Chapter 2The Clean Break

He froze.

"What... what did you say?"

I looked him in the eye. "I said, divorce. You sleep in the guest room."

Fireworks exploded outside the window, illuminating his shocked face.

"Just because I didn't spend New Year's with you? Chloe, really?"

I didn't answer and turned back to the bedroom.

Closing the door, I heard him yell:

"Why are you making a scene again! Can't you be more understanding?"

Understanding.

That word again.

I touched my slightly rounded belly and whispered.

"Baby, it's just you and me from now on."

The Chloe who believed in everlasting love died on this New Year's Eve.

The morning of the checkup, it started to rain.

After breakfast, Liam's door was still closed. I knocked. "Leaving at eight."

No response.

At 7:50, I grabbed my bag and left.

In the elevator, I got a message from Liam: Something came up, should I call you a car?

I looked at the screen, remembering the first checkup.

He had taken leave a week in advance, nervously crumpling the appointment slip.

In the ultrasound room, when the doctor said, "That's the baby's heartbeat," his eyes instantly reddened.

Leaving the hospital, he spun me around in the parking lot. "I'm going to be a dad!"

Back then, his phone was on 24/7 for me.

If I craved spicy noodles from across town, he drove an hour to get them.

Now he says, something came up.

I replied: No need, I'll drive.

The hospital was crowded as always.

The obstetrics waiting area was full of pregnant women, most accompanied by their husbands.

The checkup went smoothly.

The doctor smiled at the ultrasound screen. "Baby is healthy."

I looked at the tiny figure, my nose stinging.

This is my child.

Mine alone.

"Next time is the Down syndrome screening. Your husband needs to come sign for it," the doctor instructed.

I nodded, wondering how far the divorce agreement would be by then.

Walking out, I went to the pharmacy to pick up vitamins.

While waiting in line, I caught a glimpse of a familiar figure.

Liam.

He was holding a three or four-year-old boy, walking over from the pediatric emergency department.

Sophie followed beside him, her eyes red and swollen.

The little boy looked flushed and lethargic, leaning against Liam.

Liam looked down and said something to him, his expression gentle.

They didn't see me.

I stood there, the medicine bag suddenly heavy in my hand.

So he remembered to come to the hospital today.

Just not for me.

"Chloe?"

Liam suddenly turned around, his face changing when he saw me.

He hurriedly handed the child to Sophie and walked over quickly.

Liam glanced at the medicine bag. "You... finished the checkup?"

"Yeah."

"Chloe, I didn't mean to bail on you, it's just..."

The little boy started crying. "Uncle Liam! It hurts..."

Sophie held the child, looking over with red eyes.

"Liam, Kayden wants you to hold him..."

Liam looked torn.

I found this scene ridiculous.

"Go ahead. The child is important."

"Chloe, Kayden suddenly had a high fever and passed out. Sophie couldn't handle it alone, so I..."

Sophie screamed, "Liam! Kayden threw up!"

The child vomited all over himself and soiled Liam's coat.

Instinctively, he rushed to take care of the boy.

I turned and walked away.

"Chloe!" he shouted from behind.

I didn't look back.

As the elevator doors closed, I saw him rushing the child to the restroom.

Sophie followed, holding onto his arm.

They looked just like a family.

In the car, I gripped the steering wheel, my hands shaking.

Not from anger, but from cold.

A cold that seeped into my bones.

My phone buzzed. A message from Liam:

Kayden isn't doing well. I'll be home late.

I stared at the screen and typed emotionlessly:

Liam, when you get back, we'll discuss the divorce.

My finger hovered over the send button. I deleted it and retyped:

Don't bother coming back.

Sent.

Then I opened my contacts and found Lawyer Chen.

The call connected.

My voice was calm.

"Mr. Chen, this is Chloe Qin."

"I'd like to consult you about a divorce."