Chapter 4

Ignoring Serena's taunt, I turned and ran toward the gynecology department.

Only when I saw the words "everything is normal" did I go limp, like a deflated ball, and sink to the floor.

So for three years I had felt guilty over not being able to have a child.

Handing over my paycheck, taking on all the housework, working myself to the bone to earn money as if to atone—what had any of it been for?

Just because Reuben wanted to keep himself pure, I had been forced to endure the scorn of relatives, the nagging of my mother-in-law, and to be stripped of my right to become a mother.

This complete and utter scam—I was the only one quietly keeping to it.

When I left the hospital, Serena was already gone. By the time I took a taxi home, Reuben still hadn't come back.

A powerful sense of emptiness settled over me, as if some invisible hand were freely moving the pieces on the chessboard of my life.

Wherever he pointed, that was where I placed my piece.

I wasn't willing to accept it!

As a child I had watched both my parents die, and as an orphan I had propped myself up step by step to get where I was today.

Along the way, how many times had I thought of giving up, and how many times had I gathered my resolve again—all so my fate wouldn't end up in someone else's hands.

I was going to take back control of my life!

The next day, Reuben came to my door full of apology.

"Lucy, the company called me in on an emergency yesterday. I was tied up until very late—I didn't leave you behind on purpose."

So it seemed he had no idea Serena had come to see me alone. A woman's jealousy, indeed.

In that case, I raised an understanding smile.

"It's fine, Reuben. I've got some good news for you today. The project's about to wrap up. Once the company signs off on it, we'll go on a trip."

"Really?!"

Reuben excitedly grabbed my shoulders.

I lowered my eyes and coldly scanned his hands—he probably hadn't even noticed anything was off himself.

The physical contact he usually avoided at all costs was now thrown out of his mind entirely, all because he was so close to scraping together the engagement money to marry the one that got away.

And just as I'd said, everything went very smoothly after that.

Serena didn't bother me again either.

Bonus in hand, I immediately started a vacation of a little under two weeks.

The moment the plane landed, Reuben dug out the itinerary he'd put together and eagerly described the route ahead.

The first few days were all sightseeing stops, but from about a week in the plan turned more intense.

It was only when he got to the last item, paragliding, that my eyes flickered.

After I discovered Reuben's scheme, I'd quietly had someone look into him.

About half a year ago, he had gotten his paragliding instructor certification.

When he finished, his eyes were full of longing as he looked at me. "Lucy, I've got a surprise ready for you on the last day. Are you looking forward to it?"

"I am," I answered, giving him a smile in return.

I'm curious too, Reuben.

When you're at your closest to your goal, and you lose everything—will that blow be fatal enough?