1. The Twentieth Time He Chose Her 

“We are sorry, Miss. We tried our best, but the fetus was gone. We had to evacuate it to prevent damage to your womb.”

The word “it” echoed through my mind, cutting through my last strand of hope.

Yet, the doctor’s words, along with the beeping of the heart’s monitor and every noise inside the hospital were like a distant hum in my ears.

Eyes fixed on the large TV screen ahead, a numbing ache rippled in my chest; a pain worse than the devastating ache in my stomach.

Inside the TV, Aiden was dressed in a neat tuxedo, his arm wrapped around the waist of a lady whose elegant appearance matched his.

Here I was, hanging between life and death. Yet, my husband would rather spend time with his ex on an international TV show.

Sniffling back my tears before they fell, my palm settled on my lower abdomen—the spot where my baby had once been growing inside.

I diverted my gaze from the TV and closed my eyes.

A few hours later.

I didn't notice when he entered the ward until his cologne hit my senses. A unique scent that would have brightened my mood before.

My eyelids fluttered open, my eyes falling on the man who stood a few inches away.

Aiden moved forward, taking my hands before he fully sat down. 

“Annalise, the doctor told me…” He trailed off, releasing a heavy sigh. “Why didn't you call? Why didn't you ask for help?”

My eyes traveled from his face, to his hands firmly holding mine. 

I'd called for hours.

When I fell from the stairs and the stomach ache started, I’d dialed his number many times.

It rang and rang until the line finally said it was switched off.

Before help finally came and I was brought to the hospital, it was too late.

My child was gone.

“Annalise,” Aiden went on, as if bothered by my silence. “I know how hard you've tried to have this baby. I'll make it up to you, I promise.”

My lips curled, despite the pain.

Did it matter?

This wasn't the first time.

To keep Cassandra company, Aiden would ignore me on several occasions.

The first time, he'd canceled our honeymoon trip because Cassandra had an accident on set.

The second time, he dropped me in the middle of the road, ordering me to take a taxi home when Cassandra asked him to help her buy groceries. 

The third time, Aiden had canceled our anniversary celebration because Cassandra twisted her ankle.

And this was… the twentieth time.

“Annalise…” He shifted close, his lips parting as if he wanted to say something.

Then his phone rang. 

Aiden froze and then brought out the device.

“Aiden, where did you go?” Cassandra’s voice sounded through the phone’s speakers. “My celebration party’s just started and all the guests have arrived already.”

Aiden’s gaze darted to me. In that second, I didn’t miss the flash of hesitation in his eyes.

“You’re supposed to give the opening speech, remember?” Cassandra went on, her voice trembling and soft. “If you don’t come, they’re all gonna laugh at me.”

Aiden was already on his feet, a panicked look crossing his face.

I looked away when his eyes fell on me.

“Annalise,” he murmured, his voice frantic but low. “This party means a lot to Cassie’s career, and–”

“You can go.”

Before he finished speaking, I said, keeping my voice light enough to mask the exhaustion inside.

In the past, I would have objected. I would have begged him to stay and spend some time with me. 

But now, 

It just… wasn’t worth it. 

A subtle gasp escaped him. 

He had probably looked forward to my protest. 

Aiden finally left, the door closing softly, his cologne fading as if he never came. 

Three years…

For three years, I’d desperately longed and hoped for him to finally choose me first someday. 

Three years of having to compete with his ex for his attention every day. 

One hand left my stomach, and I used it to wipe the tear that had just dropped from my eyes.

I reached for my phone with the other hand, scrolled through my contact list, and sent a message. 

[Tania, I need your help…]

Tania’s reply came almost instantly. 

[Sure. Isn’t it to help you find the perfect spot for another dinner date with your husband? He’s always too busy to show up anyway. Are you sure you’re willing to waste your entire savings again?]

I shook my head, a bitter smile curling my lips.

Of course, I’d been delusional before.

[I need you to help me process my divorce with Aiden.]