In our last life, I had just confirmed my pregnancy around this time. I'd wrapped the test results like a gift and presented them to him on our tenth anniversary. He'd dropped to one knee and proposed on the spot.
But the very next day, the factory fire broke out. I'd rushed in to save him and been burned in the blaze. That fire took our unborn child from me, along with any chance I'd ever have of becoming a mother.
My fingers curled into fists, nails biting into my palms. I stared at Eugene, unblinking, like a defendant waiting for a verdict.
His voice came out hoarse and strained.
"Rose, this child... it's not meant to be. Maybe they were never supposed to be born."
The words hit me like a bolt of lightning. But what came next nearly sent me to the floor.
"The truth is... Sylvia is already carrying my child."
"Three months along. In our last life, I didn't find out until after she died."
"This time, I'm going to make it right for her and the baby. I'm going to marry Sylvia and make sure her child is born safe and healthy."
"Our child... even if you had it, they'd only ever be illegitimate."
The air left my lungs. My vision blurred, and for a moment I thought I might pass out.