I couldn’t help but answer shortly, “I am good.”
Fortunately, the fire was quickly handled, so only part of the ER area was affected.
Soon, the patients were asked to return to the ward.
Dominic said he would take Courtney back to her room and accompanied her for a while, so I immediately said that I wanted to go back home first.
On the way home, I opened one of social media, X, and saw Courtney posted a photo with the caption that read, “Thank you for saving me. I don’t know what I would do if I didn’t have you, my Alpha.”
Then, as if not satisfied, she also uploaded a photo on WhatsApp which showed a little of my husband's shoulder.
A week ago, I felt betrayed and confronted him. But then, it seemed like just another exhausting task, another obstacle in a race I no longer wanted to win.
Even when I knew Dominic chose to stay at the hospital, a surprising sense of detachment came over me. I suddenly realized that his presence or absence barely affected my emotions anymore. I didn't feel as sad when he wasn't around.
Perhaps, it happened because I started to know the truth that I was just a replacement. Then the subsequent miscarriage was likely a sign that having a child with Dominic wouldn't be good for either me or the baby.
***
At home, I prepared dinner as always. But even after the sun had set and day turned into night, there was no sign of Dominic returning.
Suddenly, my mobile rang. A message came from my husband.
[Dominic: Sorry, I have to accompany Courtney tonight.]
I did not answer nor questioned him more about it, I only ate the dinner in silence.
On the next day, when I ate my breakfast, I happened to see Courtney X's post again.
It was a photo of her with a candy apple in the familiar front passenger seat of Dominic's car. The caption read, “Thanks for the candy apples, my Alpha.”
My fingers hovered motionless over the screen.
I didn’t have any appetite anymore and went to my room to continue my part-time work as a graphic designer.
I used to be so busy with my job. But when I knew that I was pregnant, I just accepted one client for a week.
However, that day, I decided to accept as many as I could to distract my wolf who seemed disturbed by Courtney’s post.
But not long after, the study was opened and my husband kissed my check as if nothing happened, which made my wolf calm for a moment.