The man left, and after a few days, Easton finally came to see me, yet the room stayed in endless darkness, not a single light ever turned on.
His sharp-edged face hid in the shadows, his expression unreadable as he half-knelt before me.
“Tisha, after the child is born, I will release you. I will send Emma away, and she will never appear before you again. At that time, between you and me, everything will stay as before, nothing will change.”
Before I could answer, he turned and left.
I stayed locked away for four long months, and from the mouths of those who brought food, I pieced together bits about Easton.
What shocked me most was hearing that he had gone to the church to pray for blessings over his unborn child.
After so many years, his hands had long been soaked in blood, and such a disciple of faith who killed without pause, could God really hear his prayers?
At last, the day came, Emma’s due date.
Easton walked anxiously outside the delivery room, pacing back and forth as his hands wiped again and again at the cold sweat on his brow.
Finally, the doctors wheeled Emma out and said, “Congratulations, both mother and child are healthy.”
Tears welled in Easton’s eyes as he trembled while embracing the frail Emma. “Thank you… Thank you.”
Emma was quickly surrounded and wheeled into the maternity ward, her face pale and weak, yet unable to hide the joy in her expression.
“Where’s the child, Easton? I want to see the child.”
Easton, nearly overcome with excitement, answered at once. “The nurse just took the child for a check-up. I’ll bring the baby to you right now.”
His heart swelled with anticipation. He had only caught a brief glimpse earlier, without seeing clearly.
His hands and feet trembled, and though the room was right next door, he circled several times before finally finding the newborn observation room.
I rushed in, and my eyes locked on the child, the wristband still carrying the name Easton had chosen himself.
“Nurse, has the baby finished the check-up? Can I see the baby?”
His voice was cautious, and if his men had been there, they would have been shocked to see their boss so pitiful.
“Of course… no, you can’t!”
The nurse turned, and when she saw my face, Easton’s pupils shrank sharply. He had misjudged me, thinking one room could keep me trapped.
I curled my lips in a smile that was cold and vicious. If he would not go to hell, then who would?
