At a college reunion a month ago, his buddies teased him with laughter.
“Ryan, looks like you’ve really fallen hard.”
“But every ugly daughter-in-law eventually has to meet her in-laws. You two are already married—when will you take Emily Dawson to meet your mom?”
Standing at the door, eavesdropping, I couldn’t help but clutch the hem of my dress, my heart full of hope.
But Ryan didn’t answer. He only fixed his deep eyes on the man who had spoken.
That man immediately realized his mistake, panic flashing across his face as he stammered to change the subject.
“Ryan, it was my stupid mouth. Don’t be mad at me, okay?”
Another one of Ryan’s closest friends scolded him.
“Seriously, watch your tongue.”
“You know who Ryan is.”
“If he really loved Emily, would he have transplanted his and Lily Dawson’s embryo into her? Honestly, I can’t wait to see Emily’s reaction when she finds out the truth.”
Those words cut into me like knives, over and over.
In that moment, I couldn’t endure it any longer. I turned and fled.
Inside the private room, people had already noticed the commotion outside.
When they saw it was only a stray cat, everyone let out a breath of relief.
But Ryan’s expression didn’t change.
He stared at the cat, lost in thought, and Emily’s morning reminder echoed in his mind, leaving him uneasy.
Maybe Emily had really been there just now.
But he quickly dismissed the thought. After all, the baby was already in her womb, and the due date was only months away. Even if Emily knew, there was nothing she could do.
One man even dared to ask boldly, “Ryan, if that was Emily outside just now, what would you do?”
Ryan paused, then glanced coolly at the man.
His tone was casual, as though he were talking about something trivial.
“So what if she knows? I’ve already made her resign without severance. And she’s still pregnant—she can’t run far.”
“Haha, Ryan, you’re ruthless!”
I had barely gathered myself when the knocking on the door grew louder.
I quickly called out, “Ryan, don’t open it yet. I just woke up—I’m changing.”
“Alright.”
Hearing my voice, Ryan stopped knocking, but I didn’t hear him walk away.
…
I sighed. I knew I couldn’t avoid this forever. I stuffed a pillow against my stomach to pretend the baby was still there.
Facing Ryan, I forced a loving smile, as if our marriage were still full of tenderness.
“Ryan, I went for a checkup today. I can’t wait to meet our baby.”