Chapter 7
331words
When I came to, my doctor friend asked one more time if I wanted to save the pregnancy.
I touched my belly gently. Any hesitation vanished when I read Marcus's message.
"Melanie's bleeding from the fall. Worried about kidney transplant complications. Taking her to Dr. Gu's hospital. Back in a few days."
I switched off my phone and gave my friend a hollow smile.
"Schedule the procedure."
They wheeled me to the operating room. As the anesthesia flooded my veins, I let fall my final tear of grief.
For three days in recovery, Melanie's taunting messages arrived like clockwork.
"You've lost, Natalie Sinclair."
"Having Marcus by my side these past days reminds me of our time abroad during my treatment."
"I see now how deeply he's always cared for me. I rejected him once before. I won't make that mistake again."
"Tomorrow's his birthday. I'm giving him the only gift he's ever truly wanted—me."
I grabbed the birthday gift I'd carefully prepared weeks ago and hurled it into the trash.
Just then, another message lit up my screen.
"I'll meet you at the airport tomorrow."
After tying up loose ends, I signed the divorce papers and left them where he couldn't miss them.
Marcus Morgan would find them the moment he walked in.
No woman should remain trapped in a loveless marriage.
I decided to head to Harbor City and chase the dream I'd abandoned years ago.
If I hadn't given up then, maybe I wouldn't be here now.
Marcus Morgan, if you never loved me, stop pretending you did.
The breeze caressed my face that day, the sunshine warm on my skin.
I visited Mom's grave one last time.
"Mom, don't worry. I won't end up like you. I choose to live—really live."
I brushed away my final tear, left the phone with all his messages at her graveside, and walked steadily toward my flight.
