You Gain One, You Lose One

Adrian looked down at me for a moment, then suddenly smiled. He asked, "Why didn't you cry this time?"

"What?"

"Every time I look after Katelyn, don't you always end up crying? You would cry and beg me for an explanation."

I smiled and shook my head. "I had three surgeries today, so I'm too exhausted to cry."

He didn't press further. Only after replying to Katelyn's message did he finally speak again.

"How's your health holding up?"

I froze for a moment. Then, I turned my head and glanced at the pill pack I had just emptied.

Even though Adrian was a cardiac surgeon, he knew what this kind of gynecological medicine meant—because the patient he cared most about was pregnant. Yet, from beginning to end, he hadn't noticed anything about me.

"I'm fine." I smiled. "There's something I want to talk to you about."

"Go ahead." However, as soon as he responded, his phone rang. He didn't even pause as he answered the call.

From the other end of the line came Katelyn's tearful voice. "Dr. Randall, the surgery's tomorrow. I can't sleep. I'm so scared."

Adrian's grip on the phone tightened. A second later, he turned to get dressed. "I'll be there in ten minutes."

"Adrian!" I stepped forward and grabbed him.

He was putting on his shoes. When he heard me, he turned, a frown etched on his face, and said in a noticeably colder tone, "Wendy, I already told you that I won't cheat on you."

I froze. Indeed, he had said that before.

On the first day we got together, he promised me that while he might not be the perfect partner, he would never be unfaithful.

Although he treated me indifferently all these years, he kept that promise.

"Here, Katelyn's ID," I said as I slipped it into his pocket.

Katelyn was careless by nature, so she had simply left all her important documents with Adrian. Whenever something needed to be handled, he just took care of it.

I reached up to fix the collar he had hastily tucked in during the chaos, straightening it with a couple of gentle movements.

"Come home early. There's still something I want to say to you."

All the irritation in his eyes froze for a moment. He lowered his gaze and gave my hand a gentle squeeze. "Got it."

He opened the door quickly, and I suddenly called out, "Adrian!"

When he turned back, I asked, "Do you love me?"

He froze, his brows subtly knitting together as he gave me a puzzled look.

I quickly forced a smile. "Just kidding. It's my birthday today."

"Huh?" He paused slightly, then smiled at me. "Alright. I'll bring you some freeze-dried strawberries when I come back. And I'll make it up to you when I have the time."

I smiled and nodded. "Okay, but—"

The door closed.

Inside the room, I whispered, "But I don't like strawberries."

Even though I said I would wait for him to return, I knew he wouldn't.

Right after he left, I quickly washed up and sat on the bed. Then, I finally called the number I'd been avoiding for so long.

Before long, the hospital director picked up, sounding surprised as he confirmed again.

"Are you sure you want to volunteer to join the Borderless Medical Assistance Program in Eryndorian? And you want to go specifically to Solaria?"

"Yes, I'm sure."

"You're well aware of the situation over there, right? There's a high chance you might not come back."

I smiled. "It's alright. I'll get to see my parents again then."

There was a long silence before he spoke. "Then, on behalf of the Eastport District Red Cross, I offer you my sincerest respect."

The next morning, I woke up alone in bed. Adrian hadn't returned.

I didn't call him dozens of times like I used to, crying and demanding an explanation. Instead, I took my medicine and got myself ready. Then, I went to work.

As I passed the VIP ward, I heard a familiar voice from inside, muffled but sharp.

"What's so good about him that you insist on keeping his child? Why can't you just get rid of it? You're four months pregnant. Has he even asked you once how you're doing?"