Light Fades on a Lost Love

"You're exhausted, huh? Let me take you home."

With that, Ethan scooped me up, while I instinctively wrapped my arms around his neck. As my eyes landed on the faint smudge of foundation on his collar, I started wondering if he'd carried Chloe the same way just moments ago.

Fighting back my tears, I swallowed the bitterness in my throat.

In the car, he started to explain for once. "That kid's not mine—I'm just his godfather. You don't have to worry about Chloe, either, because I'll make sure they're gone once Peanut's discharged. Then, we'll go on that trip."

He must have realized how flimsy his excuse sounded because he kept glancing at me, trying to read my reaction. When I calmly nodded, he finally focused on the road.

Halfway home, Chloe's call popped up on the car screen. Ethan flinched and hesitated briefly before tapping on the answer button.

"Ethan, Peanut's crying for you! Please come back!"

In the background, Peanut's tearful voice came through. "Where are you, Daddy? I had a nightmare, and I want you here!"

Ethan slammed on the brakes, and I was sent pitching forward before the seatbelt snapped me back against the seat so hard it hurt.

"Hang on, okay? I'll be right there," he replied in a seemingly calm voice, but the way his grip tightened on the wheel said everything. He was dying to turn the car around.

But Peanut's sobs grew louder and more pitiful until finally, Ethan decided he couldn't just sit by and do nothing. He looked over at me and said, "Megan, could you get out of the car and grab a cab? I'll be back soon."

I'd expected his reaction, but hearing his words still made me clench my fist hard.

The moment my feet hit the ground, he pulled away without looking back. Exhaust from his car blurred my vision as I hugged the coat tighter and started walking alone. After all, the neighborhood was too far out, and it was almost impossible to grab a cab.

As I walked, I felt a tap on my shoulder. When I turned around to look, the man standing behind me sent shivers running down my spine.

"Well, it's been a while, Dr. Reid. You're living a good life now, but I spent two months rotting in prison because of you."

Grinning, he pulled out a needle and continued, "My HIV hasn't healed yet, so could you care to help me out again?"

My hands curled into fists as I bolted down the street in fear. But he came after me like a ghost that was almost impossible to shake off, so I had no choice but to dial Ethan's number.

On the dark, silent street, all I could hear was my pulse thundering in my ears and the endlessly ringing call.

Just as he was closing in on me, the call finally connected. However, Chloe's voice was the first to ring out.

"Ethan, are you going home tonight?"

"No. I'm staying here with you and Peanut."

The line went dead before I could say a word, and the tears I'd been holding back finally broke free. The last shred of hope I'd been holding onto was crushed with that final call.

Once, Ethan had abandoned me for wedding photos, and now, he'd left me alone for their child. He'd promised he'd never leave me behind, but the truth was, he would always leave me for someone else.

With that, I stopped running and watched as the man drew closer.

Right as he lunged, someone yanked me back. A tall, broad figure stepped in front of me and chided in a solemn voice, "You didn't get enough time in prison, did you? I'll gladly send you back."

With that, he gripped the man's wrist, knocked the needle to the ground, and dragged him away.

"Don't worry. There are plenty of patrols in this area," he said over his shoulder before disappearing into the dark, along with that fear that had been strangling me.

After getting home, I showered right away, and the water cleared my head. Deep down, the part of me that used to fight and hope slowly calmed down until it went completely dead.

…

At dawn, I pulled my suitcase through the airport and received a message from Ethan at the terminal. "Where are you? Why aren't you home? I brought you breakfast."

Only when I boarded the plane and fastened my seatbelt did I calmly type, "Let's get a divorce."

Calls immediately bombarded my phone, but I powered it off with a faint smile.