Chapter 4
Chapter 4
Phoenix quickly knocked over the water glass on her bedside table.
The shattering sound immediately drew Julian’s attention. He ignored the doctor, rushing to her side with concern evident in his features.
“Baby, you’re awake! Are you in pain anywhere?”
She shook her head slightly, her gaze moving past his shoulder to the doctor’s hesitant expression.
Julian finally relaxed, then turned to the doctor: “Doctor, what did you just say? I didn’t hear clearly.”
He sensed he’d missed something important.
The doctor was about to speak when Phoenix subtly shook her head.
Understanding, the doctor merely sighed, saying “The patient needs rest,” before leaving.
Now only Phoenix and Julian remained in the VIP hospital room.
Julian’s eyes brimmed with remorse as he reached to touch her face, but she turned away.
Immediately contrite, he apologized: “I’m sorry, baby. It’s my fault. I didn’t notice you’d fallen too. I thought…”
“Thank goodness you and the baby are alright. I’d never forgive myself otherwise.”
“I promise nothing like this will ever happen again. Don’t be angry with me, please?”
Phoenix observed his eyes–they seemed genuinely fearful.
In that moment, she found it profoundly ironic.
Every word he spoke sounded heartfelt, but which were true and which were lies?
“I’m tired,” she withdrew her hand and closed her eyes, unwilling to continue this charade.
Throughout her hospitalization, Julian remained constantly by her side.
He personally prepared broths, feeding her spoonful by spoonful; accompanied her to every examination, noting each of the doctor’s instructions; at night, he’d wake instantly at her slightest movement to ask what she needed.
Even the nurses commented they’d never seen such an attentive husband.
Yet Phoenix remained silent, often staring blankly out the window.
Julian attributed this to hormonal changes during pregnancy, becoming even more solicitous in his care.
The day of discharge, Julian had prepared a grand
Chapter 4
After dinner, he escorted her through luxury boutiques, immediately purchasing anything she glanced at twice.
As night fell, stunning fireworks suddenly illuminated the riverfront, forming the words “I love you” against the dark sky.
“Like it?” Julian whispered, embracing Phoenix from behind, his chin resting atop her head. “I arranged it especially for you.”
Phoenix gazed at the spectacular display, momentarily transported back to happier times. Back when Julian would go to such lengths to delight her, making her feel like the luckiest woman alive.
But as her hand unconsciously drifted to her now–flat stomach, the illusion shattered instantly.
“What’s wrong?” Julian noticed her stiffening and turned her to face him. “You’ve been so unhappy lately. I’m worried about you.”
He cradled her face, thumbs gently caressing her cheeks. “Would you consider seeing a therapist? Prenatal depression is common. You don’t have to bear this alone–you can tell me anything.”
Phoenix looked into his sincere eyes and suddenly asked, “If I’m completely honest with you, can you be one hundred percent honest with me?”
Julian hesitated briefly before smiling. “Of course, baby. We’re married–honesty is essential.”
Phoenix took a deep breath. “Then tell me this: I heard you had a first love you never got over, even years after the breakup.”
She met his gaze directly. “Have you moved on now?”
Julian’s expression froze instantly.
