Let the Lovers Have Each Other

I let out a cold laugh but didn't reply to Reagan's message. As if right on time, Zayne's video call came through. He said, "Ruth, we've just arrived and checked in at the hotel."

He spoke, facing the phone screen with a gentle gaze, "Are you feeling any better? Did you take your medicine? Did you eat properly? I feel so bad about not being there by your side to feed you myself."

If not for the memories of two lifetimes, I might still be lost in his false tenderness, foolishly believing that his care was genuine.

Leaning weakly against the headboard, I replied to his questions in a soft voice, "I had some food and took my meds. Don't worry about me. You should rest early."

"How can I not worry? When I can't see you, I just don't feel at ease," he said with affectionate concern.

In my previous life, I had been moved to tears by the fake gentleness and wholesome caring act he put on. I was convinced that his mistake was a momentary lapse of judgment and that he still loved me.

So, I played the fool and waited patiently for him to come back to me. In the end, all I got in return was him killing me and our unborn child for his true love.

The next second, Reagan appeared in the frame. She was wearing a bathrobe. There was a faint, rosy flush on her face. The marks of their earlier passionate endeavor were visible along her collarbone.

When she saw me on the screen, she covered her mouth with feigned surprise. "Oh! Are you having a video call with Ruth, Zayne?"

Zayne turned and looked at her with doting eyes before turning back to the camera. He quickly explained, "The water heater in Reagan's room is broken. She came to my room to take a shower."

What a pathetic excuse. Smiling, Reagan stepped closer and wrapped her arms naturally around Zayne's waist. She then rested her head on his broad back.

She looked at me with a taunting smile and said, "Don't worry. I'll take good care of Zayne for you. He's been working hard all day. I was just about to give him a massage."

Before I could react, she reached into Zayne's pocket and pulled out a black card.

She said innocently, "Oh, right. Look at this, Ruth. Zayne said that once this project takes off, he'll use this card to buy me the Heart of the Ocean necklace as a reward. He said only I have the perfect looks to pull off wearing that necklace."

Oh, the Heart of the Ocean! On my birthday last year, I had begged Zayne several times for that very necklace. He had brushed me off, saying that it was too flashy and unsuitable for me.

Rage surged within me. My fingernails dug deep into my palm.

Zayne gently ruffled her hair indulgently. "Ruth, Reagan worked really hard for this project. She deserves a reward. You've always been generous. You won't mind, right?"

I masked my true emotions by giving a few weak coughs. In a hoarse voice, I said, "I don't mind. You two… Should get some rest."

Before either of them could respond, I hung up the call myself. The screen went dark, reflecting my pale, emotionless face.

Barely ten seconds later, Zayne texted me. He wrote, "I'm sorry, Ruth. Reagan didn't mean it. She's like a child sometimes. Don't hold it against her."

Then, he texted, "I'm sorry about the Heart of the Ocean. When you're better, I'll take you out to pick an even prettier one, okay? Don't be mad at me."

I stared at his pretentious apology and almost laughed out loud. Did he really think I was still the same woman from his previous life, one who would easily forgive him after hearing a few sweet nothings? Not bothering to reply, I tossed my phone aside.