Chapter 2

Felix always loved watching international news channels, and I used to find it puzzling. However, just the other day, a particular story caught my attention. A female war correspondent from our country had been kidnapped by terrorists while reporting in the field.

In an instant, I recognized her, Megan Fox, the well-known anchor on that international channel.

As I sat on the couch, my pregnant belly round and full, enjoying a slice of cantaloupe and feeling sorry for the journalist, Felix suddenly panicked, knocking over the fruit bowl. When he stood up, his knee collided hard with the corner of the coffee table.

The thud was so loud that my belly tightened instinctively, but Felix seemed oblivious to the pain. He stiffly made his way to the kitchen for a glass of water but accidentally pressed the hot water button, scalding himself and smashing the cup in response.

He rushed to rinse his mouth with cold water to cool down, then bolted back to the bedroom, slamming the door shut behind him.

An hour later, Felix abruptly emerged from his room. "I... I have to go on a business trip," he stammered.

I tightened my grip on the cantaloupe but remained calm as I stood up. "Felix, my due date is in a couple of days. It's really not a good time for you to be traveling. What if I go into labor?

"You know my mom passed away giving birth to my brother. I'm really scared of the whole process.

"You've been so excited about our daughter's arrival. Don't you want her to see her dad as the first thing when she opens her eyes?"

Felix's expression faltered for a moment, but he quickly regained his composure. "This business trip is really important to me. I have to go, but don't worry, I'll be back before you give birth."

I offered him a smile, even as the contractions in my belly intensified, liquid beginning to trickle down my legs.

"I'll hold you to that, but listen, Felix. You have to take responsibility for whatever happens while you're gone. I won't be cleaning up your mess."

Maybe it was the seriousness in my tone, but Felix visibly trembled.

"I promise I'll be safe and return," he vowed, as if sealing a pact.

With that, he rushed back to his room, hurriedly grabbing a couple of items before putting on his shoes and heading for the door.

As he was about to leave, I couldn't help but call after him, my heart softening. "Wait, Felix."

He turned slightly, irritation flickering in his eyes. "Didn't you just say I could go? Why are you stopping me now?"

I clenched my fists, the pain in my belly growing sharper, but I managed to stay composed. "You forgot your passport."

I dragged myself to the bedroom, clutching my leaking water, and retrieved his passport, handing it over along with a bank card—the one that contained the salary he'd sent me throughout our seven years of marriage.

Felix's hand trembled as he took the passport and bank card, his eyes glistening with emotion.

For a fleeting second, I thought he might stay.

But he stuffed the passport and card into his bag and solemnly vowed again, "I will make it back before you give birth."

With that, he slammed the door behind him and hurried out.

Listening to the sound of the door echoing in the empty house, I simply picked up my phone and dialed 119, contacting the maternity center.

I mused, "How could a man too oblivious to even notice my water breaking think he could make such promises? It's utterly ridiculous."