The Lost Baby And The Resign Papers

While packing my bags to head back to the city, a document fell out of my wife's bag.

That was how I found out she had secretly applied to stay with the rural medical team permanently.

All of this was for the sake of her first love.

Ever since they crossed paths at the clinic a while ago, she had become incredibly cold toward me.

She even used the excuse of being unwell to secretly deal with the baby I had been longing for.

While I was busy processing our paperwork to return to the city, she had already rented a house in the village and swapped her supplies.

She said her goodbyes and exchanged gifts with every colleague who came here with us.

The only person she didn't tell about her plan to stay behind was me.

On the morning of the departure, I walked out with only my own suitcase, ignoring her bewildered expression.

She looked at me in total shock, her eyes searching mine as if asking how I knew she was staying.

I didn't give her a word. I simply handed her the divorce papers along with a promotion list that had her first love's name on it.

...

"Silas! Your wife fell down the south slope! She's covered in blood, get over there now!"

The Chief's shout made the spoon in my hand clatter onto the stove.

She actually did it. She had personally gotten rid of our child.

The pain in my heart was so intense it went numb.

The Chief looked at my stunned face, sighed in frustration, and dragged me toward the south slope.

Blood stained her blue denim jacket, and Lillian's face was deathly pale.

Yet, I couldn't find a single ounce of pity in my heart.

The only thing that stung my eyes was the deep crimson soaking into the yellow dirt beneath her.

"Silas... our baby..."

As soon as she spoke, tears began to fall.

She looked so broken, as if this hadn't been her own deliberate choice.

I didn't offer a single word of comfort.

I just knelt beside her calmly and checked her pulse.

A part of me was still desperate. I hoped the child might be strong enough to survive.

But in the end, there was only disappointment. I couldn't feel a trace of the life that had been there.

"Chief, please use the tractor to take Lillian to the town hospital."

Seeing that I hadn't said a word to her, Lillian's tears fell even faster out of perceived grievance.

She reached out and grabbed the corner of my jacket. "Silas, are you blaming me for not taking care of our baby?"

I let out a cold laugh, my hands clenched so tight they shook as I looked at her frowning face.

It wasn't blame. It was hate.

I had waited for this child for so long.

I thought I would be taking the woman I loved and our child back to a home that belonged to us.

I told myself I had been happy all these years.

Now I realize it was all just a pathetic delusion.

"No. Right now, your health is the priority. We can talk about other things later."

"I really didn't mean it. Please don't be angry, okay?"

Lillian's humble, pained act was more than the Chief could stand.

He punched me lightly on the shoulder, signaling for me to wrap her in a blanket.

I did it, but with zero warmth in my heart.

The moment we reached the hospital, she was rushed into the emergency room.

Looking at the dried blood on my hands, I let out a bitter laugh.

Did she really think saying she was sorry or that she didn't mean it would earn my forgiveness?

A while back, when she was gagging during dinner, I knew she was pregnant.

To make sure both she and the baby were okay, I suggested going for a check-up.

Lillian had jumped up aggressively and thrown a pack of sanitary pads at my face.

"Silas, have you gone crazy wanting a kid? I'm on my period, how could I be pregnant?"

She even punched her own stomach twice to prove her point.

I had rushed forward to stop her, terrified she might hurt herself.

I thought she just wasn't ready to be a mother yet and decided to wait until she was comfortable before bringing it up again.

But last night, I found those permanent residency papers in her bag.

Only then did I realize she refused to admit the pregnancy because she didn't want me or the baby to be her burden.

I spent the whole night tossing and turning, wondering if there was some misunderstanding.

This morning, I decided to go to the village office to confirm things.

At the bend in the road, I ran into a local woman who waved at me from a distance.

During our chat, I found out that while I was busy with the relocation paperwork, Lillian had already rented a house.

She had even given out farewell gifts and had a private dinner to celebrate staying behind.

I don't even remember how I walked back. My head was filled with what I was going to say to her.

But before I could speak, she severed our last connection herself.

Tears blurred my vision, and a wave of agony washed over me.

Just as I was about to punch the wall in rage, the doctor walked out.

"The baby was already gone by the time she arrived. The mother needs a lot of rest, or it might be hard for her to conceive again."

Hearing the confirmation that the child was gone made me stumble back.

That baby could have seen the world. He wouldn't have had to suffer.

