Chapter 6
Selena went straight into Lillian’s room, which was right next to mine.
Lillian must’ve been too shocked to see her. They hugged each other and cried together for a while. They didn’t even bother shutting the door, so I could hear everything.
“Selena, where have you been these past three years? I’ve missed you so much I can’t even sleep!”
“Mom, I’m fine. I’ve been living overseas. Colin visits me every month. I’m expecting with his baby now.”
“What? That’s wonderful! I’m going to be a grandmother!”
Lillian was so happy that she stomped her feet. But then, Selena’s eyes filled with tears, and she suddenly dropped to her knees.
“I’m sorry, Mom. I couldn’t be by your side all this time. I was ignorant. back then. I was scared Naomi would take you away from me, so I tried to frighten her. I didn’t expect she’d fight back so hard and anger those thugs.
“I know I hurt Naomi, but now I’m carrying Colin’s child. I don’t want the baby to be born out of wedlock. Please help me.
Lillian quickly helped Selena up, crying as well.
“It wasn’t your fault. No one can accept the fall from grace.
“Now that you’re having Colin’s child, you shouldn’t have to stay hidden. That case is closed, and all the proof has been destroyed. Even if Naomi wants to overturn the case, she can’t do anything!
12:13
Chaper &
“She’s been Mrs. Fernandez long enough. It’s your turn now. I’ll host a grand homecoming banquet in three days and explain to everyone that you’ve just been studying abroad.”
“Thank you, Mom…”
They cried and hugged again until a maid came to remind them. Lillian. left, her eyes red.
Selena put on her mask and hat again and walked out. But she ran into Colin on the way.
He looked shocked and pulled her aside quickly. “What are you doing. here? I told you not to come.”
His voice was low and tense, and Selena didn’t like it.
“Why can’t I visit my mom? It’s her birthday! Can’t I see her? Even if I was locked up, I should be free now!”
“Selena, that’s not what I meant. It’s just that Naomi-
“Naomi again? If you’re so scared of her, why are you still helping me? The case is over! Just tell me–are you going to marry me or not? If not, I’ll terminate the child right now!”
Upon hearing that, Colin looked alarmed.
“Don’t say that. This is our child. You can’t just decide that!
“Let’s talk about everything after the baby is born, okay?”
I heard everything, but I felt nothing.
Because in three days, I’d be gone for good.
***
12140
Colin had started staying out again, and I no longer cared.
That morning, I left early for the Fernandez Group.
There was something I had to take back before I left for good.
A wandering nun had once given me a safety amulet, saying it would always protect me. I wore it every day–until Colin was nearly killed by someone from a business rival.
I gave my amulet to him, hoping it would protect him.
I had looked everywhere in the house for it recently, but it was nowhere to be found.
I figured he might’ve left it at the company.
Since he hadn’t come home, I decided to find him myself.
When I got to his office, Colin was still in a meeting, so I waited inside
alone.
A photo frame sat on the desk, holding a photo of the two of us.
It was taken the day Colin dragged me out to fly a kite. He tripped and fell, but I was laughing.
I felt a little annoyed when I looked at it. I couldn’t understand why he’d choose such an awkward moment to display.
I was about to check if there was another photo behind it when the door suddenly swung open.
Someone walked in, but it wasn’t Colin.
It was Selena.
