Chapter 3

3.

In my hazy unconsciousness, I seemed to see the radiant smile Gavin wore when we first found out I was pregnant.

Back then, he went out of his way every single day to cook whatever I craved.

My morning sickness made my cravings bizarre and my temper unpredictable, often sending him across town in the middle of the night just for takeout.

I felt guilty afterward, knowing how exhausting his hospital shifts were, yet I had troubled him so much.

Gavin had gently stroked my hair and comforted me: "You're my wife, carrying my child. Taking care of you is my job."

I was moved to tears back then, convinced I had found the perfect partner and believing he had zero resentment.

So, whatever he said, I believed without question.

Until Alina moved to our city, reconnecting with him at a high school reunion.

On a stormy night just like this, Gavin received a call from Alina, who claimed she was terrified of thunder while her husband was away.

Without looking back, he abandoned me at home and rushed straight to her side.

He brushed off my questions with smooth excuses, and I foolishly believed she was just a sister to him.

Little did I know, Alina had long surpassed me and our unborn child in his heart.

He had betrayed me, using her marital status and pregnancy as a convenient cover to sneak around with her.

And I was stupid enough not to see through it.

Alina had a husband and a family of her own, so why did she always turn to Gavin whenever she had a problem?

Their connection had clearly crossed the boundary of normal friendship long ago.

It was not that I never questioned or complained.

Yet every time I brought it up, Gavin acted completely righteous, claiming their hands were clean because she was married and expecting.

His so-called sister used every conceivable excuse to pull him away from me, even taunting me behind his back.

"I'm so sorry, Sadie. My husband is always too busy, so I have to rely on Gavin. You're such a generous wife, you wouldn't mind, right?"

Seeing the smug triumph glinting in her eyes, I trembled with fury.

"What are you playing at? Do you get a thrill out of stealing someone else's husband?"

"Oh my! Sadie, don't spread rumors! When did I ever steal anyone's husband? What if people misunderstand?"

Gavin happened to overhear the tail end of our argument.

Disappointment clouded his eyes as he looked at me. "Do you really have so little faith in me?"

He was furious.

He walked out with Alina, leaving me alone at home to cool down, making me look like an unreasonable, jealous shrew.

It took me two full days of walking on eggshells and placating him before he ended the silent treatment.

"Sadie, my job is exhausting enough. Coming home to your endless paranoia is draining. Have you ever considered my feelings?"

"Alina and I both have our own families. Nothing could ever happen between us."

"Can't you just let things be?"

Looking back at his reaction after Alina died in my past life, it was painfully clear they were never innocent.

I just never imagined he would become so twisted that he would murder me and our baby on the day of her memorial.

In this life, he chose Alina over the survival of his own flesh and blood.

The lie was shattered.

I had to face the ugly truth: Gavin's heart had rotted away from me long ago.

Love and indifference could not be clearer.

I was simply too naive, mistaking poisoned lies for unconditional love.