A Heart Adrift and Bereft of Love

"What's the point of crying now? Where was all that when you were hurting others and throwing harsh words around? Daisy, you've really disappointed me!"

I watched as Harrison swept Kate up into his arms. Without a single glance my way, he rushed out the door toward the hospital.

I was left alone, my stomach twisting with pain. As I watched his retreating figure, memories of the day I ran away with him came flooding back.

Back then, Harrison had been unwavering, promising he would stay by my side forever.

But now, that same resolve was directed at hurting me, all for someone else's sake.

Gathering every bit of strength I had left, I managed to call for an ambulance.

When I finally opened my eyes again, it was already afternoon.

The doctor told me I had suffered acute gastric bleeding. If I had arrived any later, I might not have survived.

Fortunately, the condition subsided just as quickly.

The doctor carefully cleaned the wound on my forehead and covered it with gauze.

I was told I could be discharged by the afternoon and would only need to come back for a follow-up appointment.

As I went downstairs to handle the discharge paperwork, I saw Harrison in the maternity ward.

He was wheeling Kate out.

As soon as Kate saw me, she immediately put on a pitiful act, clutching her stomach.

Harrison's brow furrowed in irritation.

"What are you doing here at the hospital? What trouble are you trying to cause this time? Because of you, the doctor says Kate has to be on bed rest!"

His eyes flickered to the cut on my forehead, and for a brief instant, a touch of tenderness softened his expression.

"What happened to your forehead?"

I met his gaze steadily. "Kate's injuries have nothing to do with me. I accidentally fell and hit my head."

Just as Harrison seemed about to ask more, Kate tugged on his sleeve.

"Harrison, I'm not feeling well. Let's go home." With that, he swallowed his concern and said nothing.

I turned and walked away, not sparing him another glance.

At home, the mess remained just as I had left it. After arranging for a cleaning service, I made my way to the master bedroom.

In the span of a single night, Kate had already rearranged everything.

My clothes and cosmetics were crammed into the walk-in closet.

She had spent the night in my bed, lying beside my husband.

I swallowed the ache in my chest, determined not to cry. I had already shed too many tears for Harrison. I didn't want to waste any more.

I left everything Harrison had ever given me behind in the master bedroom.

Taking only the belongings I'd brought the year we eloped, I packed a suitcase and moved it to the guest room.

Just as I finished, Harrison came back.

After carefully unpacking Kate's luggage, he finally spared me the faintest glance.

I kept scrolling on my phone, pretending he wasn't there. Just then, he brought a cigarette to his lips. The sudden wave of smoke overwhelmed me, sending me into a coughing fit.

Noticing this, Harrison swiftly stubbed out the cigarette.

He sat across from me, speaking as though it was the most natural thing in the world.

"Kate's due in seven months. I'm not going to let my child be considered illegitimate. Let's get a divorce now. After the baby is born, we can remarry."

After a long pause, I gathered myself and met his gaze.

Harrison fell silent, a flicker of guilt flashing across his eyes.

He tried to explain, "Daisy, I swear this is a one-time thing. Don't forget, Kate's carrying my child out of wedlock. She's already given up so much for me. If I don't take responsibility, I won't feel at ease."

He watched me closely, as if expecting me to lose my temper.

But to his surprise, I remained calm. A faint smile tugged at the corners of my lips.

"Alright."

Harrison sighed in relief, his eyes briefly lighting up. It was the same look he wore the day I agreed to marry him.

Back then, his youthful face shone with pure happiness. But unfortunately, times had changed.

Now, all he wanted was to end our marriage.

I lowered my gaze.

"Then let's get it over with now. We still have time."

Thanks to the efficient courthouse staff, we received our divorce certificate the same day.

By the time we stepped outside, night had already fallen. Harrison offered to drive me home. Just after passing a traffic light, his phone buzzed with a message from Kate. Without hesitation, he pulled up at a nearby bus stop.

"Kate needs me. I have to go. You can find your own way back."

With that, he left me standing alone by the roadside.