Chapter 2

I ignored everyone and turned back to my room. I had to take several deep breaths before I was finally able to drag myself over to the bed.

My hospital bag was still there, exactly where I'd left it open that morning before I went out.

I'd originally planned to pack more stuff when I got back, but there was no longer a need to do so. I started putting everything away in a daze. After some time had passed, Mason finally came in.

His gaze lingered on me for a moment. "That's just how Viv talks. She didn't mean anything by it, so don't dwell on it. Just focus on taking care of yourself."

When I didn't respond, he frowned. "Honestly, a car accident is a serious matter. You should've called me. If you'd called sooner, maybe things wouldn't have ended differently."

I lifted my head to look at him, a tickling sensation creeping up my throat. "You think I didn't call?"

He nodded matter-of-factly. "Well, you didn't, right? I really don't get what you're trying to prove by acting so tough. You should learn from Viv and tell me right away when there's something wrong…"

He froze, his voice suddenly caught in his throat. His phone screen was filled with missed calls from me, but he hadn't answered a single one.

I smirked faintly. "What about now? Still think I didn't call?"

He quickly locked his screen, muttering, "Viv was giving birth. I was in the operating room, so I missed them. You know giving birth is a big deal. And as a doctor, I couldn't just sit back and do nothing."

The ache in my heart spread through my whole body, and tears slipped down my cheeks before I could stop them.

With a sigh, Mason said, "God, you're such a handful. Why are you crying again? Can't we just talk things out calmly?"

I let out a bitter laugh and looked away, my voice coming out hoarse. "Forget it. There's nothing left to say. Let's just go to the cemetery to pick out a burial plot for the baby tomorrow. We should at least give her a proper place to rest."

He fell silent for a moment before softly agreeing.

…

The next day, I arrived at the cemetery early. Afternoon came, and Mason was still a no-show. It took eight calls before he finally picked up.

"Where are you?"

It took him a moment to answer. "The baby wouldn't stop crying. Vivian can't handle him alone."

My throat felt like it was on fire. I couldn't help raising my voice. "Did you ever stop to think that your own child is still lying in the cold morgue? Can't you at least spare even one glance at her?"

There was a long silence on the other end before he answered in a helpless tone, "Honey, I don't have a choice. Viv isn't doing well emotionally. She's vulnerable right now. I'll head over as soon as I get things sorted out here."

I gave a faint, bitter smirk. "Don't bother."

I hung up and picked out a plot on my own. By the time I finished taking care of everything, it was already evening.

When I got home, Mason was happily tending to the baby. "Be good, little one. Don't give your mommy a hard time. Grow up big and strong, okay?"

I tightened my grip on the doorknob instantly. I'd once imagined what it would be like after our baby was born and what a happy family of three we would be.

But now, somehow, I had become an outsider. And honestly, my child deserved so much better.

My eyelashes trembled slightly as I walked in.

Mason looked at me sheepishly. "You're back? The baby was really fussy today. I honestly couldn't get away. Tomorrow. I promise I'll go with you tomorrow."

Setting my bag down, I shook my head. "No need. It's already taken care of."

Mason's smile vanished instantly. His voice turned stern as he questioned, "Leah, why are you making such a big deal out of this? Vivian needed me here. Can't you be understanding for once?"

Vivian immediately put on a pitiful look, her eyes turning red as she timidly looked my way. "Leah, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to hog your husband. It's just that I'm a new mom, and I don't know what I'm doing."

Mason soothed her in a low voice, "Don't think like that. You're doing great. I don't know what's gotten into her. Just ignore her."

I crossed my arms and smiled. "Even if you don't know what you're doing, that's fine. From now on, you can have this man. He's all yours."