Chapter 3

In my mind, the child's thoughts were filled with extreme anxiety.

I soothingly patted my belly.

Suddenly, a sharp, twisting pain shot through my lower abdomen.

"Sorry, Mommy, please bear with the pain for now. I'll protect my brother. Don't be scared, it's just temporary."

The child's voice, full of guilt, made my heart clench.

"Miss, you look really pale. Are you alright?"

My brother supported my arm, his voice filled with concern.

The pain made my vision swim, and my fingers gripped his suit jacket tightly.

"Please... could you take me to the hospital?"

We sped to the hospital, and I was examined.

My brother walked in with the examination report and sat down on the chair by my bed.

"The doctor said it was just uterine contractions, nothing serious. Should I contact your family? If you're in any trouble, you can tell me. My name is Lucas Shaw. You can trust me."

As he spoke, he swiped open his phone screen, and his gaze softened.

On the screen was a design sketch of a feather brooch.

"My sister has been missing for twenty years. Today, I'm here to take her home."

His fingertip gently traced the design sketch on the screen, and he spoke softly.

"She was allergic to mangoes. She'd break out in rashes all over if she ate them, yet she craved them so much. When she was little, she'd secretly lick one, then come crying to me. I wonder if she's gotten over that habit now?"

Mango allergy?

My heart skipped a beat. I'm severely allergic to mangoes! I anxiously grabbed his sleeve.

Just as I was about to speak, the ward door was suddenly pushed open.

"Wendy, what are you doing here?! Aren't you supposed to be resting at home?! Is your delusional disorder acting up again?!"

Steve, his arm around Alice's shoulder, had a hint of panic in his eyes.

"Mr. Shaw, I'm so sorry! She's my... my friend's wife. Her mental state has been unstable since her husband died in an accident. She didn't say anything crazy to you, did she?" Steve cautiously probed.

Lucas put away his phone, stood up, and his expression turned serious.

"Mr. Colby, the mental health of a deceased's family member requires professional counselling. Moreover, this lady is pregnant. Your care for her is quite inadequate."

Steve's face turned pale, and his lips moved as if to argue.

I suddenly heard the child's thoughts in my mind.

"I remember Uncle Lucas mentioned later that the reason he suspected the woman was fake was because of something that happened... What was it again? Think, you idiot! You have to help Mommy!"

The child's childish voice echoed in my mind.

My heart warmed.

Then I heard the voice shout excitedly.

"I remember now! Mommy, show him the scar on your wrist! Hurry! You got that scar when you got cut by a small knife helping Uncle Lucas repair his model airplane when you were little. Scumbag Daddy and that woman don't know about it! Oh, but wait! Mommy lost her memory, so she doesn't know any of this. How can I remind her?"

The tender thoughts were restless and anxious.

I patted my belly gently, giving him a silent reassurance.

Then, I propped myself up from the hospital bed and slapped Steve hard on the face.

"Jack... or should I call you Steve? Was it fun playing with my feelings? Did you and my 'good friend' Alice feel a great sense of accomplishment watching me grieve?"

I looked at him with disgust, then turned my head, my gaze burning as I looked at Lucas.

"Mr. Shaw, I'm severely allergic to mangoes, and I have a faint scar on the inside of my wrist. Would you like to see it?"

Lucas froze, his eyes filled with shock.