Chapter 2

Adrian looked at me with a face full of concern. His beautiful eyes were filled with nothing but my reflection, just like every day before.

Whether it was during the five years we were together before he left, or the past few months since he'd returned, Adrian had always treated me wonderfully. I truly didn't want to believe what I'd just heard.

I quietly locked my phone and forced a smile.

"I think my blood sugar dropped for a second. I just lost my balance. I'm fine."

Only then did Adrian let out a sigh of relief. He carefully helped me to my feet.

"Let's go to the Maldives tomorrow. I'll have my lieutenant book the flights. You've always loved the ocean. How about we take our wedding photos on the beach?"

Adrian was as thoughtful as ever. But after what I'd just heard, those words only made me feel sick.

"I don't want to."

He froze for a moment, then gently placed his hand over mine.

"What's wrong, Isabella? Why are you unhappy? Did something happen? We promised each other, didn't we? No matter what happens, we don't keep secrets from each other."

Hearing those words, I finally couldn't hold it in anymore. I looked him straight in the eyes.

"Adrian, is there really nothing you're hiding from me?"

He paused for a moment, then smiled faintly.

"What could I possibly be hiding from you?"

I fought back the tears burning behind my eyes and nodded lightly.

I didn't scream. I didn't demand answers.

If the man I had loved for eight years could look me in the eyes and lie without hesitation, there was nothing left for me to ask.

"Good. Let's get some sleep. I'm tired."

"Good. Let's get some sleep. I'm tired."

Early the next morning, we were woken by a knock at the door.

Adrian opened it. A woman stood outside with red, tearful eyes. In her arms was a little boy, about two years old.

"Adrian, Ethan kept crying for his daddy. He wouldn't sleep all night. I know you told me not to come here, but I really had no choice."

A trace of panic flashed across Adrian's face. He instinctively turned to look at me.

"Isabella, don't misunderstand. This is Vivian, the medic on our team. Her husband was my teammate and one of my closest friends. He died protecting me during a mission. I've only been helping take care of her and Ethan because I felt sorry for them."

Before I could say anything, Vivian spoke through her tears.

"Miss Moretti, I know you and Adrian are getting married. I didn't want to bother him. But Ethan is still so young. He keeps asking for his daddy. I really don't know what to do."

I cut her off and asked calmly,

"If Ethan wants his father, Adrian, are you his father?"

Adrian shot Vivian a sharp glare before turning back to me.

"Of course not. He's already over two years old. How could I possibly have a child that old? His father died protecting me. I've been looking after them ever since. Ethan just sees me as his father. It's all a misunderstanding."

I studied the little boy's face carefully.

He was still young. But his features looked remarkably like Adrian's.

My father would be here tomorrow night to take me home. I didn't want to make a scene. Suppressing the pain in my chest, I nodded.

"I believe you. Take good care of them. I'm going upstairs to get some more rest."

I turned and walked upstairs.

Adrian followed close behind me.

"Isabella, are you upset? I promise they won't affect us."

Before he could finish, Vivian spoke again, her voice trembling pitifully.

"Adrian, while you were away this past month, Ethan hasn't been eating or sleeping well. He's not feeling well either. I want to take him to the hospital for a thorough check-up. But I don't know anyone here. Could you take us?"

"You know I have no one left. Ethan is all I have. If anything happens to him, I won't be able to go on."

I turned to look at Adrian. He didn't answer right away. But the look in his eyes gave him away.

He was worried about that little boy.

I gave a slight nod.

"He's just a child. If he's sick, that's what matters. You should take them to the hospital. After all, his father died saving your life."

Relief spread across Adrian's face. Even his voice became noticeably lighter.

"I'll take them to the hospital and come right back. Thank you, Isabella. Thank you for understanding."

As soon as he finished speaking, he walked straight to the door and lifted Ethan into his arms. The movement was so natural that it was obvious he'd done it countless times before.

He was in such a hurry that he didn't even change out of his pajamas.

I watched Ethan rest his head comfortably on Adrian's shoulder. Then I watched the three of them walk away together. They looked exactly like a family of three.

I placed a hand over my stomach. Our child was inside me too. But Adrian's first thought was never about me.

My heart felt as though it had been thrown into a bottomless abyss. It kept sinking until there was nothing left.