He Cries When I Stop Being Jealous

Chapter 1

At my follow-up appointment after the miscarriage, Lucas once again came up with some excuse to bail on me, leaving me alone at the hospital.

By now, I was so used to it, I didn't even bother questioning whether his excuse was legit.

After the check-up, I grabbed my meds and went home by myself.

When I walked in, I saw that Jessica, his first love, had posted on Instagram:

"Just coughed a little, and he insisted on taking me to the hospital. He stayed with me the whole time. After all this time, you're still the best."

I didn't call Lucas to confront him about the same old lies.

I didn't get angry like I used to.

Then, when he took Jessica to a company team-building event and sent me those pictures of them all lovey-dovey, I just shrugged it off.

And even later, when I ran into him on the street, holding hands with Jessica's kid like they were one big happy family, I smiled and said, "Kids need their dad. You should spend more time with them, Lucas."

He freaked out, grabbing my arm like his life depended on it.

"Olivia, why don't you care anymore?"

...

I had a miscarriage after being accidentally knocked down on my way home from work.

Two months had passed since the surgery, and today, Lucas came with me for my follow-up appointment.

When he hurried off, I didn't stop him.

I didn't ask him to stay like I used to.

As I watched him leave, I realized it didn't really matter whether he was there or not.

When he wasn't around, I didn't feel that crushing sadness anymore.

After my check-up, I picked up my meds and headed home.

Lucas texted me: "Olivia, go home by yourself. I have something to take care of."

In the past, I would've replied, "But I want you to pick me up."

This time, I didn't even think twice.

I simply typed, "Okay."

I put my phone away and called a cab. But as I climbed in, I saw Lucas's car drive by.

Wait, hadn't he just said he didn't have time to pick me up?

When I got home, I checked my phone again. Jessica had posted something on Instagram.

"Just coughed a little, and he insisted on bringing me to the hospital. He stayed with me the whole time. After all this time, you're still the best."

The photo showed a corner of Lucas's shirt, an outfit I had picked for him on his birthday.

Jessica was Lucas's first love, his childhood sweetheart.

She had married a rich businessman and moved away years ago, but after her husband went bankrupt and they divorced, she came back alone with her four-year-old kid.

To Lucas, I was just the replacement after Jessica left.

But back then, I'd fallen for him hard. I chose him, married him.

I even wanted to have his baby.

Maybe that miscarriage was fate's way of sending me a message.

I wasn't meant to hurt myself or a child.

After taking my meds, I went to bed.

In the middle of the night, I woke up to the sound of the door creaking open.

Lucas stood there, reaching out to stroke my head. "Did the doctor say anything today?"

There was a strange scent on him.

I shook my head and pulled away. "Nothing, everything's fine."

He nodded. "There was an urgent situation at the company, so I've been tied up until now."

I didn't call him out on his lie. Instead, I just turned over and closed my eyes.

"Okay, go take a shower and get some rest," he said, his voice lingering.

He stood there for a moment, like he was going to say something else, but then left without another word.