5
375words
[Working overtime tonight. Might pull an all-nighter. Wash up and go to bed without me. ]
His voice wasn't as cold as it used to be , but it wasn't gentle either.
After I aborted our first child , he promised our parents he’d treat me better. He did it, just enough to go through the motions.
[Okay, I know. Don’t overwork yourself either.]
After a long pause, he finally replied — [Okay].
I hung up and slowly looked around the room.
Every inch of this place still carried Ethan’s presence.
But soon, I would forget everything, and maybe, that was its own kind of mercy. I placed my hand over my belly, and the tears came without warning. Because deep down… I couldn't bear it. I couldn't bear to forget that I loved Ethan.
I started writing down memories like a madwoman — on my phone, on my laptop, on every scrap of paper I could find.
The next day, Ethan and I returned to my hometown together.
Today was Lily’s blind date with Ryan Johnson, heir to the Johnson family. My father had asked us all to come back and give our opinions.
Ryan was two years younger than Lily, and he was a shy, soft-spoken boy. He seemed like a decent candidate for a son-in-law who’d marry into the bride’s family. But Lily was clearly unimpressed with him, and her mother didn’t seem pleased either. After all, the Johnsons weren’t in the same league as the Smiths — and to them, that it was a loss of face.
After the Johnsons left, my father could barely hide his excitement. [You two—the elder sister and brother-in-law—should share your thoughts too. ]
I didn't dare speak. The moment I opened my mouth, I knew the blame would shift to me. Ethan took a slow sip of tea.
[For someone marrying into the family, his conditions are quite decent across the board.]
My father nodded, clearly satisfied. Butt Lily stormed off in a huff.
Not long after, Ethan received a message. He leaned forward slightly—then got up and followed.
I knew he was going after Lily.
