It no longer mattered. The wedding had been a sham from the beginning. These hollow promises had never truly belonged to me.
When Tatum ended the call and returned, his face once more wore that practiced mask of gentleness.
“Mom and Dad are just too worried. I already spoke with them. You just rest and don’t overthink.”
I lowered my eyes, saying nothing.
Tatum went out to settle the remaining hospital fees. At that moment, the ward door creaked open.
Zara walked in with a bouquet of flowers, her lips curved in a delicate smile.
“Adeline, congratulations, you’re about to marry Tatum.”
Her words of blessing sounded hollow, sharp as a blade.
I couldn’t stand to watch her performance, so I closed my eyes, refusing to respond.
Suddenly, Zara let out a sharp “ah” and fell backward heavily, the bouquet scattering across the floor.
“Adeline, I only came to give you blessings. Why did you push me?”
Almost at once, Tatum rushed in from outside.
Zara’s eyes brimmed with tears, her voice trembling as she wept.
“Tatum, don’t blame Adeline. She must resent me… for implicating her and the child, so she only pushed me lightly…”
At her words, Tatum’s head snapped up, his glare searing me with reproach.