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Chapter 5
Eric was missing all night once more. After Lina posted that message on Instagram, she deleted the app—she couldn’t bear to see Bonnie’s provocations any longer. However, Bonnie, relentless as ever, didn’t stop. She sent Lina a direct message.
“Lina, quit pretending. I know you’ve found out about me and Eric.”
“He loves me now. Soon, I’ll be the most important person in his life. Just wait until you’re left behind.”
“If you don’t believe me, check Instagram.”
When Lina read the word “left behind,” she couldn’t hold back anymore–she dissolved into tears. All the emotions she’d been suppressing burst forth in that instant. Although she had planned to let go first, it still felt like she was being abandoned–not by Eric, but by love itself.
With shaky hands, she reinstalled Instagram. She was determined to see why Bonnie was so sure she could take her place. Bonnie had posted three updates in a row, each one cutting deeper into Lina’s heart.
“It’s my husband’s birthday today. As his wife, of course I need to take care of his brothers.”
The photo showed Bonnie surrounded by everyone at the dining table. She perched on Eric’s lap, and he leaned in to give her a passionate kiss.
“This marks the fourth birthday I’ve celebrated with him. We’ll have
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many more four-year stretches in the future.”
The photos that followed were birthday pictures from each year, neatly arranged in a series of four on the screen.
“This is the greatest birthday present I’ve ever given him. Congratulations to my husband. He’s going to be a father!”
The next images showed a positive pregnancy test and a side profile of Eric smiling.
Instead of feeling angry, Lina laughed. It seemed Eric’s friends knew Bonnie too. They had been together for four years, and now Bonnie was expecting Eric’s twins.
She didn’t bother turning on the light. Clad in thin clothing, she sat on a cold chair, repeatedly scrutinizing each photo Bonnie had shared. Each glance felt like a slow form of torture, yet she couldn’t tear herself away. She despised herself for being naïve all those four years and trusting Eric’s promises.
Lina had become used to Eric being away overnight. She eventually drifted off just before dawn and slept until afternoon, when Eric woke her.
“You little sleepyhead, how can you sleep so much? Breakfast is ready, come on, get up!”
Eric leaned down to kiss her cheek, and Lina quickly acted like she was just waking up. Oddly enough, she didn’t feel any sadness seeing him now. The old Lina seemed to have vanished in Bonnie’s Instagram posts and during those five years when she loved Eric most.
“I’m hungry anyway. Let’s go cat.”
Before she could put on her shoes, Eric picked her up and carried her
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to the bathroom.
“Honey, let me assist you while you freshen up.”
Lina didn’t resist, just let him carry her stiffly. She thought, “After today, Eric, we’ll be strangers. Save this kind of affection for Bonnic and your child. I’m leaving your life.”
As Lina went downstairs, Eric was rushing up, looking tense. When he came back, he’d been too preoccupied with cooking to notice the changes at home. It wasn’t until he entered the study that he realized many things were missing. Lina’s cherished ornaments, the rocking chair she often used, even the trophies she took pride in.
“Honey, why is the study empty of your stuff?”
Lina simply smiled as she continued her way downstairs.
“I’m planning to renovate the house soon, so I stashed away some important things.”
Eric was skeptical–she’d never mentioned anything about renovating before. But if that’s what she wanted, he’d go along with it. Still, he couldn’t quite grasp why only her belongings were packed. Lina didn’t let him ponder it for long, guiding him to the dining table.
Although she had little appetite, Lina made herself taste a bit of cach dish. As she watched Eric busy in the kitchen, she spoke softly, “Eric, you’ll be at tomorrow’s new book launch, right?”
Eric nodded, smiling back at her.
“Of course, I wouldn’t miss your final book launch as a writer.
“Honey, after tomorrow, how about we go abroad to relax?”
