All Your Empty Promises

When Yasmine opened her eyes again, she was in a hospital.

The sharp scent of disinfectant filled her nose. Before she could open her eyes fully, she heard Yara’s low voice.

“Leo, even though Noah cried a few times when he found out about the pregnancy, this child is your own flesh and blood. You don’t always have to think only of us.”

Yara knew exactly how to play her cards.

Leo’s answer was firm.

“No. This child can’t stay.

“I’ll tell Yasmine the baby has problems and convince her to get rid of it. Noah is insecure. I can’t let him feel hurt.”

He comforted Yara a little more, then turned around, only to lock eyes with Yasmine.

For a moment, panic flickered across his face.

“Yasmine, y-you’re awake? When did you wake up? Why didn’t you say anything?”

Her voice was hoarse when she spoke.

“Just now.”

“Then… did you hear what the doctor said?”

The way he tested her made Yasmine’s lips curl in mockery. “I didn’t hear anything. Weren’t you the only one in here just now?”

Relief washed over him. After a pause, he said carefully, “Yasmine, you’re pregnant. Two months already.

“But the doctor told me the baby might not be developing well. He suggested we end it. Do you agree?”

He looked a little guilty.

He knew how long she had dreamed of having a child that was theirs.

But for Noah’s sake, he had no choice.

He had even prepared fake test results because he was certain Yasmine would refuse.

But before he could take them out, Yasmine said softly, “Alright.”

He almost thought he had misheard her.

“What did you say?”

Calmly, Yasmine said, “I said that’s alright. Let’s get rid of the baby.”

To be born into such a cruel family was a curse in itself.

Leo did not want a child who would threaten Noah’s inheritance. She did not want a child who would have to fight for their own father’s love.

A baby deserved everything good in the world.

If the baby could not have that, then it was better not to be born at all.

Leo stared at Yasmine. He was unsettled by how decisive she was.

Something about her felt different, though he could not put his finger on it. He told himself he was just imagining it.

She was still obedient and compliant. That should have made him happy.

The abortion went ahead as planned.

For Yasmine, it was the first since she returned to the past, but it was the eleventh time across both lifetimes.

As the warm blood seeped out of her, her eyes grew red despite her efforts to hold back her tears.

Leo held her hand and comforted her. “Don’t be sad, Yasmine. We’ll have more children.”

They both knew it was a lie.

There would never be another.

Yasmine said nothing. Leo ran out of words.

The air between them turned awkward.

And yet, compared to the chaos of recent years, the quiet almost felt like a relief.

Ever since Yara and Noah had moved into their small courtyard house, Yasmine had seemed like a different person. She had always been fussy before.

Looking at her pale face, a flicker of pity softened Leo’s eyes.

He was just about to tell her that he would treat her better and not to overthink this when the door suddenly opened.

Yara walked in with a lunchbox and smiled brightly.

“Yasmine’s been through so much. I went to the state-run restaurant to buy some food to help her recover.”

The tin lunchbox was crammed with greasy fried chicken, a slab of meatloaf, and even a side of garlic butter shrimp.

Yasmine felt nauseous with just one glance.

But Leo looked relieved and placed the lunchbox in front of Yasmine without hesitation.

“Yara, these dishes are so hard to get! After everything Yasmine put you through, you still are thoughtful. That’s very kind of you.”

Then, he winked at Yasmine. He was probably hinting that she should thank Yara.

Yasmine ignored him.

She knew exactly what he meant. Yara had given her a way out, and Leo wanted her to play along and take it.

But why should she?

She had done nothing wrong. The ones who were truly disgraceful were Leo and Yara.

When Yasmine stayed silent, Yara jumped in smoothly.

“Yeah, I waited in line so long my legs cramped up.”

As she spoke, she casually lifted the hem of her dress.

Leo’s eyes fell on her smooth, bare legs, and his gaze darkened.

“Yasmine, you eat first. I’ll take Yara to the doctor for her cramps. After all, she stood in line for you.”

Yasmine stayed silent, disgust churning inside her.

She knew he had gone to hook up with Yara, again.