Chapter 4

When I got to the police station, I found Zachary comforting Simone.

He had a few scratches on his face, and his black coat was covered in dirt.

When he saw me, panic flashed across his features.

A female police officer came over and spoke to me professionally.

"Ms. Carson was being harassed by some hooligans on the street. There was an altercation when Mr. Guzman stepped in.

"The hooligan in the lead was knocked unconscious and has been sent to the hospital. He is awake now and is pressing charges."

I looked toward the bedraggled-looking Zachary and felt my heart twist.

Three months ago, someone had been stalking and harassing me. After finding out about it, Zachary did not show any reaction on his face. He only said, "Make sure to make a police report if it happens again."

It seemed that Zachary would abandon all rationality to protect someone in that position, given that someone was Simone.

After paying the fine, we left. I had only bent over to retie my shoelaces for a moment, and Zachary and Simone had both left me behind.

Zachary was turned toward Simone. The worry he felt for her was clear on his face.

Neither of them noticed that I was not right behind them.

Suddenly, I heard someone gossiping behind me.

"It looked like a soap opera when the wife got harassed and the husband bravely intervened!"

"They both look like they could be actors too. It’s such a shame that such a handsome man got married so young."

"Well, some people find their perfect match early!"

"Maybe you would have had a chance the day before, but they already got married yesterday! It’s all in black and white now. I’m so jealous!"

I abruptly stopped walking, and the gossip behind me stopped as well.

Zachary looked back toward me and said coolly, "Take a cab home. I’ll take Simone to the hospital for a check-up in case she got hurt."

Simone smiled apologetically. "I’m just borrowing Zachary for a little while."

I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms.

"It’s not like it’s the first time you’ve borrowed him."

"How can you talk to Simone like that, Helena? If I hadn’t gotten there in time, she could have been in a lot of trouble. It’s bad enough that you don’t even care, but you don’t have to act so jealous."

Zachary was frowning, and his expression was one of great anger.

I ducked my head. Although I was used to this treatment, my eyes still stung.

The gossip I had just overheard replayed in my mind.

They had gotten their marriage registered just yesterday, the same day we found out I was pregnant.

"What am I to the both of you, really? Am I a stepping stone in your relationship? Are you going to ignore it when I put all my love and effort in?"

I looked up but found no one before me.

A black Maybach turned at the corner and disappeared.

I suddenly let out a laugh even as tears prickled.

I got back home. When I was about to leave with my luggage, pain twisted my lower abdomen.

I checked my flight information on my phone and gritted my teeth, calling a cab to leave.

When I arrived at the airport, my phone buzzed.

Zachary had texted.

[I’m downstairs waiting for you. We’re going for a check-up since the doctor said your first trimester is very unstable.]

[I was a little harsh before, and I’m sorry. I’ve sent Simone home.]

I replied to him.

[I’ve aborted the baby. I’m leaving.]

[What do you mean? Where are you, Helena?]

A call came in from Zachary.

I rejected the call and blocked his number.

[Helena, let’s talk things out properly, alright?]

I smiled self-deprecatingly.

[I know you and Simone got married, and that she’s your ex-wife. You’re a great couple. I hope you’re happy together.]

After sending these last two messages, I stopped checking for Zachary’s replies.

I blocked Simone as well and deleted both their numbers.

When I boarded the plane, I turned around and took one last look at the city.

The past ninety-nine steps I had taken all took me toward Zachary.

This step was the first I was taking toward freedom.