Chapter 1
PEARL
I stare at the doctor as he lowers his head in disappointment. I don’t want to think of the worst, but his expression already says it all.
“I’m sorry, Mrs. Smith. Having a baby a fifth time is impossible.”
He says it carefully, adjusting his glasses. “The fifth miscarriage ruined any chances you have left.”
The tears I’d been holding in spill down my face. I can’t believe I won’t be able to conceive a child again after so many attempts.
Three years of marriage with Kyle had been the happiest moments of my life, but having children was always the bitter part of it, especially with his mother making everything even harder for us.
“Stop it, Pearl,” Kyle says, moving closer and drying the tears on my cheeks. “I don’t want you crying. Everything will be okay.”
Despite every failed attempt, he never stops loving me. And I’m tired of letting him down.
I sniff. “Nothing will be okay, Kyle!” I yell. “Your mum can’t hear any more excuses. You know it, and I’m tired of trying the same thing that doesn’t work.”
He looks at me, confused. “I don’t care what my mum thinks. She’s not my wife.”
I swallow, knowing what I’m about to say next will shatter him completely.
“But I care, Kyle. You have to see the reality. I can’t have a child anymore. You heard the doctor.”
He brushes a hand over his hair, already frustrated. “I don’t get where you’re heading with this, Pearl. We just have to try one more time or something else.”
He turns to the doctor. “We have a solution for this, right?”
Before the doctor can say anything, I finally dig into my purse, pull out the divorce papers, and slam them on the table in front of him.
“I want a divorce, Kyle.”
His eyes drop to the papers, then his face twists. “What?!”
“I already signed it, so do your part.”
“That’s not happening!” he yells, grabbing my face. “I love you, Pearl.”
But I’ve already made up my mind. I push his hand away and press a pen into his hand.
He doesn’t sign it. He just stares at me like his world is collapsing.
Then the door suddenly opens.
My head snaps toward it. Sora walks in with a paper in one hand.
“You’re not getting a divorce, Pearl.”
Sora is my younger sister, and seeing her here already doesn’t make any sense.
“You’re supposed to be in New York for your business, Sora. What are you doing here, butting into my personal matters?”
“I decided to stay back for you, Pearl,” she says quietly. “I’ll help you carry your baby.”
My heart sinks.
“What?”
Kyle and I echo together.
