1#01

On Christmas night, I experienced frequent contractions, signaling premature labor.

I called 99 times, but Xavion, my boyfriend of seven years, never answered.

Until the last call, when his secretary Melody picked up.

Her voice was sultry as she cuddled up to Xavion, completely disregarding that I could hear:

"Xavion, I'm carrying your baby. What are we going to do?"

Tears streaming down my face, I looked at the doctor.

"This child, I want to terminate it right now. I don't want it anymore."

1

The doctor asked if I was certain about the abortion.

I nodded.

He said my husband needed to sign.

I said my husband was dead, I'd sign myself.

The doctor paused, seemingly caught off guard by my response. He looked at me for a long moment, then sighed and said, "Whatever you do, take care of yourself first."

I nodded silently, my face expressionless.

Outside, fireworks were popping off one after another, quite lively.

...

Coming off the operating table, I turned on my phone to see Xavion had called over a dozen times and sent numerous texts.

I skimmed them - just saying he was running late at a party, telling me to go home and start dinner, reminding me his coworker was coming over for Christmas dinner tomorrow so I should prepare extra dishes.

I scoffed and blocked his number, deleting it.

Right after blocking him, another text came through.

[Jade, why aren't you answering my calls?]

I stared at the message, feeling nothing but bitter irony.

In the past, every time we fought, I was always the first to give in, to make peace. Then he'd come back like nothing ever happened.

But this time, I didn't want to repeat that old performance.

I blocked his number again, then dialed my mom.

"Hello, Mom."

"Jade, what's wrong? Are you short on cash?" My mom's voice held a hint of excitement.I pursed my lips and said, "No, Mom. I promise I'll come back for the arranged marriage during Valentine's Day."

My mom was stunned for a moment, then became excited, "Really? That's wonderful! How are you doing now? Is work going well? Are you in good health?"

She asked many questions. Hearing something off in her voice, I immediately grew concerned, "Mom, what's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"

"No, no, Mom's just happy," she quickly replied.

Holding back tears, I said, "Mom, Xavion and I broke up."

My mom was silent for a moment, then said, "Good riddance! It should have happened long ago! Seven years and he never mentioned marriage. He clearly never intended to stay with you long-term!"

Listening to my mom's words, my heart ached with bitterness.

Indeed, it had been seven years. Xavion and I had been together for seven years.

The year I graduated, my parents strongly opposed our relationship, but I was determined to be with him. I even stayed away from home for three years.

And what was the result?

He betrayed me. I got pregnant with his child, and even now, our relationship remains undefined.

I was so foolish, so naive!

"Jade, when are you coming home?" my mom asked.

"The day after tomorrow," I replied.

I retrieved the glass vial containing the embryo from the doctor. Looking at the tiny skeleton forming inside, I took a deep breath and placed it in my bag.Didn't Xavion ask me to prepare a New Year's gift for him?

Well, this would be the best New Year's gift for him.