Anya's lower lip trembled and her eyes glistened with fresh tears. "I just wanted to show how much I love you. Don't you want to stop sneaking around forever? Don't you want a family with me?"
His defenses crumbled immediately. Tristan exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. After a long pause, he took out his phone and typed something. Moments later, his own post went live: [Anya's child is mine. I'll give everyone an explanation soon.]
It was his first social media post in six years.
My stomach twisted as I scrolled through the comments that flooded in almost instantly:
[Mr. Anders has cared for a blind woman for six years. He's already done enough.]
[Tristan and Anya make such a perfect couple! Now they can finally have a real family.]
[Lucky Anya! Tristan is the dream husband!]
Anya beamed as she read the comments aloud to Tristan, her voice bubbling with excitement. Then, standing on tiptoes, she kissed his cheek, leaving a faint pink lipstick mark. Tristan smiled, though it didn't reach his eyes.
Suddenly, he glanced at his watch. "Wait here. I need to finish something inside."
By the time he returned to me, his expression was carefully neutral. "Zara, I ran into a friend earlier. Sorry for the delay. Let's get you checked in now."
His words flowed smoothly, but I could see the strain in his posture, the tightness in his jaw. He helped me into the examination room but didn't linger, excusing himself almost immediately.
The doctor who entered froze as soon as she saw me. Her eyes widened, her professional smile faltering. "Mrs. Anders?" she began, her voice hesitant.
I couldn't meet her gaze. Just a few days ago, she'd helped me with the abortion. Now, here I was, returning for a prenatal checkup. Finally, I stood, shaking my head. "I'm sorry. There's been a mistake."
I left the room before she could respond, my footsteps unsteady. As I passed the waiting area, I caught sight of them again—Tristan and Anya. He held her bag over one shoulder while his other hand rested protectively on her lower back. They were laughing together, their heads close as if sharing a private joke.
Something inside me snapped. I hailed a taxi outside the hospital, the driver's puzzled gaze lingering on my tear-streaked face.