Chapter 8

David had always been the one to take care of Edith. I put my phone away and gazed out the airplane window, watching the sunset paint the sky in vibrant hues. It felt as though I could see the young boy beyond the clouds, waving goodbye to me. A bitter smile tugged at my lips.

"Goodbye, David."

David stepped out of the hospital with Edith by his side, her hand nervously clutching the hem of his shirt as she apologized, "I promise I won't be careless next time."

Edith had fallen down the stairs, and the nanny had rushed her to the hospital. If she hadn't been found in time… would the baby have been lost? David's anger still lingered from the close call. He cared for Edith, but his feelings for her didn't even come close to the depth of what he felt for Rose. To him, Edith was just a convenient woman who could carry his child.

If Rose could have children, none of this would have happened.

David glanced at Edith, her face full of guilt, and his frustration grew. He didn't have the patience or concern for her like he did for Rose. Ever since Edith recklessly confronted Rose, David had warned her to stay in her lane.

Now…

"Honey," Edith continued, her voice full of apology, "I won't do it again. Please don't be mad at me."

She took David's hand and placed it gently on her growing belly. "The baby says he's scared that Daddy's upset."

At the mention of the baby, David's expression softened slightly, but he didn't linger. He looked at Edith, his tone growing colder. "Get some rest."

"Are you leaving?" Edith tried to keep him there, not wanting him to go.

"I'll be back once the baby's born. No need to rush." David gently withdrew his hand and checked his watch. He saw a message on TalkUs from Rose, telling him she had a gift for him. A small smile tugged at his lips.

"There's something waiting for me at home. If you need anything, talk to the nanny. Don't just come to me."

As he typed a quick reply, he moved toward the door. Edith trailed behind him, her voice quivering.

"Honey..."

David stopped and turned to face her, his gaze hardening. "What did I say? Don't call me that."

Edith's eyes filled with tears, but David didn't even flinch. His eyes were cold, no longer sympathetic.

"Then behave yourself."

He returned his attention to his phone, completely ignoring her. Without a second glance, he got into the car and drove off. Edith stood there, clenching her fists in frustration. Her mind raced, consumed with thoughts of David's tenderness toward Rose. Even now, when Edith was pregnant, David still seemed to care more for Rose.

She couldn't understand it, what was it that Rose had that she didn't? But it didn't matter. As long as she gave birth to this child, she was convinced that flesh and blood would win in the end. Once the baby was born, she would prove herself. She wouldn't lose to Rose.

She gently caressed her belly and opened TalkUs, sending another friend request. She typed a message: "David just left my place. You really don't mind sharing a man? Seems pretty disgusting to me."

When David arrived home, the lights in the villa were on, as they always were when he wasn't around. Rose had always kept the house brightly lit for him because he had once mentioned how much he liked coming home to a warm, welcoming home with her waiting for him.

A wave of warmth washed over him as he entered the house. Shelly greeted him with a wide smile.

"Madam has prepared a surprise for you, Sir."

David's face lit up, a smile spreading across his features. His heart felt lighter, but he couldn't help but wonder what awaited him behind that door.