As I called his nickname, he instantly relaxed, thinking that all was fine.
His eyes softened as he walked toward me. He leaned down to kiss me, but I turned my head slightly, and his lips grazed my cheek instead.
“I’m tired,” I said softly, pulling the covers over me. “It’s been a long day.”
Richard’s expression tightened, but he forced a smile. “Of course. You should rest.” There was flicker of irritation in his eyes, but he said nothing more.
His phone buzzed again. He grabbed it quickly, and his annoyed expression melted into a wide grin as he texted the person back.
Immediately he was done, he stood up from the bed, and grabbed his clothes in a hurry. “Something came up at the company,” he said, avoiding my eyes. “I’ll be back in a couple of hours.”
“Of course,” I replied coolly. “Take your time.”
Richard gave me a slight look of surprise. Previously, I would have complained about how he always had to leave late in the night for an urgent matter in the company, but now I was even telling him to take my time.
His phone buzzed again, and he shook off his confusion, and hurried to leave.
“I love you,” he mumbled as he hurried out of the door.
“And I hate you,” I murmured under my breath.
When I woke up the next morning, I realized that Richard didn’t return home. He probably spent the night at April’s place. But it didn’t bother me.
I prepared for my appointment with the hospital for the abortion.
As I sat on the bed at the hospital, my heart clenched within me. Could I really do this?
The doctor stood beside me,
“Are you sure about this, June?” she asked gently.
I opened my mouth to say yes, but the word wouldn’t come out. My hand instinctively moved to my stomach. I thought of Ethan–his bright smile, his little hands holding mine, the way he called me “Mommy.” The joy I had felt because of him.
Tears welled in my eyes. I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t end this life.
“I… I’ve changed my mind,” I whispered. “I can’t go through with it.”
The doctor gave a soft nod. “That’s okay. Take your time. You can leave whenever you’re ready.” My baby deserved a chance. No matter the darkness surrounding me, this child was a part of me–a part of Ethan. I wouldn’t let anyone take that away.
As I walked down the hall, lost in thought, I heard a familiar voice laughing. I looked up and froze.
He Chose My Stepsister. So I Chose His Brother
37.00
7:38 pm
Richard and April.
They were walking out of the antenatal ward, smiling at each other like they were the only people in the world. Richard’s hand was resting on April’s lower back as he leaned in close, whispering something that made her giggle.
My blood ran cold. April’s hand was resting on her stomach, and my eyes widened in disbelief.
She was pregnant.
They saw me before I could turn away. April’s face paled.
“June!” She rushed toward me, her eyes wide with fake concern. “I… I was just–Richard came tc assist me for my antenatal visit.”
“Don’t apologize, April,” Richard interrupted her gently, as he placed a hand on her shoulder. Hi eyes shone with warmth and affection as he looked at her. “You did nothing wrong.”
I gave them a smile. “Yes, you’re right, Richard. She did nothing wrong.”
I stood there, numb, watching them. The way he looked at her… the way he protected her… it was everything he had once promised me.
They were both surprised. In the past when I saw them too close, I always got jealous or complained. But Richard always scolded me for being too paranoid and insecure about my own sister.
“We were dating previously, but she’s married, and so am I. We’re just close friends now, nothing more.” He always told me.
Richard turned to me, “We’ll talk at home, June. Let me drop April off.”
I didn’t even hesitate. “Please take your time.” I said to him, brushing past them.
“And congratulations on your pregnancy, April.” I called coldly from over my shoulder, leaving th two of them standing there with surprised looks on their faces.
Richard must have felt that something was very wrong, because he came home very early that night.
“You’re early,” I commented, without glancing up from the book on my hand as I lay on the bed.
“Yes, I finished early today, I rushed back home to spend time with my wonderful wife.” He said leaning to kiss me, but again, I shifted my head, causing him to kiss my cheeks instead.
Richard paused for a moment, watching me, but I kept my attention on the book I was pretending to read.
“I feel like we haven’t been spending enough time together. I’ll need to take some days off.” H said softly, his eyes shone with care and concern.
I shrugged nonchalantly. “You’ve been busy at the company. So I understand.” I replied coolly.
Richard furrowed his eyebrows at me in surprise. He knew it was unlike me. I had always wanted him to take a break from the company so that we could spend time together.
“What’s going on, June?” He asked, “Why are you acting this way?”
Chapter 3
