Chapter 2

The mentor was speechless for a while. "Alright, return in a week!"

I used to be reluctant because I couldn't stand leaving Adam. Now, he was making a decision for me as well.

I cast an indifferent look at the closed guest room door, from which the sounds of passionate lovemaking continued to emanate.

"I've squandered many years. Despite my medical knowledge, I've allowed it to bring disgrace. Now I'm resolved to shoulder this burden and assist my mentor in resolving his issues," I murmured softly.

"Very well, you're truly a worthy daughter of Massachusetts. Don't disappoint me. In eight days, we'll all be waiting for you at the village entrance."

I exhaled deeply, reassuring myself once more. "I'll return home on schedule."

After inquiring about the mentor's health and ending the call, Adam entered the room wearing a white shirt.

His body was covered in kiss marks, from his neck down, and scratches from Kelly's nails during their passionate encounter. Being blind, I couldn't see them, but I suddenly felt an unprecedented wave of nausea and started retching.

Noticing my reaction, Adam approached me with concern. As he drew near, I caught a whiff of Kelly's distinct perfume. Adam had indulged her by having a perfume company create a custom scent for her.

The nausea intensified. I pushed him away and, feigning blindness, fumbled my way to the bathroom. It seemed my body was beginning to reject Adam's presence.

I crouched by the toilet, retching. Once I regained composure, I noticed the pregnancy test in the trash. It showed two red lines. I stared at it for a long time, its redness mocking my inadequacy. I was unsure how to describe my current state. I couldn't cry. There was nothing left but endless anguish.

Since losing my sight, Adam and I hadn't been intimate for six months. He had found Kelly and now she was expecting his child.

Adam followed me anxiously, embracing me from behind with a shocked expression.

"Helena, what's wrong? Are you ill? I panicked when you pushed me away earlier."

His hands on my waist trembled slightly, as if fearing I might vanish at any moment, causing him to hold me tighter. Just moments ago, he was intimate with another woman, and now he spoke to me affectionately.

Adam, you're quite the actor. I removed his hands and distanced myself from him.

"Perhaps it's just an upset stomach. I've been struggling to keep food down lately."

I wasn't sure when I'd learned to lie. I used to despise such behavior, but now I had become what I once hated.

Hearing this, Adam reacted as if facing a grave threat. Despite his usual germaphobia, he wasn't deterred by my vomit-stained state. He embraced me tightly once more.

"I'm sorry, I've been swamped with work lately and haven't been able to be with you. It's my fault you've been eating alone and unable to take care of yourself properly."

He cradled my face, frowning with concern, then led me back to the bedroom and retrieved fresh clothes for me. I stopped him and dressed myself. Adam was taken aback. This was the first time since our marriage that I didn't require his assistance. It seemed to unsettle him.

I was already in bed when he carefully tucked me in.

"Helena, are you upset? Are you blaming me for not spending time with you? Tomorrow's your birthday. I won't work and will spend the entire day with you, alright?"

A man so decisive and feared in the business world could display such humility. I smiled bitterly. Was this my fortune or misfortune?