Everything was supposed to get better, but because Dominic showed up, my happiness turned into a shadow.

Since she loves Dominic so much that she's willing to trash her own body for him, why should I keep trying?

I pulled the paperwork for her return to the city out of my pocket and tore it into pieces.

I arrived in this rural town a year before Lillian did. By the time she came, I was already working at the town clinic.

Other than helping out during the harvest, I mostly spent my time at the clinic.

When she first arrived, she was severely ill from the change in environment, and a colleague asked me to check on her.

She didn't cry or complain despite the pain; she just bit her lip, her face pale.

I was instantly drawn to that delicate yet resilient look of hers.

From then on, whenever I finished my shift at the clinic, I'd come back to help her with her chores.

In return, she would bring me meals.

It was the best food I had eaten in my three years out here.

Since I didn't do farm work, I wasn't allowed to eat from the communal kitchen with the other volunteers.

I didn't know how to cook, so I lived on dry bread and water every day.

I wasn't starving, but I wasn't eating well either.

When Lillian found out, she offered to cook for me on her small stove if I provided the grain.

She was worried about gossip, so she insisted on renting the room next to mine.

I tried to help her with the rent, but she refused.

Seeing her efforts warmed my heart.

Unknowingly, feelings began to bloom. I felt a pang of jealousy whenever she talked to anyone else.

Unable to hold it back any longer, I confessed my feelings to her.

I closed my eyes, waiting for her to reject me, but instead, she kissed me on the cheek.

The very next day, we filed our marriage application.

Our wedding was simple, but it was filled with the hope we both had for our future.

I thought we would return to the city together and build a great life.

I never imagined that in her eyes, I could never measure up to Dominic.

Dominic arrived six months ago, and the moment he appeared, he stole Lillian's attention.

When she found out Dominic was also working at the clinic, she begged and pleaded for me to get her a job there too.

At first, I didn't realize what was happening. It just so happened that the girl who handled the records had left to have a baby.

I talked to the director and got Lillian the job.

After she started, she began making an extra portion of food every day.

She even added an eggDsomething I usually saved for herDto take to the clinic.

That food was for Dominic.

When I found out, I hugged her from behind, feeling jealous. "Honey, I want an egg too."

Her hand froze for a second. Then she turned around and kissed my cheek.

"Dominic isn't in good health, Silas. We're from the same hometown; we should help each other. You're not that petty, right?"

Every time I saw her shy, sweet smile, my frustration would vanish.

Thinking back on it now, my smile is only bitter.

In the end, I could never compete with the man she had loved for years.

From now on, we'll walk different paths.

After getting Lillian settled into her hospital room, I headed toward the clinic.

Since I had decided to leave early, I needed to hand over my responsibilities.

After making all the arrangements, I bought some food and headed back to the hospital.

As I stood at the door, I heard her humming a cheerful tune from inside.

Anger surged through me.

Was she really that happy now that the baby was gone?

I kicked the door open. The smile on Lillian's face froze, replaced instantly by a pitiful pout.

"Silas, can't you be a little more gentle? You scared me."

There was a hint of resentment in her eyes, but not a shred of guilt.

I almost laughed at myself.

If she felt guilty, she wouldn't have been heartless enough to do what she did.

Earlier, while the Chief was away getting the tractor, I had talked to Chloe, who had been on the hill with Lillian.

Lillian had sought out Chloe right after waking up.

She wanted Chloe to go up the mountain with her to gather firewood for the winter.

Chloe had been confused. "Aren't you guys moving back to the city? Why do you need winter wood?"

"Who knows if we'll actually get to leave? It's better to be prepared," Lillian had replied vaguely.

A moment later, she had "accidentally" tumbled down the slope.

Chloe had kept apologizing to me, blaming herself. "She shouldn't have fallen, but I shouted and startled her."

I had my suspicions before, but after Chloe's explanation, everything was clear.

Lillian just wanted a witness to prove that losing the baby was an accident.

Now that I saw through her game, the last bit of love I had for her died.

I took a few deep breaths to shove down the bitterness.

"Eat your dinner. I'll go out and buy you some fruit."

I opened the lunchbox and held it out to her, but she swiped it out of my hand, sending it crashing to the floor.

"Silas, do you even love me anymore? I just had a miscarriage, and you buy me this cheap, nutritionless junk?"

She glared at me, looking like a total stranger.

She looked nothing like the girl who used to cling to my arm and act sweet.

