Chapter 3
1 got home at 1 AM.
The mansion was dark. Aiden sat on the couch, clearly waiting for hours.
Hearing the door open, he rushed over with unmistakable worry on his face.
He pulled me tightly against him, his voice trembling.
“Zoey, where were you?! Why didn’t you tell me you were going out?”
“Do you know how worried I was? I thought he might have come back and…”
Hot tears fell onto my shoulder, soaking through my shirt.
‘Promise me you won’t disappear like that again, okay? Please, Zoey. I’m begging you.”.
‘I can’t lose you again.”
He sounded so sincere I almost believed him.
Since my return, whenever he left for work, he’d text me hourly.
Making sure I was still home. Making sure my ex-husband hadn’t come looking for trouble.
Last month, I went grocery shopping and didn’t check my phone.
He abandoned a billion-dollar project and raced home immediately.
When he saw I was safe, tears filled his eyes.
His arms trembled holding me, exactly like now.
‘Zoey, thank God you’re okay…”
After that day, five bodyguards appeared around me. Wherever I went, they followed.
Only when I complained about the hassle did he remove them.
thought this was how he showed his love. Now I see it was all lies.
Those bodyguards-supposedly for protection-were probably there to keep me from running into Raven and discovering the truth he wanted hidden.
His love was real once. But so is the fact that it’s gone.
I forced a smile and pried his hands off me.
‘Sorry, I went shopping. My phone died and I didn’t see your messages.”
Suddenly, the living room lights flashed on.
They illuminated rose petals scattered across the floor, a three-tiered cake on the dining table.
And the wedding ring clutched tightly in his palm.
Just like three years ago, Aiden dropped to one knee.
His expression was completely sincere:
“Zoey, will you marry me?”
The wedding I promised you is three years late. I was afraid you hadn’t recovered from your past trauma. Now, I want to make it up to you.”
I was about to ask if he truly wanted to marry me.
Then his phone started vibrating frantically.
“Mr. Sinclair, it’s an emergency. Raven has a stomach hemorrhage and was rushed to the hospital. The surgery needs a family member’s signature-”
The caller didn’t finish before Aiden was gone, leaving only the sight of his back as he rushed out.
Without checking the size, he forced the wedding ring onto my finger.
Aiden threw on his coat and left without looking back.
“Zoey, there’s an urgent company matter. Wait for me to return.”
I stared down at my finger where the diamond had cut into my skin, drawing blood.
Silent tears fell.
As if possessed, I put on my still-damp coat and followed him.
At the emergency room entrance, I saw Aiden nearly losing his mind for the first time.
‘Didn’t I tell you to watch Raven? How did she drink until her stomach bled?”
What the hell were you thinking?”
His friend stood like a scolded child, helplessly looking down.
What could I do? Control your wife? She was upset and insisted we drink together. I couldn’t just leave her, could I?”
Look, they need a family member’s signature for surgery. Stop wasting time yelling at me.”
Aiden scrawled his signature on the paper, his voice ice-cold.
Remember, Raven is my wife. Her surgery shouldn’t wait for my signature. If this happens again, you’re all got lost!”
he surgery took an hour. Aiden stood outside the door the entire time.
lis friend, afraid of becoming collateral damage, made an excuse and left.
When Raven was wheeled into the recovery room, Aiden’s eyes welled up.
Why would you do something so stupid? Don’t you know your alcohol limit?”
Laven sobbed pitifully and fell into his arms, looking exactly like a wounded rabbit.
But I missed you… Today was our wedding anniversary. I’m sorry for being childish, but I just can’t share you with Zoey anymore.”
Aiden, how much longer do we have to live like this?”
iden’s body went rigid. My breathing stopped in that moment.
My nails dug into my palms until they bled, drops falling to the floor.
n the quiet hallway, his resigned sigh carried clearly.
You know I can’t abandon Zoey. You’re my wife-you should understand.”
‘I’ll spend more time with you from now on. Just promise me you won’t hurt yourself like this again. If not for me, then for our baby.”
My heart shattered instantly. Everything went black as I collapsed.
When I opened my eyes, I was in a hospital bed with a doctor scolding me harshly.
“Didn’t you know you’re two months pregnant? Walking in the rain? If you don’t want the baby, schedule a procedure immediately.”
Pregnant?
I froze in shock as tears rolled down my face.
During those three years abroad, my body was severely damaged from abuse.
After returning, Aiden arranged medical tests for me.
The conclusion was devastating: after two miscarriages without proper treatment, I’d likely never have children of my own.
That day, Aiden remained silent for a very long time.
Afterward, he found every specialist possible for my treatment.
For three years, I never stopped taking medications, even when I’d lost hope.
Aiden would comfort me.
‘It’s okay. Even if we can’t have our own children, we can adopt. I’ll never think less of you.”
Now, the baby I’ve waited three years for has arrived-at the worst possible time.
Suddenly, selfish thoughts crept into my mind.
This child-I want to keep it and raise it myself.
have no family, no friends. This baby is my only reason to keep going.
But first, I need to leave Aiden.
ouching my barely noticeable belly, I whispered very softly.
Baby, don’t blame mommy…”
it dawn, Aiden texted me.
Emergency business trip. Back in seven days. Don’t worry, I’ve already assigned staff to handle the wedding plans. We’ll look at everything when I
eturn.]
Zoey, take care of yourself. Don’t make me worry.]
Jurses occasionally gossiped about the VIP room upstairs. I knew Aiden was there.
‘aking care of Raven.
nable to stay any longer, I checked myself out.
or seven full days, he sent no further messages.
Vedding supplies piled up in the mansion.
Exquisite and beautiful, visibly expensive, but lacking any genuine feeling.
During those seven days, I scheduled my document cancellation.
Booked a flight out.
Erased all traces of myself from this place.
Chapter 3
Three years is both long and short. His gifts filled my entire closet.
Only the Sinclair family heirloom ring was missing.
I auctioned everything off and donated the proceeds to African schools.
Just as I finished, Aiden returned.
Lucia Morh is a passionate storyteller who brings emotions to life through her words. When she’s not writing, she finds peace nurturing her garden.