“This won’t do. You should take off the tights too, just to be sure.”
Ian spun around, shock written all over his face. Paula’s expression froze, her embarrassment evident.
“Sherrie,” Ian stammered, standing up, his tone laced with surprise. “What… why are you here?”
I didn’t answer, my gaze fixed on him, my anger simmering.
Paula, playing the victim, spoke softly, “Sherrie, don’t misunderstand. Ian just drove me here to pick up some New Year’s items. I saw this store on the way and decided to stop in for a quick look.”
I let out a cold laugh and turned to Ian.
“You’re the same man who refused to buy sanitary napkins for your pregnant wife. And now you’re in a lingerie store? What’s the occasion? Aren’t you ashamed?”
Ian faltered, unable to respond.
Paula’s eyes reddened as she clung to her act. “Don’t argue. It’s all my fault. Ian, I’ve caused you trouble.”
What a picture-perfect white lotus she was.
I felt nauseous, my stomach churning, and turned to leave.
Ian grabbed my hand.
“Sherrie,” he said, his tone tinged with an unusual urgency.
“You’re still pregnant. Be careful—you might miscarry. Be a good girl and come home with me first. Things aren’t what you think.”
I turned to face him, my voice was cold. “Home? I don’t have a home anymore.”
He sighed, his face softening. “You’re still upset that I left you, aren’t you? Listen, after dropping Paula off, I went back to look for you, but you were already gone.”
A chill crept over me, freezing me to my core.
At that very moment, I was on an operating table. My child was already gone.
Ian glanced at me and suddenly laughed. “You lied about being in the hospital. Look at your belly—it’s fine.”
I forced a bitter smile, one filled with sorrow. He wasn’t blind. He simply didn’t care.
It didn’t matter if I had dressed up in new clothes or changed my hairstyle in the past, nor did it matter if I looked haggard and ghostly now.
To him, none of it ever mattered enough.
“Stop making a fuss. Let’s go home. I’ll make it up to you—and to the baby.”
His voice softened, carrying the same sincerity he’d once had when we were in love.
I stayed silent, hesitating. Deep down, I knew I needed someone to care for me right now.
My resolve wavered, and I finally nodded.
“Fine. I’ll go back with you.”
After checking out of the hotel, I climbed into the car and sat in the back seat without a word.