Love's Bitter Price

During my four years of college, I fell hopelessly in love with Alan. On graduation day, I gave myself to him as a gift, and Alan did not refuse.

I officially stepped into Alan's life, becoming one of his countless women. Back then, I truly believed we could have a future together.

…

The next morning, I got up early and went to the hospital. I scheduled the earliest abortion appointment available. The procedure went quickly, taking just an hour. That little life I once looked forward to, the child who shared both mine and Alan's blood, disappeared just like that.

I sent the completed procedure report to Alan. He did not reply.

After the observation period, it was confirmed that there were no issues, and I took a cab home. The moment I walked in, I saw Alan holding Leilani on the couch I had carefully chosen. Alan gently peeled grapes and fed them to Leilani.

Seeing me arrive, Leilani touched her belly and smiled at me. "What a coincidence, Summer. I'm pregnant too."

I clutched my cold abdomen and looked up at Alan. He smiled indulgently. "Silly girl, Summer's baby was aborted today."

Seeing my pale face, Leilani stuck out her tongue and covered her mouth in mock surprise. "Oh no, I'm sorry, Summer. I forgot Alan didn't want your baby and you already got rid of it. What a shame. If your baby were still alive, maybe they could have kept my baby company!"

My heart felt like it had been slashed open and was bleeding from every corner. Alan called my child a burden yet treasured another woman's baby.

On the very day I lost my child, he brought a pregnant woman home. From beginning to end, he never considered my feelings, or perhaps my feelings simply did not matter to him.

Without love, there was no care. The difference between being loved and not being loved was painfully clear.

Alan gave me orders as if nothing had happened. "Leilani just got pregnant. She's still young and doesn't know anything. Since you just had an abortion and need to rest anyway, stay home and take care of her.

"Leilani has already moved into the main bedroom. I need to watch over her these next few days. I had your things moved to the maid's room."

I looked at him calmly. "Hire a nanny. I don't have time to take care of a pregnant woman."

Leilani looked displeased. "Summer, I don't trust outsiders. Alan told me he saved your life, so you're reliable. I can't believe you're making excuses over something this simple. Even ungrateful wretches don't act like this!"

I said nothing, only looked at Alan. "Is this what you think too?"

Alan lit a cigarette. The smoke blurred his expression.

The man I once loved deeply, who had been by my side for seven years, now seemed completely unrecognizable.

After a long silence, he said, "Summer, be good."

The last shred of hope in my heart shattered completely. I forced out something that might have been a smile. "Since this is what you want, I'll oblige."

Then, we would be even.

Leilani's first request was for me to cook her lunch. She demanded an elaborate seafood stew, the kind that took hours of careful preparation.

Leilani gave me a sweet smile. "Alan said you're really good at cooking, Summer. The baby and I are going to eat well from now on. We'll even save money from not having to hire help."

I dragged my weakened post-abortion body around the kitchen for three hours. When I finished, Leilani insisted I bring it to the bedroom myself.

I opened the door. The bedroom I had slept in for seven years looked completely different.

Everything that belonged to me had been thrown on the floor like trash. The previously bare walls now displayed photos of Alan and Leilani together.

Leilani wore a flimsy camisole nightgown, her expression coy. Her chest was barely covered, and Alan's hand rested on it.

Seeing me, she directed me to place the dish on the nightstand. Just as I was about to leave, she called out to me, "Summer, this stew is too salty. The baby is still small and can't handle this much salt. Make me another one!"