Chapter 3
When I returned home from visiting my parents' graves, it was already dusk, and Ian still hadn't come back. He hadn't called or sent a message all day because of his visit to the antique shop.
Occasional sharp pains shot through my belly, and I no longer felt the baby's heartbeat. My memories were starting to blur. Exhausted from the day, I drifted into a deep, hazy sleep filled with a long, vivid dream.
In the dream, I saw a boy who was kind, always understanding and supportive. We had once promised by the sea to stay together forever, never to part. Yet, his face was unclear, always shrouded in mist. I also dreamed of a little girl with pigtails wearing a floral dress. I reached out to touch her, but no matter how hard I tried, she remained out of reach.
Eventually, Ian shook me awake. As I opened my eyes, he pulled me into a tight embrace, his eyes full of concern. "Did you have a bad dream? Don't worry, I'm here..."
Leaning against Ian's chest, I took deep breaths, realizing I was drenched in cold sweat. The sunlight pierced my eyes painfully as I pulled away from his arms.
"I dreamed something terrible happened to the baby, Ian. I heard the wish antique store can make miracles happen. Please, take me there. I want this baby to be born safely."
Ian's face changed instantly, and he instinctively blurted out, "No." Realizing his abruptness, he quickly added, "That's just a rumor; we don't know if it's true. Besides, pawning requires an equivalent exchange. You only get one chance in a lifetime. It's not that simple."
"If it's possible, I'd want to save that chance for when you face greater danger in the future."
"Stop worrying so much. I promise to make sure our child is born safely."
Ian's words were full of emotion, but my heart felt like it was being squeezed, the pain unbearable. He was lying. He had already pawned my unborn child for Whitley; how could he ensure the baby's safe birth now?
Watching Ian, I found it almost laughable, recalling the day I found out I was pregnant. Back then, he was overjoyed, eyes alight with anticipation, holding me tightly. "Daniella, I promise to protect you and the baby with my life."
Words that once echoed lovingly now seemed to mock my foolishness. Pain seized my heart, leaving me breathless, my mind blank. Even when he suggested inviting Whitley to stay, I didn't object.
Seeing my despondent state, Whitley couldn't hide her sneer. She waited until Ian was away before lowering her voice, "I heard Ian tried everything to fix my eyes, even went to the antique store."
"And the next day, my eyes started to improve. Guess what he pawned?"
I stared coldly at her, silent. Seeing me unmoved, Whitley's smug expression wavered. "You know, Ian has liked me since we were kids. If it weren't for his brother, we would have been together long ago."
She leaned in suddenly, grabbing my hand tightly. "If you don't believe me, I'll make sure you see the truth today."
Pain shot through my wrist, and I instinctively tried to pull my hand back, only to see her suddenly stagger backward, losing her balance and falling heavily. The crash echoed as Ian rushed downstairs, his face full of worry as he helped Whitley up.
"Whitley, are you hurt?" Whitley clung to his sleeve, her voice tinged with tears. "I just wanted to say hello to Daniella. I didn't think I'd upset her..."
Hearing this, Ian's brows furrowed, his gaze turning to me, filled with reproach. "How could you push her?"
I was stunned, a wave of bitterness washing over me. "I didn't push her; she..."
"Enough!" Ian cut me off, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Stop making excuses. Whitley's too kind to fall on her own. It's you who's always so petty and jealous!"
His words extinguished all my grievances, leaving only despair. The tears and words bottled up inside vanished in an instant.
Whitley continued to sob quietly, her shoulders trembling, looking utterly pitiable—except when she glanced at me with a look full of provocation.
Anyway, I was leaving soon. Let it be.
I didn’t argue further and went upstairs, dialing Greyson’s number. "When the time comes, come and get me."
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