As soon as Myra returned to her mother’s hospital room, she saw her propped against the pillows quickly observing the sunset.
“You’re back already,” Maria said lightly.
Myra leaned against the doorframe for a moment before finally stepping in. “The doctor said it’s okay,” she replied. “But only for two days.”
Maria’s face brightened immediately. “Two days is plenty,” she said, her eyes sparkling with childlike excitement.
They quickly packed up and an hour later, they reached Myra’s home. The quiet suburban house sat peacefully under the morning sun, while the flowers swayed gently in the breeze. As the caretaker helped Maria into the living room, she slowly took in her surroundings.
“It’s beautiful,” Maria murmured.
Myra let out a quiet breath. “Thank you.”
An overwhelming exhaustion washed over her, seemingly heavier after a long day. “Rosa,” she said softly to the caretaker, “please stay with my mom for a bit.”
“Of course, Miss Myra.”
Myra nodded gratefully before heading upstairs. Every step felt increasingly burdensome. When she finally pushed open her bedroom door, silence enveloped her. The room carried a faint scent of lavender.
Myra’s gaze landed on a wedding photograph resting proudly on her bedside table, her and Rob, dressed in white and smiling brightly, his arm protectively around her waist. She walked closer, her fingers trembling as she picked up the frame. The woman in the photo appeared so blissful, so naïvely happy.
A tear fell down Myra’s face, followed by another and another. Soon, the tears flowed freely. Gently placing a hand on her stomach, she felt the babies kick. The small movement only intensified her pain. “I’m so sorry,” she whispered, her voice cracking. “I’m so sorry…”
With another kick, Myra covered her mouth as more sobs escaped. “I’m sorry you won’t have a father,” she murmured, her shoulders shaking violently. Jennifer's cruel words echoed in her mind. "Go find the father of your baby." Myra's breathing grew erratic. If what Jennifer claimed was true…
Her thoughts drifted back to Rob’s investment party months prior, the night she had indulged in too much champagne. The ballroom was packed with businessmen, many older, powerful men donning silver hair and expensive suits. Myra squeezed her eyes shut. “Please don’t let it be true…”
Yet, the thought kept replaying in her mind. What if Jennifer wasn’t lying? What if the babies she carried weren’t Rob's at all? The thought shattered something within her. Collapsing onto the bed, she buried her face into the pillow to muffle her cries. She didn’t want her mother to hear her, not today, not ever.
Slowly, the tears drained her strength, and exhaustion lulled her into sleep.
“Bunny.”
The voice was low and raspy as Myra’s eyelids fluttered open slightly. Darkness enveloped her. It was that dream again. The faceless man lay on top of her, she enveloped in his broad shoulders. His deep, commanding voice filled the air, but his face always remained vague no matter how hard she tried to see him.
Myra’s heart raced. “Who are you…?” she whispered. But just like before, the dream dissolved before she could hear his answer.
As true morning light filtered across the bed, Myra blinked at the ceiling, her mind replaying the dream. Bunny. That was what he called her. Her brows knitted together as something finally clicked. The man in the dream had broad shoulders. Rob didn’t possess anything like that; Rob was slim.
Myra sat up slowly, her heart racing. “How… how did I not notice that?” Had she been so desperate to believe the baby was Rob’s that she ignored the obvious?
Her phone suddenly rang on the bedside table, disrupting her thoughts. She grabbed it quickly. “Hello?”
“Mrs. Wood,” the professional voice on the line said. “The papers are ready.”
Recognizing the voice instantly, she realized it was her lawyer. “But… are you absolutely sure you want to do this?” he continued carefully.
Myra brushed aside the question. “When should I come in?”
A sigh echoed from the other end. “Ten o’clock.”
She glanced at the time, 7:03 a.m. “Okay,” she replied quietly. “Thank you, Mr. Myers.”
“You’re welcome.” She ended the call and headed to the bathroom.
The hot shower helped clear her mind slightly. After getting dressed, she made her way downstairs. Maria was already seated at the dining table, sipping tea.
“Mom,” Myra greeted with a smile.
Maria looked up. “Oh, hello. I thought you were going to sleep in.”
“I wanted to,” Myra said, pulling out a chair. “But I couldn’t.”
Maria chuckled gently. “The life of a pregnant woman, I suppose.”
