Chapter 17
223 Words
When Arthea was three months old, Orlin and I went to the hospital together.
That day, I took Arthea to get vaccinated.
Orlin stepped away for a moment, and I waited quietly in the hospital's waiting area.
When I looked up, I saw two familiar friends—Charlie and Abigail.
They had just exited the reproductive health department.
Charlie looked at me in shock: "This child is three months old? But, thirteen months ago, we weren't even divorced yet."
It was an awkward situation for me.
Charlie asked me, "Leila, if you were pregnant then, why did you divorce me?"
I didn't know how to respond.
I couldn't tell him directly that the child wasn't his.
So, I pretended not to know him: "Sir, you must be mistaken. I don't know who you are."
Charlie looked at me apologetically: "Leila, I'm sorry, I do regret leaving you."
I responded emotionlessly: "Sir, I think you might have some mental issues. I recommend seeing a psychiatrist."
After that, I turned and left with Arthea.
Charlie tried to stop me, but Abigail grabbed his arm.
Abigail, distraught, asked him, "Charlie, didn't you say you didn't care about Leila anymore?" Charlie argued, "But, that child..."
Abigail retorted, "That child cannot be related to you. The doctor said you've lost the ability to reproduce."
Enraged, Charlie slapped Abigail.
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