Chapter 3

Elyssa POV

Thankfully, the guests at the next table called an ambulance for me.

Lying on the hospital bed, watching the IV drip slowly into my veins, fear finally caught up with me.

If the ambulance had been even a few minutes later, the pup in my belly might not have made it.

I gently stroked my belly, whispering, “I’m sorry, baby. Mom will protect you from now on.”

My phone buzzed, and a message from Asher popped up:

“Where did you go? Why aren’t you at Velvet Hour?”

I glanced at it and tossed the phone aside.

After a while, another message came:

“Still sulking with me? You really need to reflect on yourself.”

Normally, I would’ve replied instantly.

I’d always responded eagerly to anything he said or did.

But not tonight.

No matter how hard I tried to be there for Asher, all Raya had to do was make one call—even in the middle of the night—and he’d drop everything and run to her.

Staring at the dark sky outside my window, I let out a bitter laugh.

Two hospital visits in two days. and my pup had suffered alongside me twice.

I was done bending over backwards for him.

Thinking this, I felt an unprecedented lightness in my chest and fell into a deep sleep in the hospital.

The next day, just as I was packing to leave, a tall figure hurriedly entered the room.

Asher’s eyes held a flicker of guilt and expectation.

He stood there silently for a moment before speaking.

“My man found out you were here.”

He picked up the hospital card from my bedside table, glanced at it, and snorted.

“An allergy attack? You’re overreacting.”

I gave him a faint smile and didn’t bother arguing.

A nurse walked in for the routine check-up.

“Feeling any discomfort? With your situation, any allergic reaction should be treated at the hospital immediately. Don’t take medication on your own, or—”

“I know. Thank you!”

I cut her off quickly, terrified she might say something about the pregnancy.

Asher’s gaze softened just a little.

When the nurse left, he studied me for a moment and asked quietly, “Why don’t you stay another couple of days?”

“I’m fine now. If I stay any longer, people will say I’m being dramatic,” I said lightly.

Guilt flashed across his eyes for a split second.

Asher wrapped an arm around my waist and guided me out.

On the ride home, I stared out the window, saying nothing.

Asher tried to speak a few times, only to swallow his words at the last moment.

Finally, he asked,

“What’s going on with you today? You’re usually the talkative one.”

I withdrew my gaze and closed my eyes.

“Just tired.”

Asher had always been the quiet, distant type, while I was always the chatterbox by his side.

It wasn’t until yesterday that I saw another side of him—relaxed, laughing, talkative.

But none of that was for me.

I wasn’t just tired. I was exhausted, emotionally, bone-deep.

In three more days, I’d be gone.

And honestly, I didn’t care anymore.

Halfway through the drive, Asher’s phone rang.

His face instantly tightened as he answered.

“What? Is it serious? I’m on my way.”

He glanced at me.

“Raya’s drunk. I need to get there immediately. You should come with me. I can’t just leave you here alone.”

He slammed his foot on the accelerator, weaving through traffic.

My heart thumped up to my throat, and all I could do was clutch the handle for dear life.

When we pushed open the door to the bar’s private room, Raya practically launched herself at Asher like an octopus, wrapping him up tight.

Only after a few seconds did she notice me.

“Elyssa… you’re here too? I… I had a bit too much to drink… feeling dizzy.”

She reluctantly loosened her grip, sliding awkwardly off Asher and staggering to her feet.

Asher quickly scooped her onto the sofa.

Brushing a strand of hair from her forehead with gentle fingers, he scolded softly, “How could you drink this much?”

“I missed you,” she murmured, resting her head against him. “My head hurts…”

Asher replied gently, “Stay here and rest. I’ll go get some medicine.”

The door closed, leaving only me and Raya inside.

Her drunken haze vanished in an instant, replaced by a sharp, mocking smile.

“See? You can’t stop me. If I want him, he’ll come, no matter what you do.”

I gave a small, indifferent smile. I wasn’t going to give her the satisfaction of a reaction.

She stepped closer, lowering her voice.

“Guess where I’ll make him come next time… guess what we’ll do?”

A cold weight sank into my chest, but I feigned calm.

“Do whatever you want. I don’t care anymore.”

Her face twisted into something feral.

“But I care! You had him to yourself all these years while I was gone. I’ll make you break. I’ll turn every bit of your happiness into tears!”

The door creaked. Asher stepped back into the room.

In one swift motion, Raya grabbed the ice water pitcher from the table and dumped it over herself.

She screamed at the top of her lungs, bursting into tears.

I froze, instinctively taking two steps back as Asher rushed to my side.