Chapter 4
Sophia couldn’t shake Jason’s words from her memory. “You’re still in the early stages of your pregnancy. How could there be any movements vet? Show some maturity, and don’t embarrass yourself!” he had said that two years ago, dismissing her excitement.
“Seems like he’s simply unwilling to show affection toward my child, Sophia concluded, observing the couple. “Ada is barely over a month pregnant, so there wouldn’t be any movements yet. Jason just adores everything about her.
Sophia came to the stark realization that she had never been his object of love or concern. As a result, the child she miscarried two years ago was reduced to nothing but a tragic memory–crushed into dust, leaving no trace in the world. Now, the life she carried within her was also destined to be neglected, with no one to welcome its arrival.
“Jason, come chat with me,” Ada whined from the bed in the ward.
Jason glanced at her and replied gently, “I must read this pregnancy magazine. You should take some rest.”
Sophia observed their interaction, speechless and overwhelmed. She retreated from the scene, defeated and unable to endure further. ‘I’ve lost,’ she cried inwardly. “When a man is willing to read and learn about pregnancy for a woman, it’s evident how deeply he cares for her,”
“Jason’s love for Ada remained unchanged over the years,” Sophia whispered as she stumbled out of the hospital. “It was me… it was me who forcefully broke them apart, robbing them of the happiness that rightfully belonged to them!” she lamented softly, her voice filled with despair.
—–
In the evening, Jason returned home early. Usually, at this time, there would be a pile of steaming dishes on the table, a routine unchanged for years. But today, as he entered the living room, he instinctively glanced toward the dining area, only to find no sign of warmth or aroma.
His gaze shifted to the living room, where he saw Sophia sitting in the rocking chair, staring blankly into space. “I’m back,” he said softly. Sophia did not respond. Her eyes reflected the sparkling chandelier hanging above, but they lacked their usual warmth and depth. They appeared bright yet hollow as if a part of her spirit had retreated into the shadows.
Jason furrowed his brows at the sight. He walked over and asked, “Have you had dinner?”
Sophia snapped out of her daze, her gaze meeting Jason’s, With a vulnerable tone, she asked, “Jason, shall we go to the hospital for IVF tomorrow?” Her voice carried a subtle plea as if she had already expended all her emotional reserves.
Jason was taken aback, After a moment of silence, he said, “You haven’t fully recovered from the surgery you underwent two years ago to remove one of your fallopian tubes due to the ectopic pregnancy, and IVF is a very risky procedure.” He continued, “Sophia, don’t joke about your life. We can always adopt one from an orphanage if you want a child. You don’t need to put too much pressure on yourself.”
‘Adopt a child from an orphanage? Sophia couldn’t help but feel a wave of amusement at Jason’s suggestion as if it was a joke. You probably intend to wait for the illegitimate child to be born, then bring it home to officially acknowledge it as your own, she thought to herself.
Looking up and stifling the bitter tears in her eyes, she asked softly, “What are you intending to bring for our daughter tomorrow?” However, a sudden text message alert drowned out Sophia’s voice.
Upon hearing his phone, Jason instinctively tuned out the rest of Sophia’s words. He made his way to the sofa and settled down, reaching into his pocket for his phone.
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Chapter 4
With a tap on the screen, he revealed a text message from Ada. Jason, can a pregnant woman eat lobster? I was craving it earlier and ordered some. But now, my stomach hurts.]
Jason’s brows furrowed as he read the message.
Earlier that afternoon, Ada was discharged from the hospital, and he had arranged for her to stay in one of the properties under his name. As for the child she carried, he hadn’t yet decided what to do about it.
Closing the message, Jason opened his internet browser, delving into research about lobster consumption for pregnant women and the associated risks and symptoms. After some thorough searching, he stumbled upon information suggesting that improperly prepared lobster could potentially cause minor abdominal pain and even lead to miscarriage.
As Jason absorbed the information about the dangers and the potential for miscarriages, his brows furrowed deeply in concern. Meanwhile, Sophia sat in the rocking chair, gently swaying. In a reclined position, she caught a glimpse of Jason’s phone screen from the corner of her eye, where information about pregnant women and miscarriages flashed briefly.
Her heart ached anew, but her smile widened nonetheless, carrying a hint of melancholy against the backdrop of the night.
“Jason,” Sophia began, her voice trailing off as she struggled to find the right words. “Our daughter’s death anniversary….