Chapter 2

2 The hospital hallway was dim, set to night mode. I sat alone on a plastic chair, clutching my ticket. My palms were so sweaty the paper had started to wrinkle.

The doctor looked at my results.

“Six weeks. The vitals look normal. We should start your prenatal file.”

“Can I transfer my file to another city?” I asked.

She glanced at me. “You can, but it is better to stay with one doctor throughout the process.”

“Thank you,” I whispered.

I left the hospital and called Cassie.

“Cassie, I need a huge favor.”

“Name it.”

“Help me find the best maternity hospital in Savannah. Then, find me a small apartment there. One bedroom is enough.”

Cassie was silent for a moment. She had known me for fifteen years, and I rarely ever asked for help.

“You’re leaving?”

“Yes.”

“What about the condo in Chicago? What about everything else?”

“I don't want any of it.”

“And Alistair? You aren't going to tell him?”

I looked at the maple trees outside the hospital. The leaves were half-gone, covering the sidewalk in a thin, golden layer.

“He doesn't need to know.”

Cassie sighed. “Fine. I’ll handle Savannah. When are you leaving?”

“First thing tomorrow morning.”

“I’ll be at the airport to see you off.”

The next morning at six, I met Cassie at the terminal. She handed me a set of keys, a hospital registration card, and a new SIM card.

“Starting today, Seraphina Vance is ancient history in this city.”

I hugged her tightly.

“Thank you, Cassie. For everything.”

“Don't thank me. Just promise to buy me a massive seafood boil when you come back.”

As the plane took off, I leaned against the window. The Chicago skyline shrunk until it disappeared.

Three years of marriage ended with one suitcase and a tiny life inside me that didn't know the world yet.

I didn't cry.

It wasn't because I was strong. I had just cried too much already―alone in the kitchen, in the bedroom, and on the balcony.

I had no tears left for him.