Chapter 2

Charlie, the father of my baby, ignored all my messages and refused to take my calls, despite our connection.

I spent three days in the hospital, and he never reached out. It wasn't until I was heading home that he finally called.

"Where are you? Why haven't you returned? Get some chili peppers on your way and hurry up," he demanded.

With parched lips, I asked, "Are you coming home?"

The call abruptly ended.

I arrived without the chilies, which visibly upset Charlie.

"Where are the peppers I asked for?" he questioned. "Did you forget?"

Before I could answer, he angrily removed his apron and snapped, "Has pregnancy made you dull? Is your memory that short? I can't believe you're still upset over such a minor issue!"

As he headed for the exit, I quickly said, "I can't eat spicy food, so I didn't buy any."

He continued walking as if he hadn't heard me.

Exhausted, I sank into the sofa, rubbing my sore abdomen. The doctor had cautioned against extreme emotions to aid my recovery.

Initially, Charlie and I had agreed to obtain our marriage certificate and have a wedding once the baby arrived.

When he returned, he wasn't alone. I was in the middle of something when I saw her. I was stunned, and in that moment, all thoughts of marrying him vanished.

Noticing my reaction, Miranda nervously greeted me, "Hello, Miss Jennings."

Charlie looked at me disapprovingly and said, "Stop glaring. You're frightening her."

He then knelt and expertly changed Miranda's shoes. I watched, both fascinated and heartbroken.

Miranda made herself comfortable on the sofa and started browsing TV channels.

Frowning, I followed Charlie to the kitchen.

"Wasn't she supposed to be out sketching? Why is she back?" I questioned. "Why were you helping her with her shoes? Don't you understand about personal space?"

Charlie continued washing vegetables, not looking at me as he replied, "She came back with me to get something. She'll leave in a few days. What?" he asked. "Are you going to have another meaningless outburst?"

I held back my words, feeling utterly hopeless. Then I asked, "So, do you see me as nothing but an unreasonable, irrational person?"

He didn't respond, just gave me a cold look before resuming his task.

I closed my eyes, tears falling silently. Charlie acted oblivious.

His behavior stemmed from what happened during our last trip.

A month ago, upon discovering my pregnancy, Charlie was overjoyed. He immediately arranged my maternity leave with the principal and planned a vacation for us.

However, just before we left, Miranda said, "Wow, Mr. Peterson. You're so fortunate to go on a trip! I've never left this city. How sad for me."

Without hesitation or consulting me, he bought her a plane ticket. Our couple's retreat suddenly became a three-person, teacher-student excursion.

For a week, they behaved like newlyweds. Charlie spent the entire time photographing Miranda and teaching her about painting perspectives.

Meanwhile, I explored the city alone, shopping and eating, or reluctantly tagged along as the third wheel.

During those seven days, Charlie and I barely spoke. The trip ended with me being the only one feeling miserable. Afterward, Charlie dismissed my concerns and made light of the situation.