?"

I forced a smile,

"I understand. I have a daughter too."

She immediately exclaimed dramatically,

"Really? Dr. Reed, you have a daughter? How old is she?"

My colleagues immediately looked my way.

I never discussed personal matters during work, so this was the first time they'd heard I had a child.

I replied coldly,

"Three years old. She's supposed to start kindergarten."

"Oh! What a coincidence, the same age as my son! What's your child's birthday? Maybe they're even close!"

At that moment, I glimpsed her son's birthday on his medical record: August 9th.

My hand froze.

My daughter's birthday was also August 9th.

Three years ago, I had a difficult birth with severe hemorrhage. Chris claimed he had an urgent mission and couldn't leave.

He didn't show up until the third day after Lily was born.

But looking at the medical record, a child born on the same day as my daughter...

There was nothing left for me to misunderstand. He wasn't stuck on an urgent mission; he was obviously with another woman, having *her* child.

I squeezed my fists, letting my nails dig into my palms.

Just then, a voice called out from behind me.

"Evelyn!"