Chapter 2

2

After the procedure, I ran into Landon in the hospital corridor.

He looked like he had just finished an exam himself.

He was supporting Sierra, whispering instructions to her with a protective gaze.

The moment he saw me, he flinched and immediately let go of her arm.

"Yara? What are you doing here? Your appointment isn't until next week."

"Why are you so pale? Is something wrong with the baby?"

He rushed over, scanning me from head to toe with genuine worry.

I looked at him, and my heart skipped a beat out of sheer habit.

The nurse behind me opened her mouth. "The baby is―"

"The baby is healthy. We could even see the little hands and feet today," I interrupted.

I told the lie with a perfectly calm face.

"I just had some stomach discomfort, so I came in early to get checked out."

Landon let out a long breath of relief and pulled me into a hug.

"Thank God you're okay."

"Sierra was in an accident nearby. I happened to be passing by and brought her in."

"She's my employee, after all... I couldn't just leave her there."

Before I could even ask, he scrambled to explain himself.

He knew how weak the excuse sounded; he couldn't even meet my eyes.

I didn't call him out. I just felt the coldness in my heart grow.

"Come on, I'm taking you home right now."

As he guided me toward the exit, he spared a cold glance for Sierra.

"Go home on your own. Take a few days off. I'll have someone else handle your accounts."

There was a flicker of hidden reluctance in his tone that only I could detect.

Back at the house, Landon returned to being the doting husband.

"Next time you go to the hospital, you must tell me. Don't scare me like that again."

As he leaned in, I caught the faint scent of a woman's perfume on him.

A wave of nausea hit me instantly.

He frowned, his eyes filled with intense pity and concern.

"What is it? Are you feeling sick again?"

I forced a small smile. "It's just morning sickness. I'll be fine in a minute."

Landon relaxed and took my hand.

"It's my fault. I've been so busy lately that I haven't taken good care of you."

"Once I finish this current project, I'll make it all up to you."

His voice was thick with affection as he pulled a watch box from his pocket.

"This is a new limited edition that just came out yesterday. Let me put it on you."

Every year, he gave me a limited-edition watch.

Its only purpose was to hide the long, ugly scar on my wrist.

In the past, I would have been thrilled and eager to try it on.

But this time, looking at it made me want to vomit.

On the drive back from the hospital, I had scrolled through Sierra's older posts.

Yesterday, she had posted a photo of a table covered in luxury watches.

"It feels so good to be spoiled. A dozen watches at once? I can't even wear them all in a year."

He gave me a watch to hide my shame. What was his reason for giving them to her?

I stared at the raised, uneven scar I earned while saving his life.

A sharp, suffocating pain radiated through my chest.

Landon, was it really that hard to love just one person?

I pulled my hand away before he could fasten the strap.

"No thanks. I don't think I'll be wearing these anymore."

He froze for a split second, then patted my head with a smile.

"Fine. Whatever you want, honey."

Then, he looked toward my belly with a fatherly glow.

"What should we name the baby when it's born?"

The mention of the child was a fresh stab to my soul.

Landon, our child is already gone.

I clenched my fists until my nails bit into my palms.

"Landon, do you remember the vow you made the day you proposed?"

Landon didn't hesitate. He looked me straight in the eye without a hint of guilt.

"Of course. For all eternity, you are my only love."

I wanted to laugh, but my face felt like a frozen mask.

Right then, his phone rang. The caller ID was, predictably, Sierra.

He glanced at it, panicked, and grabbed the phone before heading to the balcony.

I followed him silently, my bare feet making no sound.

The night was too quiet. Even through the glass door, I heard her sobbing.

"I'm still so scared after the crash today. Are you really not coming to see me?"

"If you don't care about me, at least care about our baby..."

Landon's voice was suddenly ice-cold.

"End it tomorrow. I told you, only my wife is allowed to carry my children."

Sierra's weeping became desperate and heartbreaking.

Landon clearly softened. He let out a heavy sigh.

"Be good. I'll come over and stay with you tonight..."

A minute later, I was back in bed when Landon pushed the door open.

"Honey, something urgent came up at the office. I have to head out."

"Get some rest. I'll be back soon."

He kissed my forehead and rushed out of the room.

As I watched his retreating back, I felt like my heart was being shredded.

The System's voice resonated in my ears again.

"Twelve hours remaining until world departure."