Chapter 4

Ellie’s P.O.V.

I didn’t sleep that night.

Every time I closed my eyes, I saw Zack's amber eyes and heard his mocking voice.

I turned on my side, pressing my face into the pillow, forcing myself to think about someone else.

My husband!

Zackary... and then his son, Zack.

A chill ran down my spine at his name.

Why didn’t Jared ever mention Zack?

Why didn’t that lawyer say anything about Zackary's family?

Such random queries lingered longer than they should have, a fragile attempt to process everything.

By morning, I gave up trying and sat up, sighing.

“If my husband is in the hospital, I should meet him.”

After getting ready, I gathered information from the staff and went to see Zackary before afternoon.

The drive to the hospital felt completely different in daylight. The same road that had seemed dark and endless last night now looked peaceful. Tall, luscious green trees lined up the path, beautiful flowers adding color along the edges.

I leaned towards the window and inhaled deeply, the freshness of clean air rejuvenating my mood.

Mr. Charles, the family lawyer, was already waiting for me when I arrived at the hospital.

“Mrs. Walton,” he greeted politely. “I was informed you wish to see Mr. Walton.”

I nodded and followed him as he guided me to the third floor, the VIP section for wealthy patients.

“This is Mr. Walton’s room.”

Mr. Charles stopped before room 244 and knocked on the door. He waited for a second before opening it.

Taking a deep breath, I stepped forward, composing myself to face the reality.

My cautious gaze scanned the room in a second, finally landing on the bed.

However, it was empty.

The bed was neatly arranged, the surroundings spotless, but there was no one in the room.

I turned sharply and looked at Mr. Charles.

“Where is Mr. Walton?”

He appeared totally clueless.

Mr. Charles stepped outside for a while and then returned, his expression apologetic.

“Mr. Walton was taken for scans.

The doctors handle the schedule here.”

“It’s fine.” I said simply, my heart racing. “I will wait.”

The MRI unit was on the second floor. Mr. Charles guided me there but excused himself for a call.

So, I sat alone in the waiting area and watched people for a while, life moving in a clear pattern. Visitors, doctors, nurses, and other staff moved around with motive, unlike me, who had no idea what the future had planned for me.

Deep in my thoughts, I gazed across the corridor and froze…

“Jared?”

Dressed in a perfect suit, Jared walked along with Alice, their presence knocking the air out of my lungs.

“What are they doing here?”

And before I could even register, I was already up and following them, my steps hurried.

I followed them to the crowded corridor as they stopped to see a doctor near the exam room.

Alice handed her a file as Jared spoke seriously.

“We can’t afford any mistakes.”

The doctor checked the file and nodded.

“Everything will proceed as we discussed in the last visit.”

Alice spoke next, but her voice was almost a whisper, so I couldn’t hear the rest of the conversation.

I knew I shouldn’t have stayed here, but curiosity got the best of me. I slipped beside the medicine shelf, leaning forward just enough to read the title on the file.

“Patient: Alice Walton.

Attending physician: Dr. Izzie Shepherd (OBGYN).”

OBGYN?

My steps faltered.

Why would Alice need a gynaecologist less than twenty-four hours after her wedding?

That question struck me like a blow to my gut.

I tried to listen more, but the rest of the conversation was cut short because of an emergency case of delivery. The doctor attended the woman at once and before I could escape, Alice’s gaze found me.

“Ellie?”

Shoot!

Panic clawed at my throat as I faced Alice, a hint of surprise evident on her countenance.

“I didn’t expect to see you here.”

Jared stood beside her, composed and unfazed, as if yesterday had never happened.

Alice’s lips curved into a gentle smile as she said,

“I should congratulate you, Ellie. Mom told me about your wedding.”

My heart clenched as she looked at Jared and added with a shy smile.

“I am sorry. I couldn’t attend. Things become rushed on our side.”

Rushed?

Of course, they did!

Jared’s gaze met mine briefly, then shifted away, like he hadn’t claimed to love me until yesterday.

“Mr. Hunt handled the things before they got worse.”

The words landed quietly, but they cut deeper than anything louder could ever have.

Jared continued without a speck of hesitation in his voice.

“Considering the circumstances, this outcome was best for everyone.”

After two years of our loving relationship, that was all he had to say?

There was no regret in his voice, just logic.

Like, that was what remained of us.

Forcing my expressions to stay steady, I spoke calmly.

“Thanks, Alice. I am here for my husband.”

My gaze shifted between them.

“What about you? First day of marriage, and you chose a hospital?”

Jared’s expressions changed instantly. But before he could respond, Alice’s smile deepened.

“What else, Ellie? I had some reports to collect.”

She adjusted the file in her hand, pulling it closer to her chest.

“Nothing serious. Just making sure everything is… in order.”

Her eyes met mine, calm and confident.

“The doctor was quite pleased. In fact, discipline shows results in more ways than one.”

The meaning behind her taunt settled between us, clear and intentional.

Alice couldn’t leave a single opportunity to criticize my appearance using sweet words.

My fingers curled tightly at my sides as Jared stepped closer to her, his hand resting naturally around her shoulders.

“Alice takes care of herself. And it shows.”

My eyes lingered on that hand around Alice’s shoulders, sensing the ease between them.

They stood together as a perfect married couple, like there was nothing that had once belonged to me.

Swallowing my unease, I smiled to protect my dignity.

“I am glad you are okay, Alice.”

Jared checked the time and said, his voice soft.

“We should go home, Alice. Mom is waiting for us.”

Home!

That word hit harder than anything else.

A lump formed in my throat as I saw Alice’s bright smile. She looked up at Jerad and spoke sweetly.

“Oh, right. Everyone is eager to meet me.”

Her gaze then lingered on me for a second longer before she turned.

“You should rest, Ellie. It’s been a long day for you.”

And just like that, they walked away, Jared’s protective embrace shielding Alice from the passersby.

I stood there silent, my eyes fixed on their disappearing figures.

My hand flew to my mouth as my carefully composed façade shattered, my chest heaving frantically. I spun on my heels and rushed out of the hospital building, my steps faster and sharper.

The bright sunlight hit my face, but I kept walking until I reached the quiet parking lot.

Although I tried my best to stay strong in front of them, tears came anyway, my broken sobs echoing in the surroundings.

I bent forward, my breath breaking as everything I had been holding finally slipped through.

It wasn’t just seeing Jared and Alice together, but realising that everyone had moved on.

Jared called another woman home while I no longer had one.

And somehow, I was the only person still grieving a life that no longer existed...

I let out a shaky breath and wiped my face with trembling hands, but tears flowed like rivers of despair.

Leaning against the car, I pressed my palms against my eyes to steady myself despite the ache in my chest.

“Interesting!”

I froze at once as a low, unhurried voice came from behind me.

“I didn’t expect weather like this today.”