Since we got married, she had been in charge of all our money.

Every month, I only kept a tiny bit for myself and gave her the rest.

Today, after paying her hospital bills, I only had enough left for this one meal.

The cafeteria lady had even given me a discount because I looked so stressed.

Watching the food scattered on the floor made my heart ache.

What a pathetic waste of food.

She didn't see the tears welling in my eyes. She climbed out of bed and pinched my waist hard.

"I want pork rib soup. Go buy it for me now."

"Did you hear me? Now! Right now!"

She kept pushing me, but I didn't look at her. I just stared at the food on the floor.

Infuriated, she moved to stomp on it.

I shoved her aside, my hands trembling as I scooped the rice and vegetables off the floor and ate them.

So many people are starving, and she treats food like this.

Tears finally fell. Not out of humiliation, but out of pure heartbreak.

"Silas, you're disgusting! You're eating off the floor? Are you a pig?"

"I'm telling you, if I don't get my soup, don't even dream about me going back to the city with you."

I ignored her and kept eating.

Lillian was livid. She knelt down, shoveled the rest of the dirty food into the box, and threw it at me.

"Get out and eat it somewhere else! I don't want to look at you!"

I took the lunchbox and walked out. The look of relief on her face as I left was the final blow.

This wasn't the first time she had kicked me out.

I remembered once when I bought her favorite taffy. The second I brought it to the clinic, she threw it on the ground.

"You know I hate this flavor! Silas, do you even care about me?"

Then she started sobbing like I had abused her.

To make her happy, I ran out and chased down the old lady selling the candy.

Luckily, I found her and bought a different kind.

But when I returned, I saw Lillian and Dominic laughing and chatting in the pharmacy.

In that moment, I felt like a total clown.

I didn't say a word to her and just went home.

When Lillian came back, she threw a massive tantrum, smashing the bowl I had just served.

The taffy fell at her feet, and the anger on her face suddenly froze.

"Silas, you bought it? Why didn't you give it to me? You made me think you didn't love me."

I looked at her coldly. "You were busy laughing with Dominic. Did you really care if I loved you?"

My voice was thick with jealousy, but I couldn't help it.

Lillian looked awkward for a second, then hugged my arm. "I just want to be the most important person in your heart. Don't be mad, okay?"

Even though I knew she was just playing me, my heart still melted.

That was when I realized how pathetic and desperate I was in this relationship.

I washed the lunchbox and planned to spend the night at the clinic.

But as I left the washroom, I saw Dominic, dressed in a clean, unpatched suit, standing outside Lillian's room.

I let out a cold sneer.

No wonder Lillian was so dramatic earlier. She must have sent someone to fetch him.

"Lillian, how could you be so careless? What if you permanently hurt yourself?"

Lillian toyed with her blanket, her eyes glowing as she looked at Dominic.

"I'm fine. That baby was just a burden. It would have stopped me from finding my real happiness."

"Are you really staying? Maybe you should think it over."

Lillian's shy expression vanished, replaced by a desperate grip on Dominic's arm.

"Do you look down on me because I'm married? I didn't want to! I was forced!"

"If we hadn't been sent to this damn town, we never would have missed our chance."

Lillian was sobbing now, acting like a victim of fate.

Dominic's hands clenched and unclenched. Finally, he let his guard down and pulled her into a hug.

"I wasn't brave enough back then. If I had been, I wouldn't have let you marry someone else."

That was when I finally understood. Lillian and Dominic weren't just old neighbors.

They were childhood sweethearts. Everyone expected them to marry.

They were in love, and if it weren't for this rural assignment, they would have been together.

Lillian is beautifulDeveryone in the volunteer group knew that.

When she first arrived, she stayed hidden or kept herself covered up.

Now I realize she only married me to avoid being forced to marry a local villager.

Knowing the truth, the last bit of my patience snapped.

Seeing a doctor walking toward us, I slammed the door open with all my might.

The two of them, locked in an embrace, were suddenly exposed to everyone.

Since you both want to stay here and rekindle your flame, I might as well give you a parting gift.

"Oh my god! What are you two doing?"

The hallway turned into pure chaos in an instant.

Some people blocked the door so Dominic couldn't leave, while others ran to find the director.

I looked at their panicked faces with nothing but cold indifference, then turned and walked away.

I slept at the clinic that night, and I returned to the village before dawn the next day.

