bBeckett /bcouldn’t shake the bfeeling /bbthat /bsomething was boff /bbwith /bbEdith today/b.

Usually, bshe /bbdrifted /bthrough the day bwith /ba kind of listless detachment, her eyes dull, bher /benergy muted. bBut /btodayb, /bbshe /bwas different–there was a sharpness to herb, /bba /bbhidden /bedge bbeneath /bher calm.-

bBut /bBeckett bdidn’t /bhave time to dwell on Edith’s mood. Right now, the only thing that mattered bwas /bthe baby Salome was carrying.

bIf he /bbcould /bsave this baby, he could go back to Edith, put an end to this mess, and get his life back on track.

“Edith, bI /bknow I was reckless. I admit it, alright? But this isn’t the time to argue about that. I’m begging you, please–ask Dr. White toe. The Sumner family can make it happen!”

A bitter smile lingered on Edith’s lips.

For the past three years of their marriage, she and Beckett had tried everything to have a child. They’d seen countless specialists, and it wasn’t as if they hadn’t considered reaching out to Dr. White.

But favors like that–they were the hardest debts to repay.

The Sumner family had already racked up more than enough debts during their years of hardship.

Edith had always been considerate of her father, Jayne Kearney. Even though she desperately wanted a child with Beckett, she had never gone to them for help–never asked them to call in Dr. White.

Beckett knew all of this.

She’d once thought Beckett was gentle with her, that he cared for her, that he

cherished her.

Only now did she understand–all that tenderness was only wishful thinking on her

part.

Now, to save the child growing in Salome’s womb, Beckett was willing to push Edith to the edge–without a second thought.

When Edith went silent, Beckett’sposure started to crack.

“Listen, Edith–if you can save your sister–inw’s baby, I will find the bestwyer for

b1/3 /b

b15:04 /b

byour /bfather’s bcase/b. bI /bbpromise /bbyou /bthat!”

This btime/bb, /bbEdith’s /bbbitter /bbsmile /bbspread /bbbeyond her /bblips/bb–/bbshe /bbcould /btaste bthe /bbbitterness /bat bthe /bbback /bbof /bbher throat/b.

bShe /bbhad /bbbegged /bbBeckett /bfor help with her father’s trial more than once.

bThe Vance /bfamily had always answered her with vague promises and empty

breassurances/bb. /b

bNow/bb, /bsuddenly, to save Salome’s baby, Beckett was willing to do anything.

bEdith /bbit her lip and forced out a single word. “Fine.”

She called her father. He agreed without hesitation.

That only made Edith’s heart ache more.

The Sumner family was in dire straits, but Jayne didn’t want Edith to suffer in the Vance household. Even though it was a huge favor to ask, he agreed instantly, trying to sound cheerful as he reassured her, “Edith, if you ever need anything, don’t hesitate to ask your family. That’s what we’re here for–we’re your parents.”

Edith fought back tears, not wanting anyone to see her break down. Still, when she said goodbye, Jayne could hear that something was wrong.

“Edith, are you alright? Is something wrong?” His voice was gentle, worried.

Edith forced a smile, “I’m fine, Dad. Just feeling a bit under the weather–my period started, and I have some cramps.”

She hung up quickly. It wasn’t a lie. Her period had arrived, and the pain in her lower abdomen was so sharp she could barely stand. She crouched on the floor, huddled in a corner, trying to ease the agony.

When she finally stood up, she could feel people’s eyes on her.

She had worn light blue jeans that day. There were blood stains in the most embarrassing ce. Gritting her teeth, she pulled herself together and made her way to the women’s restroom.

She called Beckett.

“Can you bring me some hygiene products? And a fresh pair of pants? I’m in the ER women’s restroom.”

On the other end, Beckett didn’t seem to care. Instead, he sounded impatient. “Salome’s in a lot of pain right now. What did Dr. White say? Is heing?”

b213 /b

b15:04 /b

Edith was so dizzy with pain she thought she might pass out. Leaning against the wall, her lips pale, she managed to say, “Dr. White agreed. Now can you please bring me the things I asked for?* Her voice was so weak anyone could hear it.

Just then, Salome’s dramatic sobs echoed through the phone. “Beckett, it hurts so much! Is our baby going to be okay? If anything happens, I can’t go on!”

Beckett hung up in a hurry, tossing out, “Salome’s not doing well right now. Don’t bother me with these trivial things! Figure it out yourself.”

Staring at her phone, Edith let out a bitterugh. So, in the face of Salome’s “I can’t go on,” every problem of Edith’s had be trivial?

But people who truly want to die don’t say it out loud, do they?

When Edith had gotten the news of her husband’s death, she hadn’t said a word for over a month. She hadn’t had the strength to put on a show for anyone, let alone talk about wanting to die.

She remembered first meeting Beckett, how she’d always been sensitive to most hygiene products. Every time her period came, Beckett would go from store to store, searching for her preferred brand.

Now, she couldn’t even stand upright, her face drained of color as she sat hunched over on the toilet, but her gaze was unflinching. She dialed her father’s number again. “Dad, let’s settle my marriage as soon as possible.”