Chapter 5

Ivan noticed that Alison had become a shell of her former self.

She used to be full of life. Even though she couldn't see, she loved sitting in the courtyard sipping coffee, claiming it was her way of "feeling nature." She would build blocks with Josh, watch the news with him, and occasionally—even with the help of the nanny—cook a couple of dishes for the family.

She had once been radiant and free.

But now, aside from meals, she locked herself in the bedroom all day, sitting by the floor-to-ceiling window, staring blankly at the sky. She looked like a flower on the verge of withering—drained of all color, stripped of all life.

Ivan grew increasingly uneasy seeing such a drastic change in her.

"Alison, what's wrong lately?" he asked anxiously. "Are you upset because I missed your last two appointments? Don't worry. Next time, I promise, I'll go with you. Please don't shut me out… I'm begging you."

By the end, his voice was trembling, almost choked with tears.

But if he was so afraid of losing her, why did he keep another woman? Why did he let them both live under the same roof, without even trying to hide it?

Just moments before speaking to her, he had come from Jessica's room, lipstick still smudged at the corner of his mouth.

Did he think that just because she was blind, she didn't deserve respect?

Had he forgotten why she went blind in the first place?

Alison raised her hand. Ivan instinctively reached out, placing her palm against his face.

She traced his features with her fingers. His face hadn't changed much, only matured with time. He looked steadier now.

But his heart was no longer the same.

He was no longer the boy she had once risked her life to save.

Just then, a crackle sounded outside the window. Fireworks burst in the sky.

The river was bathed in brilliant color.

From the lawn below, she vaguely heard Josh shout excitedly into Jessica's ear, "See that? Daddy set off those fireworks just for you, to celebrate that you're giving me a baby sister!"

A bitter smile tugged at Alison's lips. "Are those fireworks?" she asked. "I haven't seen them in ages."

Ivan looked at her tenderly. "When your eyes recover, I'll set off fireworks for three days and three nights, just for you. You'll see them to your heart's content. How about that? Don't give up on yourself, okay? Our son and I will always be here for you."

He pulled her into his arms, whispering comfort into her ear.

So that's what Ivan believed—that she was upset because her recent medical treatments hadn't gone well.

'But oh, Ivan… If you had come with me to the hospital even once, you would've known the truth. But you didn't. And that's why this chapter between us is coming to an end,' Alison thought.

With that thought, Alison gently pushed him away.

"No need," she said. "It's a waste."

Ivan tapped her nose playfully. "How could it be a waste? Don't you remember what I said? Whatever others have, you must have too. I want the whole world to know that I love you, that I can't live without you."

Alison said nothing.

Because she knew, the man whispering sweet words in her ear now would sneak downstairs at night and spend hours wrapped in another woman's arms.

Maybe sensing her lingering gloom, Ivan and Josh suggested taking her to a party.

She had no interest and was about to decline when Ivan had already called for the car and started picking out a dress for her.

Josh rummaged through her jewelry box, holding pieces up to her. "Mommy, wear this one! It's pretty!"

Ivan chuckled. "Your mom looks good in everything. Who needs fashion advice from a little rascal like you?"

They dressed her with care, helped her gently down the stairs, and escorted her into the car.

Along the way, Josh chattered about amusing stories from kindergarten, trying to lift her spirits.

Eventually, the car pulled into a grand estate.

Alison had been wondering why Jessica hadn't come… until she saw her.

Dressed in jewels and silk, with a slight swell in her belly, Jessica stood at the center of the crowd like the true hostess of the evening.