My colleagues all came up to check on me.

I gave a brief explanation and went back to our house.

I hadn't even sat down for five minutes before the Chief brought Lillian back.

"Silas, what the hell is wrong with you? How could you leave your wife at the hospital and come back alone?"

The Chief looked like he wanted to knock some sense into me.

Apparently, after I left last night, Lillian wasn't interrogated because of her medical condition.

Instead, they detained Dominic on suspicion of improper behavior.

Lillian had panicked when she saw them taking him away.

She quickly lied, saying they were just colleagues and that I had asked Dominic to check on her before I left.

Because they both gave the same story, the Chief and the clinic director were called in.

The Chief had wanted me to testify, but I was already gone.

In the end, he had to sign the papers to get them out of trouble.

I looked at the Chief with genuine guilt.

I hadn't realized my impulsive move would cause him so much trouble all night.

I quickly brought out some pastries and canned goods my family had sent me to thank him.

The Chief waved me off, looking annoyed. "Forget it. Just live peacefully with your wife, and that'll be thanks enough."

Lillian didn't say a single word until the Chief left.

She lay on the bed with her eyes closed, looking restless.

She ignored me, and I certainly wasn't going to crawl back to her.

Once a decision is made, there's no turning back.

I went back to packing my bags, but this time, I separated our things.

When she didn't hear me talking, she peeked at me through narrowed eyes.

"Why didn't you come to protect me last night?"

Her question made me laugh out loud.

The man she loved was right there with her. Why would she need a side character like me?

It was ridiculous.

"Lillian, get some rest. We're leaving in three days."

"So soon?" she gasped, her eyes flying open in panic.

"The baby is gone, and after what happened, it's better if we leave as soon as possible."

I was already calculating my savings in my head.

Ever since I started earning a salary, I hadn't taken a dime from my parents.

Lillian had come here to take her brother's place, so her family barely sent her anything.

Without my support, she wouldn't have had such a comfortable life here.

Now, I was taking my money back. Giving it to her felt like betraying myself.

The more I thought about it, the angrier I got. "Where's the family money? I need to buy some local specialties."

Lillian stared out the door with a blank expression, a faint smile on her lips.

She was probably dreaming about her forever with Dominic and didn't even process what I said.

"In the cloth bag under the cabinet."

I checked the bag while she was lost in her daydream. There was a total of a hundred and twenty dollars.

I left her fifteen and took the rest.

Then, I went out to buy a chicken for one last farewell meal.

As soon as I stepped out, I saw Dominic walking toward me, his hair a mess.

"Silas, about last night... I..."

"Last night was just a colleague visiting another. It's nothing to lose sleep over."

I cut him off before he could apologize.

If he felt too guilty and broke things off with Lillian now, then my child would have died for nothing.

Seeing that I wasn't going to make a scene, Dominic's bruised face relaxed a bit.

Then, he handed me the chicken he was carrying.

I smiled. Perfect. He just saved me some money.

For the next two days, I acted like nothing had happened and cooked for Lillian.

Except for the fact that I slept on the kitchen floor, things were surprisingly peaceful.

It was as if the tragedy of our child had never happened.

On the night before our departure, Lillian did something rare. She sat at the table and looked at me.

"Silas, the baby was an accident. I didn't mean for it to happen."

"Don't be mad. Maybe we just weren't meant to have it yet. We have to look forward."

She was speaking in riddles, basically telling me we weren't a good match.

I pretended not to understand. "It's fine. All I want is you. The baby was just a passing visitor."

Her eyes filled with tears, looking touched.

Her lips trembled as if she wanted to say more, but she stayed silent.

We sat there in silence.

I never thought we'd end up like this. A part of me felt a little guilty.

Before dawn the next morning, Lillian was busy in the kitchen.

Watching her roll out noodles, my eyes turned cold.

I had asked her for handmade noodles so many times, but she always said she was too busy.

Is she doing this now so I'll remember her fondly?

Too little, too late.

When I heard the Chief calling for us, I placed a piece of paper in front of her.

"These are the divorce papers. Once you sign, we have nothing to do with each other."

Lillian's smile vanished, replaced by pure shock.

"We're fine! Why are you doing this?"

"Since you've decided not to leave with me, it's better if we just end it now."

I picked up my bag and headed for the door without emotion. Lillian grabbed my arm in a panic.

"Are you joking? Leaving now? Where's my luggage?"