After breakfast, Myra pushed her mother’s wheelchair toward the garden. “Mom, doesn't have to sit in this,” Maria protested softly. “I can still walk.”
“Don’t argue,” Myra insisted. “You need to save your energy before the surgery.”
Maria raised her hands playfully. “Yes, Doctor Myra.”
They slowly made their way down the garden path. The crisp morning air felt refreshing. Maria tilted her head back, soaking in the sunlight, her gaze drifting to Myra, who seemed unusually quiet that day.
Normally, she would be chatting about Rob, the baby, or everything in between. But today she said little, and it was clear something was bothering her.
Maria sighed softly as her thoughts turned to the family she had abandoned years ago, her influential parents and protective brothers. She had run away to escape an arranged marriage. Now, looking at her daughter, she wondered if she had made the wrong choice.
“Mom?”
Maria blinked, snapping out of her thoughts. Myra was looking at her with concern.
“What’s wrong?”
Maria quickly smiled. “Nothing.” She breathed deeply. “The sky is beautiful today. The air feels fresh.”
Myra chuckled. “That’s just psychological, Mom.”
Maria smiled back. “We should head back soon,” Myra said, continuing, “I have an appointment at ten.”
“With Rob?” Maria asked casually, causing Myra to freeze.
“…No,” she stammered, forcing a smile. “With a friend.”
Maria scrutinized her daughter, then nodded. “Alright. Let’s go back. I’m getting tired.”
Later that morning, Myra reached the law firm. Mr. Myers handed her a thick envelope. “Good morning, Mrs. Wood,” he greeted. “These are the divorce papers you requested.”
He hesitated. “Please think carefully before signing. Your prenuptial agreement clearly states that if you initiate the divorce, you will leave with nothing.”
Myra didn’t hesitate. “I know.”
She lifted the pen. “And I’m sure.”
Back at home, Maria slowly descended the stairs while Rosa stepped out briefly. Maria walked over to the bookshelf, selecting something to read.
Knock knock.
Maria turned toward the door, but before she could respond, it swung open. Rob entered, followed closely by Jennifer. Maria’s eyes narrowed at the sight.
“Mom,” Rob said awkwardly, “I didn’t know you were here. I thought you were still in the hospital.”
He looked around. “How are you feeling? Is Myra here?”
“I’m fine,” Maria said coolly. Her gaze shifted to Jennifer, who stood confidently next to Rob, dressed in a revealing outfit and wearing soft but alluring makeup. Dressed like a typical mistress.
“And this is…?” Maria asked.
“Oh,” Rob said quickly, “Jennifer. My sister.”
Jennifer put on a sweet smile. “Where’s Myra?” Rob asked, looking a bit anxious. “We need to talk.”
“She’s out,” Maria replied calmly. “You should come back later.”
Jennifer scoffed audibly. “I didn’t know she had friends.”
Maria frowned. “You should leave.”
“Mom, I…” Rob began, but Maria cut him off. “Did you cheat on her?”
Rob halted, taken aback. “What?”
Maria’s gaze sharpened. “Did you cheat on my daughter?”
Rob opened his mouth to respond, but Jennifer spoke first. “Hey old hag,” she shot back coldly. “If anyone cheated, it’s your daughter.”
Maria’s hand flew to her chest. “What… do you mean?”
Jennifer crossed her arms defiantly. “She’s carrying someone else’s baby.”
Rob shot her a furious glare. “Jennifer…”
But Maria’s intense gaze was locked on her. “What did you mean by that?”
At the same time, Myra set her pen down, whispering, “All done.”
Mr. Myers looked at the signed papers with a heavy sigh. “Mrs. Wood…”
Myra met his gaze.
“I mean,” he corrected gently, “Miss Metzler. I hope you know what you’re doing.”
Myra stood up. “Please file it as soon as possible.”
“There’s just one more thing…”
Before he could finish, her phone rang, causing her to glance at the screen. It was Rosa. Her heart skipped a beat.
“Excuse me,” she said hurriedly, answering. “Yes, Rosa?”
The caretaker’s voice trembled, conveying a sense of urgency. “Miss Myra… you need to come to the hospital immediately.”
Myra's stomach dropped. “Why?”
“There’s been an accident,” Rosa whispered. “There’s blood everywhere and Something happened to your mother.”