Love That Drifted Away

I woke up alone in the hospital.

The doctor frowned. "Mrs. Hall, you're pregnant, but it's unstable. We couldn't reach your husband. Someone needs to sign the papers now."

I placed my hand on my abdomen. Tears of pain rolled down my cheeks.

The child had come at the wrong time.

I started, "Doctor, the baby..."

Just then, Jeff entered with Gina.

Jeff's stern expression suggested his bad mood, but he softened slightly at my pallor.

"This is your fault, Ingrid," he sighed. "Apologize to Veronica, and I'll convince her not to sue."

The doctor sensed the tension and quietly left.

I remained silent, distraught over the baby's fate. When I didn't respond, Jeff's voice rose. "Ingrid! Even kids know to own their mistakes. Why don't you?"

He adjusted his glasses, his gaze cold as he pinched the corner of his eyes. "Coming from a small mountain village, you really are petty."

"What did you say?" I was stunned. "You jerk!"

I was so angry that my abdomen ached, and cold sweat dripped down my temples.

It was true that I came from a small mountain village. But if it weren't for me, Jeff would have died there.

Back then, a gliding accident and the strong wind dropped him in the deep mountains. One of his legs was broken, and the situation was dire.

It was I who found him, carried him home, and trekked miles for medicine.

"Do you remember your promise?" I demanded. "You said you'd always trust me and stand by me."

"Enough!" he snapped, running out of patience.

He shook off Gina, walked to the bedside, and gripped my chin. The force made me grunt in pain.

Then his hand pulled away abruptly, causing me to fall back onto the bed. The pain in my abdomen intensified, making me curl up.

"Drop the act!" he snorted, convinced that I was pretending. "You're not that fragile."

I bit my lip, saying nothing.

I was tough, but that didn't mean they could treat me like this.

Jeff ran a hand through his hair. "You're not Veronica. Stop trying to imitate her. It's pathetic!"

He paused, realizing he had revealed his true thoughts. He tried to correct himself. "I didn't mean it like that."

He rested one knee on the bed, his broad chest pressed against my back. His chin rested on my neck.

He murmured, "Stop this, okay? Veronica has the patent. I want to help, but I need evidence."

He sounded as if I were being reasonable.

"What?" I broke free from his hold, incredulous.

This was my design, the one I made myself. There was no way Veronica had the patent.

"It's impossible!" I said firmly. "I never showed it to anyone. All the work was done in the studio. No one could have gotten it unless..."

A wave of panic struck me. I paused, turning to look at Gina, who was nervously twisting her skirt at the door.

My heart sank as I figured out the traitor.