Chapter 8
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"Aren't you going to read the contents?" Callista asked.
"Isn't it just about adjusting the IVF plan? Honey, whatever you think is best, I'll go along with it," he said.
Callista watched him leave and couldn't help but let out a bitter, mocking laugh. He was still claiming to do everything for her, even now.
She picked up the medicine that had been sitting on the coffee table for six days and swallowed it.
Her throat tightened with emotion as she gently placed a hand on her stomach.
"I'm sorry, my darling."
She had given Luther so many chances, and he had failed to grasp even one. After packing her bags, Callista went to the hospital alone.
"You're four weeks pregnant. The baby's heartbeat is strong, and development is normal. Are you sure you don't want to keep it?" the doctor, Eve Lowle, asked.
"No," Callista replied after a long pause.
"It's such a shame. You went through so much after losing the last baby due to the wrong herbal medicine.
"You endured so much pain to conceive again—and now you're giving up. It will be even harder to have children in the future," Eve said with a sigh.
Callista froze, and her head snapped up. Her voice was hoarse as she forced the words out. "The last miscarriage… was because of herbal medicine?"
Eve frowned. "Yes, didn't Mr. Spencer ever tell you?"
So, he had known all along. A buzzing sound filled Callista's ears.
During her first pregnancy, Jane had sent herbal tonics every week, claiming they were for a healthy pregnancy.
The bitter concoctions were so hard to swallow that Luther had coaxed her through each dose, one spoonful at a time.
When the miscarriage happened, her body was so damaged that IVF became the only option. She had always thought the miscarriage was an unfortunate accident.
For five years, through six rounds of IVF and five failed attempts, Luther had watched her torment herself with guilt and self-blame.
He had told her it wasn't her fault. But not once had he told her the truth: that the fault wasn't hers.
"Ms. Caldwell, are you alright?" Eve asked while handing her a tissue, and Callista realized her face was streaked with tears.
"If you're feeling unwell, perhaps take some time to think it over—"
"No need," Callista said firmly while wiping her tears away.
"I'll proceed with it."
Before the anesthesia took full effect, Callista mumbled to Eve in a daze, "Will the baby feel pain?"
Eve was stunned by the question, and she remained silent. After that, Callista drifted into unconsciousness.
When she woke, hours had passed. She got out of bed and walked toward the exit after regaining some strength.
As she passed the obstetrics department, she froze. Luther was walking out of a consultation room with Wren not far away.
"Can you feel it? The baby's saying hello to you. Thank you for protecting both of us," Wren said while placing Luther's hand on her belly. Her eyes were red with emotion.
"Luther, I was so scared earlier when my stomach started hurting," she said softly.
"Don't be silly," Luther said as he kissed her forehead.
"I won't let anything happen to you or the baby."
Wren leaned into his arms. Then, as her gaze met Callista's, she showed her a smug, triumphant smile.
Raising her voice deliberately, Wren added, "So, will you stay with me tonight?"
Luther hesitated for a moment before Wren continued, "You can watch fireworks with her any other night, but our baby is about to be born. What if I feel pain again tonight? Luther, I'm really scared."
After a long silence, Luther sighed. "Alright."
"I knew you cared about me the most," Wren said.
Callista stood frozen. Her gaze was icy as she watched their backs disappear down the hall.
The city had buzzed with anticipation for 22 whole days, waiting for the grand fireworks display Luther had planned for her that evening at 7:00 pm.
Luther knew this, but he still chose to leave her alone.
Callista took out her phone and sent Luther one final message. "The surprise I prepared for you is ready."
Then, she booked a car and headed straight to the airport.
Before boarding, she turned off her phone and handed it to a courier. She instructed them to send it to the Spencer residence's address.
Blue fireworks lit up the sky at 7:00 pm sharp. They were brilliant and dazzling as they illuminated half the city. Cheers erupted across the crowd.
Meanwhile, Callista was dragging her suitcase, and she boarded her flight without looking back.
