Chapter 4

Aurora produced her makeup bag, smiling as she spoke. “I knew Hazel wasn’t what Mr. Gilbert had in mind. Once the misunderstanding is cleared up, everything will be fine. Luckily, I brought cosmetics—the ones Mr. Gilbert personally selected for the last annual meeting. You can use these for now.”

I glanced at her bag; the contents were strikingly similar to Josiah’s gift. “No need, I find used things unsanitary.”

Josiah’s patience snapped. “Hazel, don’t be so harsh, Aurora meant well.”

“Did you know that cosmetics are harmful to a fetus?”

He suppressed his anger, again. He seemed surprised by my calm demeanor.

Aurora chuckled, apologizing, “My fault for not considering everything. I’ll go to the nearby mall and buy you something specifically for pregnant women, okay?”

I neither agreed nor refused. His eyes lingered on her clothing. As if just realizing, she smiled shyly. “Sorry, Hazel. I stayed at your place last night and didn’t bring extra clothes. I noticed a new garment without a price tag, so I borrowed it temporarily.”

“Don’t be angry; I’ll buy you the exact same one when we return.”

Josiah, fearing my anger, agreed. “It’s just clothing. You can’t wear it now even if you were larger, and it’s just sitting there. After the baby’s born, I’ll buy you a bigger size.” That was our fifth-anniversary gift, given before I conceived, which he'd forgotten.

I knew it wasn't merely about the clothing—it wasn't the challenge Aurora faced entering the room. But now, I didn't even want to fuss.

Chapter 4

“No need; it’s just a piece of clothing. I’ll give it to you.”

Josiah’s eyes widened slightly. My composure made him increasingly uneasy. Aurora attempted to lighten the mood with jokes, but failed to elicit a single smile.

When the musical began, Josiah finally spoke. “There are many people; please stay close and don't get separated. Be careful, and let me know if you need anything.”

I’d longed to see this musical, but Josiah had always claimed to be busy. I hadn’t expected Aurora to be the one to make it happen. I laughed at myself, self-deprecatingly.

As planned, I reached for Josiah, but he was already being pulled away by Aurora. I was alone. My seat was in the front row, but the musical had already started by the time I arrived. Josiah was helping Aurora remove her coat. His gaze was apologetic.

“The little girl’s never seen this before; she’s too excited to pay attention. Don’t be angry.”

I nodded, indifferent. “Don’t be angry; I won’t be angry anymore. After the musical, don’t leave yet; I need to talk to you about the baby.”

He seemed not to hear; Aurora called him over to take a photo.

Midway through the musical, a prop fell from the stage and rolled down. In two seconds, people scattered; seats overturned. Only I, pregnant, remained bewildered, drenched in cold sweat. When he tried to catch Josiah, he instead held Aurora tightly. After a loud crash, the prop stopped, directly in front of me—against my stomach.

Chapter 4

One more minute, and it would have struck the baby. He didn't even look at me. The moment the emergency exit opened, he rushed out with Aurora in his arms. Eventually, the staff helped me out. Outside, Josiah was nowhere to be seen. Concerned for my health, the staff insisted on taking me to the hospital.

Finally, I saw him outside the emergency room; he was helping Aurora register.

“You were really lucky, Hazel.”

I ignored her, staring at Josiah’s back. My disappointment shattered; the last vestige of reluctance vanished. Aurora touched my stomach, smirking strangely. “I wonder if you can escape a third time.”

I frowned, pushing her hand away. I reacted too slowly. She grabbed my hand; as Josiah turned, she fell down the stairs behind us.

After a loud crash, Josiah rushed past me, shoving me hard because I was in his way. I fell down the stairs, my stomach hitting the wall with a sharp, numbing pain. My vision blurred. Faint pleas escaped my lips.

“Josiah… save me…”

He didn’t look at me; he rushed into the emergency room with Aurora. Before losing consciousness, the doctor found me and called for help.

Chapter 4

“Surgery time; help me expedite this, I want an abortion right now…” She looked at me, blood flowing beneath me, stammering. “Even if you wanted to protect it now, you couldn’t!” “Hurry, prepare for induced labor! The patient has already scheduled it!”

Hearing that, I closed my eyes, relieved. The anesthesia took effect.