Love, Lies, and a Death Certificate - Chapter 02

Chapter 2 

Wendel finally let out a breath of relief, placing the glass of warm milk to the side. He carefully helped me up from the floor. 

“This little one is already being stubborn,” he said with a soft chuckle. “When he’s born, his uncle is going to have a serious talk with him.” 

“Come on now, drink the milk I warmed up for you and get some rest. Don’t overthink things. If Wendel were watching from above, he wouldn’t be at ease seeing you like this.” 

The moment he mentioned that name, I couldn’t hold it in any longer. I lifted my head, stared him straight in the eye, and asked, each word weighted with accusations. 

“Are you really not Wendel?” 

He froze for a second, then smiled gently as he patted my head. 

“Don’t be silly. How could I be Wendel? Now drink your milk and get some sleep. Tomorrow I’ll go with you for the prenatal checkup. Discomfort during pregnancy is no small matter.” 

“This is the only bloodline Wendel left in this world. I have to make sure he arrives safely.” 

I lowered my eyes, unable to bear the false concern in his gaze any longer. 

“Please leave. I’m tired and need to rest.” 

When I heard the soft sound of the door closing, the tears I had been holding in all night finally surged out. 

I first met Wendel at a freshman meet–up in university. He fell in love with me at first sight and pursued me relentlessly. 

Naturally, we fell in love. Two years after graduation, Wendel gave me an extravagant proposal. 

I still remember, the fireworks filled the sky, reflecting in his eyes. His gaze was even more captivating than the fireworks themselves. 

During the wedding planning, I discovered I was pregnant. At the time, Wendel looked at me with such anticipation. 

“The baby came at the perfect time. He’s here to celebrate Mom and Dad’s marriage. Aileen, I’m the happiest man in the world.” 

But to this day, I still don’t understand why Wendel, who had cherished me for six years, chose to cheat, even going so far as to fake his death to avoid our wedding. 

The next morning, Wendel knocked on my door. 

“Aileen, today’s your check–up day. Have you gotten ready?” 

But just as we were about to leave, Ivy’s voice rang out from behind us. 

“Ryan, I’m feeling a little unwell today. Can you stay home and keep me company?” 

Upon hearing Ivy’s voice, Wendel didn’t even glance at me. He immediately rushed over to her. 

“Did you forget to take your medicine again? If you’re not feeling well, lie down in bed. Don’t get up and move around. What if you faint?” 

After saying this, Wendel turned around and gave me a quick look. “Sorry, Aileen. Your sister–in–law is not feeling well. I might not be able to go with you to the hospital.” 

“Don’t worry, the driver is waiting outside. He’ll take you to the hospital safely. I’ve already arranged everything with the doctor. Just go straight there.” 

I closed my eyes, trying to hold back the tears that were threatening to spill over. 

When I opened them again, I didn’t miss the brief, smug expression that flashed across Ivy’s face. 

Without saying a word, I nodded and turned, walking straight out of the door. 

The sound of the door closing echoed in my ears. I instinctively cradled my belly as the tears finally spilled, falling hard and fast. 

The driver arrived promptly and took me to the hospital, where I underwent all the necessary tests under the doctor’s instructions. 

Wendel had previously instructed the driver and doctor to keep an eye on me–if I didn’t come to the hospital, he’d start asking questions. 

Sitting on a bench in the hospital, I looked down at the ultrasound report in my hands. 

In the black–and–white image, there was a tiny, peanut–sized circle. The doctor said that it was my baby. 

But I couldn’t accept it. My child had an unfaithful father.