I took off my white coat, then glanced at the lock, unable to hold back a sarcastic laugh.
"So, you do know how shameful this whole thing is."
Milton pressed his lips together, pretending not to hear. Then he changed the subject like nothing had happened.
"Why are you here?"
He stood tall, composed, not a hint of guilt on his face. That same cool, aloof look he always wore, but now, it just made me feel sick.
A heavy ache settled in my chest. My voice was tinged with irony as I answered, "Why else? You always complained the old hospital was too far. So this time, I gave up my chance for a promotion and requested a transfer. Thought it'd be easier to take care of you and our daughter."
Elaine's POV
Milton’s expression shifted slightly when he heard me, and his voice softened a little.
“That’s a good thing. Why didn’t you tell me earlier?”
I gave him a small smile. “I wanted to surprise you.” I paused, my smile turning bitter. “Though looking at it now, maybe it was more of a shock.”
Maybe my sarcasm had finally gotten under his skin. He raised a hand to rub the bridge of his nose and let out a long, tired sigh.
“Elaine, I already explained everything to you. Why won’t you believe me?”
His tone was sincere. There wasn’t even a trace of guilt in his voice.
Before, whenever he showed the slightest hint of frustration, I’d fold, apologize, and back down, even if none of it was my fault.
But this time, it was different.
I lowered my eyes, trying to hide the sting behind them. My voice trembled as I choked out the words, “Milton, if the two of you really had nothing to hide, then why didn’t you go to the hospital near her home? You couldn’t, could you? Because that’s where I used to work. You were scared I’d find out.”
The room went quiet.
He stared at me, mouth twitching slightly like he wanted to say something, but nothing came out.
In that heavy silence, I spoke again, my voice hoarse and cracked as I said, “I think we need some space. Let’s separate for a while and cool off.”
I thought he might agree.
But instead, he let out a tired sigh and said, “What about our daughter? How are you going to explain it to her? Elaine, it’s time to grow up. Sometimes being smart isn’t always a good thing. Think about the kid. Don’t be so stubborn.”
His words hit me like a truck.
My ears rang, and my mind went blank. I don’t even remember what I said back.