Chapter 2%
Knowing that I was just someone else’s replacement ripped my heart apart.
So what he said and did was all a lie. I was never special–just a stand–in for the woman Angus truly loved.
Every bit of love I thought we had was nothing more than my own foolish delusion. In that moment, my world collapsed. Angus didn’t even try to spare me. He wanted me to get the message and leave as soon as possible.”
Even as I lay in that cold, sterile room, losing our child, he stood outside, saying things that cut through me like a hot knife through butter.
Outside, I could hear his mocking tone as he talked to Milo. “You like her, right? Take her. Want to bet if she’d ever wanted to go with you?“”
There was a time when, if Milo so much as looked at me, Angus would pull me into his arms, holding me close in silent warning. Now, I was nothing more than something to be handed off.”
I stared at the tiny, lifeless baby that had just been taken from me. Swallowing the pain clawing at my chest, I reminded myself–just three more wishes.
Then I could finally go home.
Among the spirit faries, all debts must always be repaid. Angus had saved my life once and I owed him a hundred acts of gratitude before I could return home.
Three years. Over a thousand days and nights by his side.”
Through all those years of his love, I had countless chances to remind him to make a wish.
But I never did. Because I wanted to stay.”
After the abortion procedure, Milo placed a cup of warm water in front of me.}
“Thanks,” I said softly, but my eyes were already on Angus.”
Angus just smirked, turning to Milo. “Even after I made her lose a child, she still won’t leave with you.“>
I simply said, “Once I completed your last three wishes, I’ll be gone for good.“/
Angus waved me off as he strode away. “I’m done playing your little ‘hundred wishes‘ game. You don’t need to put on this act to hold on to me,” he added without looking back. “No matter what you do, you’ll never compare to even a single strand of Hailie’s hair.”
I didn’t touch the warm water Milo had brought me. I didn’t want to owe anyone anything anymore.
instead, I went back to the Davidsons‘ home.
The place was buzzing with music and laughter–Angus had thrown a grand party, filling our home with guests. The moment I stepped inside, every gaze turned to me, expectant, as if waiting for a show.
And then I saw her. My eyes scanned through the crowd, finding her instantly.”
In that moment, I finally understood why Angus had wanted me to say I loved him. Because all along, he had never really been looking at me. He had only ever been seeing that woman in my face.”
Angus looked completely caught off guard when he saw me. “What are you doing here? Can’t you stop clinging to me like some desperate leech?“\
He must have forgotten–he was the one who begged me to come.
Just a week ago, he insisted on throwing me a birthday party. I told him I didn’t like big gatherings.
Yet, that man wouldn’t take no for an answer. “Then I’ll make a wish,” he said. “I wish for my Rose to attend the birthday party I planned for her. Will you grant me that?”
Look at him now, the party had become a grand welcome for Hallie. Here, I was nothing more than an unwelcomed guest.
I swallowed the humiliation and bitterness. “I’ve come, just like you wished. This is the fulfillment of your ninety–sixth wish.“” Angus, desperate to distance himself from me in front of Hallie, acted like I was nobody to him.”
I had done what I came to do. So, I simply left the place.”
However, Hallie’s call stopped me.”
“I heard that while I was gone these past three years, you’ve taken care of Angus, Ms. Traverse. It must’ve been difficult for you.”
Hallie let out a delicate sigh, feigning innocence. “While I was by the lake just a moment ago, the ring Angus gave me slipped off into the pool.”
“Why don’t you take the ring, Ms. Traverse? It’s worth 800,000 dollars. Consider it a payment for your troubles.“}
I had no interest in entertaining Hallie’s little show and continued to leave.”
1/2
15.0%
1155 AM
By then, I could hear the subtle edge of displeasure in her voice. She let out a dramatic sigh. “Oh, that’s right–I almost forgot.
Ms. Traverse just had an abortion, didn’t she?”
“I see… so you can’t swim. That was my mistake for assuming too much.”
