Chapter 1 The Woman of His Past

CLAIRE

"What's wrong babe?" I raised my voice when I heard the sound of something falling from the bathroom.

I was currently on bedrest on the advice of the doctor. Considering that in my sixth month of pregnancy, there were premature contractions. So I can't move freely for now.

And hearing that loud and sudden sound made me panic. I was afraid something would happen to Charles, my husband.

"Charlie?" This was the second call because he didn't answer.

I was honestly starting to worry that he had fallen in the bathroom. It was because he hadn't slept well in the past few days. So hearing that, I felt like jumping out of bed.

"Babe? If you're okay, please give me an answer," I said, trying to sound a little louder.

This time there was the sound of the door opening. Fortunately after that, Charles' face came into view.

"Oh thank Godness." I stroked my chest. "What happened inside? Did you fall?"

"No," he replied, coldly.

I furrowed my brows. "Then what was that about? Oh my bad, can you get me a drink? The water in the glass has run out."

Charles didn't respond to my words but he walked over to get some water for me. He handed the glass back to me with a flat face. "There’s something important. I gotta go out for a while."

"Where are you going? Who will help me to go to the bathroom if you go?"

Honestly, I rarely whine like this. And usually when I whine, he would immediately persuade me.

But this time something different happened, Charles didn't persuade me but instead he took the car keys and his thick coat.

"Hold on while I'm gone. I'll be back before midnight comes."

That was Charles' last answer. Because before I could say anything else, he was already out of our room, in a hurry.

There was something strange about him. I could feel it.

Actually, I've been aware since a few days ago. And it became clearer when he left right now.

Charles became colder. His mind is not here even though his body is with me.

I'm not sure the change in Charles is due to work, because he has a myriad of employees to help him with his duties.

I'm pretty sure that it was caused by something on his phone. Because once he looks at his phone, he's bound to act up. And he took his phone to the bathroom earlier too.

Oh I hate thinking negatively like this. But I also can't deny that I'm suspicious of my husband.

Not even something as simple as applying oil from the doctor to my bulging belly did Charles. When he accompanied me to see the gynecologist, he was engrossed in his phone and smiling at something on it.

I was ashamed of the doctor and of myself. Because the image I wanted of Charles after marriage was not like that. I imagined him to be a loving and caring man.

Unfortunately that was slowly changing.

There was no peck when he would go out. No warm hugs when he goes to bed. No more sweet words or talking to our daughter when we were relaxing.

I don't know what made Charles change. But I really hope it's not because of another woman. I hope it's not an affair.

***

Midnight has already come.

Charles said he would come home, but he didn't.

And I couldn't wait for him any longer. I had to get up and go to the bathroom by myself in the end.

Holding on to the wall, I walked slowly towards the bathroom. Intending to pee and get some oil from the doctor.

But just stepping into the bathroom, my foot stepped on something very slippery. Fortunately, I didn't fall because I managed to hold myself up.

But what I found on the floor really shocked me. There, the oil I was looking for was lying with its broken container scattered all over the floor.

There were no more drops left. There was no hope of Charles applying the oil to my belly.

Turns out the loud noise I heard earlier did not come from Charles, but from this thing.

But... why he lie?

Oh my God. I hope it was just an accident. I hope he just forgot to tell me and when he comes back, he will apologize and explain what really happened.

I hope Charles....

"Claire! Open the door!"

Charles! He's home!

I rushed out while holding my belly. I temporarily pushed aside my pain and fear to go to the main door.

I just wanted to greet Charles, hug him, and then ask him a lot of questions. I wanted what was on my mind to be resolved right now.

I didn't wanna go to bed curious or angry with him. So I want to….

My hands stopped in the air, my mouth opened wide, and my eyes bulged after opening the door and seeing Charles standing outside… with a woman.

She was pregnant too.

And Charles rubbed her bulging belly. Meanwhile, the woman seemed to be smiling happily.

They looked like husband and wife.

They were… very romantic.

"Oh Chaz, the door is open," the woman said spoiledly.

A second later Charles lowered his hand from that woman. His body straightened while looking at me with slightly rounded eyes. "Claire, what took you so long? Eva has been waiting outside for too long. It's not good for her health and the baby."

"Eva?" I asked in confusion.

Charles suddenly wrapped his arms around her waist. "Yes, she's an old best friend of mine. She'll be staying here for a few days."