As I stood there, alone and hurting, I realized something very clearly.
Michael never loved me. I was just a body, something he could use when needed. And now, even my skin belonged to someone else.
Nevertheless, the phone call I had received might have meant something more. It seemed that I wasn’t as alone as he wanted me to believe. And perhaps … my time as a silent victim was finally coming to an end.
‘Would you bring me gifts that Regina doesn’t want?’
I laughed at myself and didn’t say anything. What was the point?
I went alone to get my medical report. Almost everyone in the hospital had been reassigned to care for Regina. I waited in the hallway for a long time. Finally, an intern walked in, looking a bit nervous and sorry.
"The car accident wasn’t too serious, just some scratches,” she said gently.
“But Miss Cooke, this was your second miscarriage. If you don’t take care of yourself properly, there could be long-term problems."
The intern looked like she wanted to say more. She might want to offer comfort to me. But before she could, someone called her to go do a prenatal checkup for Regina. I wasn’t trying to eavesdrop, but the conversation wasn't quiet either.
“Why are you acting so kind in front of her?” someone said.
“Everyone knows she’s just Mrs. Purnell in name. Miss White is the real one in Mr. Purnell’s heart.”
“Now that Miss White is pregnant, that poor woman will be kicked out soon.”
My fingers tightened around the report. Their words didn’t even hurt anymore. I was too numb.
Everywhere I went, whether at the company or outside, if someone dared to speak up for me, Regina would find a way to fire them. I didn’t want anyone to get in trouble just because of me. So, I quietly left, holding the medical report close to my chest.
On the taxi ride home, fireworks lit up the night sky. Bright and loud, as if celebrating something amazing. The driver looked out the window and smiled.
“I heard the wife of the president of Purnell Co. is pregnant,” he said.
“They're setting off fireworks for a whole month. That’s how rich people show love, huh?”
His words felt like knives. I turned away and stared at my phone to distract myself. Unfortunately for me, the news was everywhere.
[Michael Purnell donates millions to churches for them to bless his pregnant wife.]
[Mr. Purnell clears out the entire city’s baby stores as he’s preparing for his baby with his wife.]