Chapter 4

My hand shook on the steering wheel, tears blurring my vision, forcing me to wipe them away repeatedly.

I watched the Bennett family villa grow smaller and smaller in the rearview mirror, finally disappearing into the night.

The mechanical female voice of the navigation system announced "City Women's and Children's Hospital," as if reading out the verdict for my marriage to Lucas Bennett.

The hospital's fluorescent lights stung my eyes.

The nurse handed me the surgical consent form. I stared at the paper, my fingers trembling so much I could barely hold the pen.

I looked up at the waiting area. A poster of a baby was on the wall, those clear big eyes seemed to be watching me.

I closed my eyes, remembering how Lucas looked at me every time, with coldness, mockery, and disdain.

I signed my name on the consent form, the pen tip scratching across the white paper as if cutting through my flesh and blood.

The light in the changing room was stark white. I changed into a hospital gown, the fabric rubbing against my skin causing slight pain.

Lying in the operating room, as the anesthesia was pushed into my veins, I heard the metallic clash of instruments. Suddenly, I remembered the scene from our marriage registration day.

That day, I was full of joy, finally able to become husband and wife with the person I liked. But Lucas wore sunglasses, impatiently tossing the signing pen to me.

Perhaps I should have understood then that this marriage was a mistake from the very beginning.

In the ward, morning light leaked through the gaps in the curtains.

When I sat up, a wave of intense nausea hit me. I dry heaved at the bedside, tears falling.

I touched my belly with trembling hands; there was nothing there anymore.

I had thought that three years of marriage would at least earn me a bit of affection from Lucas Bennett, but I was wrong.

What I got from him was contempt, disdain, and his infidelity to our marriage.

I was thoroughly tired of the Bennett family's cage.

A week later, I left the hospital.

As I drove across the river bridge, I rolled down the window and threw out my wedding ring without hesitation.

The platinum band traced a silver parabola in the sunlight, and as it plunged into the river, I felt as if I had let go of a great deal.

Only 15 days left until I leave the Bennett family.