01

During my early pregnancy, Julian requested that I provide blood for his longtime friend. I declined due to my anemia, but his companions accused me of being inconsiderate.

"Anne's on the operating table and you're the only compatible donor. Why not give a bit of blood?" With that, several of them forcibly brought me inside.

Julian's eyes briefly showed concern, but he quickly composed himself. "It's only a blood donation. Our baby will be fine." I ceased resisting, a solitary tear rolling down my face.

Post-transfusion, I stumbled to the obstetrics ward, my body weakened, to terminate the pregnancy.

1

I spent three days recuperating alone in the hospital, while Julian remained at Anne's bedside throughout. My uterus was vacant, yet anguish pierced my heart.

Upon discharge, I encountered Julian, Anne, and his friends. I carried my own bag, while Anne leaned on Julian for support.

Julian hesitated upon seeing me. "Why are you still here?"

"No reason," I replied, concealing my miscarriage as I exited, my complexion ashen.

"We'll go together," he insisted, grasping my arm firmly.

At the car, Anne swiftly claimed the front seat, saying sweetly, "Scarlett, I've just had ulcer surgery and get carsick easily. Would you mind if I sat here?"

I silently moved to the back, but his friends rushed in, cramming three grown men into the seat. They glared at me hostilely.

"Scarlett, Anne's still fragile. We'll all come to your place to care for her."

I glanced at Julian driving. His expression was rigid, but he said nothing to oppose them. I smiled ruefully as cicadas buzzed. How could I still hope for anything from this man?

Julian's friends despised me, believing he and Anne were perfect together and viewing me as an interloper.

They treated me like a maid in my own home, and Julian never stood up for me. Even while carrying his child, I was forced to give Anne blood. They didn't even thank me, just said it was my privilege.

It wasn't my first time being mistreated, but it was the first time I chose not to fight back. "Alright, I'll make my own way home."

I closed the car door and set off alone. Being rush hour, taxis were scarce. Having just undergone an abortion, I trudged for an hour in the scorching heat to reach home.

Upon entering, I was met with harsh complaints.

"Scarlett, what took so long? We've been here forever."

"We're famished. Come on, let's taste your cooking again."

I looked towards Julian and Anne. It was a sweltering day, but the air conditioning was off to protect the delicate Anne from catching cold. Julian sat beside her, cooling her with a paper fan.

Though sweating profusely himself, he ignored it, doting on Anne. Sam yelled, seeing my silence, "Julian, we're all starving! Tell your wife to cook something!"