ManyWriters

In the third year of our marriage, I discovered I was pregnant. With my husband away on a business trip in another state, I had no choice but to go to the hospital for a check-up alone.
Little did I expect to see my supposedly out-of-town husband outside the examination room, fingers intertwined with his pure love.
I dialed his number once more. He answered, lowering his voice in irritation:
"Faye, are you incapable of understanding English? How many times do I have to tell you I'm in a meeting! A meeting!"
"You may be blind, but you're not deaf!"
A wave of sorrow washed over me as I slowly spoke:
"Where's this meeting? What kind of meeting?"
"If you're sick, go to the hospital. Stop acting crazy here."
He rudely hung up the phone, then turned to Pure Love's inquiry with a gentle smile.
"Just a blind woman. She's nothing compared to you."
The moment he turned and our eyes met, River's smile froze on his face.

Love's Withered Bloom

The early morning downpour had ceased, and River's silhouette was no longer visible outside the window. I breathed a sigh of relief.


I was about to head to the cemetery to visit my parents.


River stood tall behind me, dark circles evident under his eyes, holding a bouquet of roses so red it was jarring to look at.


He feigned nonchalance, his eyes twinkling with a forced smile.


I gazed at him silently, my heart now too calm to feel any flutter for him.


Seeing I was about to leave, he suddenly grabbed my wrist, clearly panicked but trying to act cool.


His facade of deep affection crumbling, he grew impatient. I laughed bitterly, amazed that even now he thought I was just being difficult.


I didn't know where he got such confidence.


I tried my best to control my temper, attempting to free my wrist, but he only gripped tighter.


Chapter 9