Lin Yan’s life had descended into a fragmented, endless cycle.
Every Wednesday afternoon, he’d use the excuse of "expert consultation with the project team" to drive to the private hospital where Su Wan received prenatal care. Su Wan’s belly was gradually showing, and she wore loose maternity dresses, her face still pale. During each checkup, she’d cling tightly to his hand, as if grasping her last lifeline. "The doctor said the baby’s heartbeat is strong," she’d say softly, her eyes glowing with maternal tenderness. "Just like yours."
Lin Yan stared at the blurry little outline on the ultrasound report, his heart feeling as if it were being repeatedly pummeled by a blunt instrument. This was his flesh and blood, yet he didn’t dare stay for even a post-checkup meal with her—Song Xiaoran
