“Elle, don’t worry. I’ll be there on the day the baby is born. I’ll definitely witness the birth.”
Ethan’s voice was subdued as he looked down.
I didn’t respond, so he added, “Elle, isn’t it more important to care for someone who is about to leave this world than a child who isn’t even here yet? Cass… Cassie really only has one month left. She said her last wish is to spend this time with me.”
“She has no one but me.”
Ethan’s voice carried an undeniable tenderness and concern for Cassie.
“How will you spend this time? Like a married couple?”
He paused, looking taken aback. “How could that be? You and I are the ones married.”
Seeing his bewildered face, my heart ached.
Ethan stood up and gathered me in his arms, trying to comfort me. He spoke slowly, reaffirming that he was mine—“Ethan will always belong to Ellie.”
The weight of my nine-month pregnancy made me feel trapped and uncomfortable.
I asked a question that felt sharp and pointed. “Ethan, if Cassie dies the day our baby is born, which one will you choose?”
It was an inappropriate question, but I couldn’t hold it back.
With my face pressed against his chest, I could clearly hear his heartbeat, and I felt Ethan’s body go rigid.
His rapid heartbeat made me dizzy.
Ethan grabbed my shoulders, pulling me out of his embrace. “Elle, how could you ask such a question? Cass isn’t dead yet. Are you wishing her harm?”
His expression was dark, and his voice was thick with suppressed anger.
I didn’t mean to upset him; I just wanted to understand where I and the baby stood in Ethan’s priorities.
His response had entirely ignored our child.
Ethan seemed to see me as a heartless person, his face growing colder. “Elle, I’m asking for your opinion out of respect. I even knelt to beg you.”
“Why can’t you try to understand Cassie’s situation? Can’t you feel some sympathy for her?”
Just because she’s dying, am I supposed to lend my husband to her? Why should I?
Ethan pushed me away, staring at me coldly. "Let’s both calm down."
He turned and left, without a trace of hesitation.
"Ethan, come back!" I shouted, my voice growing harsh.
But he didn’t turn around; I could only watch his back as it disappeared.
The sound of the door slamming shut completely separated us.
The deafening noise nearly made my heart stop.
The prickling sensation in my chest spread throughout my body, gathering in my swollen belly.
I hunched over, cradling my stomach, and whispered to myself, "It’s okay, Mommy is here."