Beyond Reach

This was the only photo I had left of us.

I would have to burn it for my afterlife self.

After all, if the baby on the road to the afterlife ever wanted to know what her father looked like, I would be able to show her this picture.

I would tell her that she had parents who loved her very much, so she could grow up bathed in love.

……

The next time I saw Zac, he was back to his usual polished and dignified self.

He effortlessly mingled with the guests, occasionally handing Evelyn some snacks to keep her satisfied.

She looked annoyed by the whole event, her face showing clear signs of impatience.

Then Zac leaned down and whispered something in her ear. And just like that, her mood flipped and she looked delighted.

I thought she would go back to rest, but to my surprise, she walked straight toward me.

"Are you Emma?" she asked with a bright smile, looking effortlessly perfect, like someone without a care in the world. "Zac thought I’d be bored, so he asked me to come find you."

Her smile was radiant, but my eyes were involuntarily drawn to the slight swell of her belly.

"Miss Gibson, congratulations to you and Zac. Wishing you both a lifetime of happiness and a healthy baby soon."

I thought it was a polite remark, but her cheerful expression immediately darkened.

"How do you know I’m pregnant? Did Zac tell you? He even told you that?"

She looked furious and quickly lifted her dress, storming off back toward Zac.

Feeling embarrassed, I mumbled a quiet apology.

I did not mean any harm.

I was just thinking that Zac could finally have the warm, loving family he had always dreamed of.

I should have been happy for him.

I was not sure what Evelyn had said to Zac, but soon enough, the two of them were arguing heatedly on the balcony.

Before long, Zac walked over to me, grabbed my hand, and dragged me to a secluded spot.

"Emma, are you that desperate to embarrass me?"

I looked at him, confused.

What had I done wrong this time?

"I specifically told you to dress nicely, and this is how you repay me?"

His disgusted gaze swept over me. "Did the Xander family ever starve you or deprive you of clothes?"

Guilt washed over me, and I lowered my head.

But I had tried my best.

What girl didn’t want to look pretty?

But late-stage liver cancer was like a relentless monster.

It had drained all my energy, leaving my once-lively body frail and thin.

I had grown sensitive to the cold. Even thick down jackets did not feel warm, let alone wearing a sleeveless evening gown.

"And stay away from Evelyn! Even if you try to please her, I’ll never like you!"

I knew.

I knew you did not like me.

I knew you were in love with someone else, but why did you have to keep reminding me over and over again?

I felt like I was trapped in an endless storm, the sharp blades of pain slicing through me repeatedly, making it hard to breathe.

"Okay.

"I won’t bother you and Evelyn anymore.

"I’ll do as you say. I’ll move out of the Xander house and won’t show up in front of you again."

I was not even sure what I was saying anymore, just mindlessly making promises and apologizing.

"You’d better follow through. Every time I see you, I feel..."

He stopped mid-sentence, his brows furrowing. "Emma, why is your nose bleeding?"