HER WOMB, HIS HEART

Art teacher

Soraya did as Dr. Tyson instructed. She left for the pier ahead of him.

Back at the house, Alan sat alone in his bedroom, lost in thought.

"I'm going with Tyson. Father asked me to," Soraya had said before leaving.

"So you told Father before you told me?" Alan had asked.

"Yes, honey. I asked Father's permission after yesterday's meeting. I'm leaving now."

Soraya kissed Alan on the lips before walking out.

Alan remained frozen, imagining his wife spending time alone with his best friend. His gaze drifted to the wedding portrait hanging on the bedroom wall.

"Tyson, she's the one. The girl I'm going to marry," Alan had declared on the day they first started college.

"Marry her? Get real, buddy. We just became freshmen today," Tyson had laughed.

"Just wait and see. No matter what it takes, I'm going to marry that girl," Alan had said confidently.

"Excuse me, miss. I'm Alan Horison."

Alan extended his hand toward the beautiful long-haired girl walking past him.

"Soraya."

She shook his hand casually.

Alan and Soraya ended up in the same class. Alan never ran out of ways to get closer to her. By their second semester, they officially started dating. They became known as the sweetest and brightest couple on campus.

All those years we spent together apparently meant nothing to you. You had an affair with my best friend. You knew I'd always treated Tyson like my own younger brother.

A tear rolled down Alan's cheek for the first time.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

Emily knocked on Alan's bedroom door, carrying a tray with a cup of hot tea.

"Sir, may I come in?" Emily asked.

Alan quickly wiped away his tears.

"Yes, come in."

"Sir, I brought you some hot tea."

Emily set the cup on the nightstand, but it slipped from her hand. The hot tea splashed across the palm of her hand.

Alan immediately grabbed Emily's reddened hand.

"Stay here. I'll get some medicine."

So Mr. Alan isn't blind?

Emily watched as Alan walked normally to the glass cabinet and took out the first-aid kit.

Alan carefully treated the burn on Emily's hand.

"Your hand is blistering. We should go to the hospital right now."

Emily caught hold of Alan's hand.

"Sir... you can see?"

Alan froze.

Damn it. Emily figured it out?

"Answer me, Sir!" Emily stared directly into his eyes.

Alan walked over and locked the bedroom door.

"I'll explain everything. Please, don't tell anyone about this," he whispered.

"Mrs. Soraya doesn't know either?" Emily asked, her eyes widening.

"I've been pretending to be blind on purpose so I can uncover a lie," Alan confessed.

"A lie? So you've already found out about your wife's illicit relationship with another man?"

"I can't tell you everything just yet. I just hope you'll keep this secret, Emily," Alan said softly.

"I'll keep your secret, Sir, just as you've kept mine." Emily smiled.

Alan's eyes lit up with gratitude.

"Thank you, Emily. Your hand..." Alan looked at Emily's hand, which was still red from the burn.

"I'm fine, Sir. I have some ointment for burns in my room. If you'll excuse me."

As Emily turned to leave, Alan reached out, pulled her into his arms, and hugged her tightly.

Emily froze. The warmth of Alan's breath brushed against the top of her head.

"Give me five minutes. Just stay like this, Emily," Alan pleaded.

"Sir, I know you're deeply hurt after discovering your wife's affair with your best friend."

**

Soraya took a taxi to the pier. She was still furious when she recalled Dolla's expression at the clinic.

Nurse Dolla seems far too involved in Tyson's personal life. They're not even biological siblings. They only met at the orphanage. I have a feeling Nurse Dolla has deeper feelings for Tyson.

"Dolla, I'm leaving the clinic in your hands. Let me know if anything happens!" Dr. Tyson said hurriedly, stumbling several times as he rushed out.

"Drive safely, Doctor. Enjoy your vacation," Nurse Dolla said with a smile, though the expression on her face quickly turned sour.

Why is that man so foolish? He doesn't love Soraya. He loves Becca. Men can be so hard to believe, Dolla grumbled.

Flashback several months earlier

"Sis, isn't this too risky? What if Soraya finds out? She's not a foolish woman who can be deceived so easily," Nurse Dolla said.

"Don't worry, little sister. I'll make Soraya trust me completely. I'll make our relationship seem sweeter than ever before," Tyson replied confidently.

"Are you sure that's your only goal? Don't tell me you've fallen in love with Soraya."

"Love Soraya? That's impossible. The only reason I'm trapping Soraya is because we share the same desire for revenge. My parents died because of Mr. Billy Horison's greed," Tyson said, his face darkening with resentment.

"Emily... she's that girl, isn't she? The quiet student you used to like. Rebecca Leanor," Nurse Dolla asked with a smile.

"How do you know that?" Dr. Tyson asked.

"Your eyes can't lie, Sis. You want to protect Emily. Don't forget your purpose. Soraya is only a bridge for our revenge over our parents' deaths." Nurse Dolla stared intently into Tyson's eyes.

"Of course I'll protect Emily. I don't want to lose her again," Tyson said, his eyes shining.

Seven years earlier

"You want to become an art teacher at Guardian High School?" Mr. Billy Horison asked Tyson.

"Yes, Sir. Please give me one year before I begin my residency in obstetrics and gynecology," Tyson replied confidently.

"Why would you waste your time teaching art at a high school? Continue your education immediately! Remember, Tyson, I've already been generous enough to pay for your education and guarantee you a better life. You know none of that came for free!" Mr. Billy Horison shouted angrily.

"Please, Sir. I promise I'll finish my specialization one year ahead of schedule. I give you my word!" Tyson pleaded, dropping to his knees before Mr. Billy Horison.

"I said no, and I mean no!" Mr. Billy Horison barked.

"Honey, what's going on? Why are you yelling at our son? I could hear you all the way from the backyard," Mrs. Vior said as she removed her gardening gloves.

"Tyson, stand up, dear," Mrs. Vior said gently.

"Tyson is asking for a one-year delay before continuing his education. He wants to become an art teacher at Guardian High School!" Mr. Billy Horison replied irritably.

"Is that true, Tyson?" Mrs. Vior asked.

"Yes, Mom."

"And why?"

"I want to pursue my passion before returning to medical school to become a specialist, Mom," Tyson answered, his eyes filled with hope.

"Very well. We'll allow it. You have one year," Mrs. Vior agreed.

"Thank you, Mom." Tyson smiled broadly.

"Don't forget your promise. You must finish your education one year ahead of schedule!" Mr. Billy Horison reminded him.

"Yes, Sir."

"Becca! Wait for me!"

**