4#04

4

Troy arrived home that evening, forgoing overtime and returning by six. Soaked from the rain, he immediately tossed his coat into the washing machine upon entering.

He spotted me painting in the study and approached quietly from behind, a slight smile on his face as he intended to kiss me. I evaded his advance once more.

"Felicia, I can't shake the feeling you've been distancing yourself lately," he remarked. His eyes drifted to my midsection as he inquired, "How's the baby? I've noticed you haven't been experiencing much morning sickness recently."

Naturally, the morning sickness had ceased. The baby was no longer there.

I let out a bitter laugh, then noticed a bright red mark on his neck, which promptly erased any trace of amusement from my face.

Despite washing his coat, the strong scent of a young woman's perfume lingered.

I stated flatly, "Keep your distance. You're triggering my nausea again."

Pretending to have morning sickness, I exited the study and locked myself in the bathroom, finally exhaling in relief. It was truly pitiful how things had deteriorated between Troy and me.

"Felicia, why don't I join you for your check-up tomorrow?" Troy unexpectedly suggested before bedtime.

Glancing at his phone on the coffee table, I replied disinterestedly, "I doubt that's possible. Louise has scheduled for you to try out that new couples' themed hotel room tomorrow."

His expression changed instantly as he grabbed his phone. Angrily typing something, he received a call from Louise, her voice trembling, "Mr. Angelo, I'm so sorry! Please don't block me..."

Troy, visibly irate, berated her, "I warned you before, if you say anything inappropriate and upset my wife again, you're fired!" He hung up and turned to reassure me.

He claimed Louise was intoxicated and talking nonsense. I knew it was all an act for my benefit.

I laughed softly, "Troy, there's no need for this. We..." Before I could finish saying 'should divorce,' another message arrived from Louise.

This time, a video: She stood in the rain, drenched and alluring, with several menacing men lurking behind her.

Tearfully, she begged, "Mr. Angelo, please help me! They've been following me..."

Troy's face contorted, "Felicia, I need to go out for a moment!"

I smiled, "It's alright, saving a life takes priority. Go to her."

He shot me a grateful look and rushed out without even grabbing a coat. Meanwhile, I simply lowered my head and resumed painting.

I had grown accustomed to these occurrences, which had become all too frequent.

When he returned, it was past midnight. By then, I had framed my completed painting and was fast asleep.

Half-conscious, I felt him gently embrace me, "Felicia, I know you're upset today, aren't you? Don't worry. I've decided to fire Louise. Once I've handed over my duties at the company, I'll dedicate myself to staying home with you during your pregnancy. How does that sound?"

Had my eyes been open, I might not have been able to suppress a laugh. Had Troy acted for so long that he began believing his own fabrications?

Or did he realize I was only feigning sleep and these words were deliberately for my ears? Perhaps he hoped I would, as always, suppress my grievances and reconcile. But I had seen through it all now.

The following morning, I didn't wake until ten. Rolling over, I saw Troy standing in the doorway wearing an apron. He said cheerfully, "Good morning, sleepyhead! Breakfast is ready."

I was surprised. Troy hadn't gone to work?

Observing the table laden with an extravagant breakfast spread, I wondered if I was dreaming.

"Felicia, I've neglected you in the past. You've endured over ten rounds of IVF for me, suffered through morning sickness and so much more." From his pocket, he produced a pigeon-egg-sized diamond ring and presented it to me with a tender expression. He continued, "From now on, I want to make amends."

I didn't reach for it, instead feeling an unsettling discomfort. Why this sudden display of affection? Had he discovered my plans to leave?

That day, he remained silent, accompanying me through breakfast, a movie, and even an art exhibition visit.

Watching him, I briefly recalled our courtship six years ago. Back then, he had accompanied me like this, vowing to do so for a lifetime. But now, it was better to part ways amicably.

I said, "Tonight, I'd like to dine at that popular restaurant with the long queues. Will you join me?"

"Of course," he agreed without hesitation, smiling warmly.

Perhaps he had forgotten that today marked our sixth wedding anniversary. Our final meal together could serve as a fitting farewell.

However, that evening, Troy ultimately failed to show up for our dinner. Once again, Louise's phone call had drawn him away.

Before leaving, he anxiously attempted to explain, "Felicia, please don't misunderstand. Although I've already fired Louise, she's threatening to jump from a building, at the company no less! I have to go and talk her down!"

What he didn't know was that I had already checked his phone earlier. There was no mention of jumping.

Instead, Louise had messaged him, claiming she was pregnant. She demanded a legitimate status, threatening that otherwise, she'd jump and take both lives with her, completely ruining his reputation.

I had said nothing, merely testing him. In the end, Troy still chose to leave. He didn't return all night.

I didn't harbor any hope either. I packed my belongings, leaving behind what needed to stay along with a note, placing it prominently on the coffee table in the living room. Then, I boarded a plane and left this city.

When Troy returned after handling everything, he even adjusted his expression beforehand. But upon opening the door, all he found was an empty, cold house.

"Felicia? Felicia!" He searched several times but couldn't find me.

Then he turned and noticed the items on the coffee table. A transparent glass jar held a small, nearly formed embryo. The note read:

[Troy, by the time you read this letter, I'll have already left Houston. Don't bother looking for me.]

[Your child is gone and I've signed the divorce papers. Lastly, I wish you and Louise a long and happy life together.]

[Farewell forever.]

Troy froze, his entire body rigid, his face ashen.