Chapter 2

A warm, large hand gently touched my ankle, causing me to flinch. A remorseful voice reached my ears.

"Sorry, did I hurt you?"

He continued, "Why didn't you tell me? Does it still hurt? Did you take any medicine? The house was already tidy. Why are you so stubborn? The company's top management was here tonight. It was a joke; no one took it seriously. You're still so angry—it's not good for the baby."

"Do you still care about the baby?"

The sarcasm in my tone froze him. Before he could approach, I grabbed his hand and placed it on my swollen abdomen. The distended, spongy texture made him recoil as if he'd seen a ghost. He was about to apologize, but I excused myself to the bathroom.

A door closed. When Josiah returned, his face was gloomy.

"Why didn't you come to the meeting yesterday? What did you say to Aurora? I've already explained why you shouldn't bother her. It's snowing; how do you expect a little girl like her to go back?"

"Hazel, I never thought you were this kind of person!"

I realized the closing door was Aurora's. Josiah quickly changed clothes. I was dragged from the room before I could explain, my injured foot limping behind me. He ignored my pleas.

"Stop pretending! If anything happened to Aurora, I won't let you off the hook!"

"You were the culprit!"

"How would I know she went out? I didn't see her!"

In the cold wind, the bandaged wound bled anew. He sped away, his eyes frantically searching. Half an hour later, we found Aurora on the roadside, huddled and weeping. Josiah's eyes reddened.

"You better pray Aurora is okay, otherwise I won't let you off the hook."

He pushed me into the back seat and Aurora into the passenger seat. The car ride was filled with her cries. At the hospital, he accompanied Aurora for her examination, forcing me to wait outside.

Hours of turmoil caused my abdomen to cramp. Leaning against the wall, I could barely stand. Finally, Josiah noticed my pallor.

"Stop pretending! She went out in the middle of the night, not you!"

"Hazel, I thought you were tough but kind-hearted. Tonight, you've shown me a different side. You've utterly disappointed me!"

The doctor who had scheduled my abortion passed by, his gaze shifting between us.

"Who is this gentleman? Weren't you—"

I broke out in a cold sweat, worrying how to explain when Aurora cried out in pain. Josiah vanished. I sighed in relief.

"It's okay, doctor. A young couple had a fight and ran away."

He nodded knowingly. "They quarreled. You shouldn't get involved. It's a difficult month; be careful, especially in this snowy weather. Stay inside unless necessary."

His words left me bitter.

Before I could recover, Josiah violently pulled me into the ward.

"Aurora doesn't blame you, but tonight was your fault. Apologize, and we can move on."

I laughed. "Apologize? Josiah, are you out of your mind? Tonight, I was humiliated and kicked out. She should apologize to me!"

He slapped me, his eyes blazing. Aurora pleaded gently, "Sorry, it's my fault. Hazel, don't be angry. I was joking, I didn't expect this." "I apologize. Please don't argue because of me."

I could barely hear her. My swollen face mirrored the disappointment and numbness in my heart. Josiah gave an ultimatum.

"Hazel, apologize!"

"You've crossed my bottom line."