Chapter 2

Hugo walked quickly toward me. He spoke in a surprised tone.

"Stevie, it really is you. What are you doing at the hospital? Are you not feeling well too?"

The moment Hugo finished speaking, Willa came hurrying after him. Her voice was full of concern and tenderness.

"Hugo, I was only gone for a minute to get you a jacket. Why did you just disappear like that?

"The air conditioning is so cold in here. You need to wear something warm. Don't catch a cold."

Only then did Willa seem to notice me standing in front of them.

She froze for a moment before asking guiltily, "Why did you come to the hospital alone? Where are the maids?"

I didn't answer. I simply stared at her in silence.

Apparently, my gaze made her uncomfortable. Willa reluctantly explained, "Hugo came with me for a checkup. We made the appointment a long time ago.

"I was just worried you'd overthink it. You've already made a scene over things like this several times. Besides, we're getting married tomorrow. I figured it was better not to create any unnecessary trouble, so I kept it from you."

I hummed softly in response while showing very little emotion.

Willa assumed that meant the matter was over. She casually picked up the jacket and helped Hugo put it on.

She even carefully fastened every button for him one by one.

Hugo tilted his head and looked me up and down with a mixture of pity and smugness.

He then pretended to be upset and yelled, "Willa, what are you doing?

"Stevie is right here. You should give him the jacket first. Why are you putting it on me?"

Willa didn't even look up.

"It's fine. He's healthy. Besides, you're my baby's–"

She suddenly stopped.

Her expression changed as if she had realized what she was about to say. She quickly glanced at me and corrected herself.

"You're my baby's godfather, so I need to make sure you're taken care of."

I had no interest in watching any longer.

It had already started raining outside, and it seemed like it was only going to get heavier.

I randomly came up with an excuse and prepared to leave.

"I have some other tests to get done. I'll get going then."

Willa suddenly grabbed my arm.

I turned around. She pointed at the umbrella in my bag and spoke in an entitled manner.

"If you don't need it right away, lend me that umbrella.

"It's raining hard outside, and I'm worried Hugo will get wet while getting into the car. Summer rain usually stops quickly. By the time you finish your tests, it'll probably be over anyway. You won't need it."

I looked at Willa. My eyes welled up with tears. My voice was hoarse as I asked, "He needs to be taken care of. What about me?

"Willa, I'm still sick. My stomach still hurts."

The moment Willa saw my expression, she assumed I was about to start making a scene again.

She waved her hand impatiently. Her voice was filled with annoyance and dismissal.

"Fine, forget it.

"I only asked you to lend me something, and you had to make such a big deal out of it. Hugo has always been in poor health. Even if you get caught in the rain, you'll recover quickly. You came to the hospital alone for surgery and you're fine, aren't you?

"Stop making a fuss over nothing."

With that, Willa put her arm around Hugo and walked away.

She continued muttering under her breath.

"He acts like a complete lunatic every time he gets sick. I can't stand him anymore."

Her voice wasn't soft. It was almost as if she wanted to make sure I heard every word.

She wanted to hurt me on purpose.

My tears suddenly stopped. I forced them back until my eyes felt dry.

An overwhelming wave of resentment and hatred washed through me so badly that even breathing hurt.

My legs gave out beneath me. I staggered to a nearby bench and sat down. I rested there for a long while.

I then called the private investigator who had just given me the paternity test results.

"Do you still have backups of those private photos you took of the two of them? Print fifty thousand copies. I'll buy every single one.

"Find someone to cover the entire new house with them.

"Stuff those photos into the fireworks tomorrow. I want them raining down like confetti."