Chapter 2

I returned alone to the military housing complex.

The medicine bowl, knocked over on the day of the incident, still lay on the table. A dark, scorched stain marked the floor.

Clearly, Derek hadn't been home in days.

I ignored it all, walking straight to my desk. From the drawer, I pulled out a small notebook.

Flipping it open, I saw it was filled with every little thing Derek had done for Evelyn over the past five years.

Arranging for her to join the military's arts and entertainment corps, taking my spot.

Leaving me with a fever to celebrate Leo's birthday, even letting the child put an animal-grade abortifacient in my food, nearly costing me my life…

The entire notebook was crammed with entries, every inch filled, leaving no space for more pain.

My hand paused. I could only squeeze one last sentence into the corner of the final page—

"Leave Derek Miller."

The baby was gone. The debt I owed him for saving me from that cliff all those years ago? It was paid in full.

Suddenly, I heard the door open behind me.

Strong, calloused hands wrapped around me from behind, slipping under my clothes.

"What are you writing?"

I frowned, trying to pull away.

"I just had a miscarriage."

My words didn't seem to dampen Derek's mood. He'd always liked to bother me late into the night.

He nibbled on my earlobe.

"I won't move. I'll just hold you."

I instinctively tilted my head, but I couldn't escape his intimacy.

As I sighed in resignation, I heard him say,

"There's something else I need to tell you."

"I'm going to officially adopt Leo and give him my surname. That way, Evelyn and her son will have someone to rely on."

His breath hitched against my neck, making me feel sick.

Yet, his hand continued to roam restlessly.

I let out a hollow laugh.

"Fine. Whatever you say."

Derek's hand froze.

As if sensing something was off, he forcefully turned my body to face him.

"You don't mind?"

I looked up at him, my voice indifferent.

"It's a good thing, isn't it?"

He stared at me intently for a few seconds, then finally indulged me.

"I knew I married a good wife. Well, get ready. We'll have a celebratory dinner in a couple of days to announce I have a son."

With that, he pulled out his wallet, casually peeling off a few bills and handing them to me.

"Buy yourself some dresses. For skiing in a couple of days."

I thought of the research facility I was headed to.

I’d heard winter came early there, and by the peak of the season, the snow could be waist-deep.

My current clothes definitely wouldn't hold up.

Thinking this, I didn’t decline, and agreed.

The next day.

Taking all the money I had at home, I went to a store and walked straight past the racks of dresses hanging at the entrance.

My eyes fixated on the padded winter coats in the back corner.

"Please pack up all your winter clothes for me."

Two days later, the day of the banquet arrived.

Derek was unusually excited. He woke up early, put on his neatest military uniform, and even pinned a red flower to his chest.

It was the same uniform he'd worn on our wedding day.

I said nothing, quietly packing my belongings.

There was nothing left for me to cherish in this house. The most conspicuous items in my large suitcase were the two new outfits I'd bought yesterday.

Derek suddenly glanced at me, his brows knitting together.

"I told you to buy dresses, why did you buy winter coats?"