Chapter 3
Sofia added me on WhatsApp and sent over a video,
In it, Ruben, still wearing the clothes he left home in, was gripping the back of her head,
kissing her fiercely,
He was a little mad at my teasing tonight, so I prepared lots of surprises to cheer him up she said, showing off a collection of toys and lingerie so numerous it was dizzying
A wave of nausea hit me as I saved the video–for evidence,
When Ruben returned late that night, there was no unusual scent on him.
He was careful.
I pretended to be asleep, feeling him pull me into his arms, stroking my hair gently as he whispered that he loved me,
After all these years of loving him, I realized I didn’t understand him anymore.
If he loved me, why would he cheat?
If he didn’t love me, why did he still hold me close?
The next day, I told Ruben I wanted to visit my grandmother in the countryside.
He rubbed his temples and smiled at me.
“It’s been a while since we visited. Let’s go together in a few days when I’m free, okay?”
I shook my head.
“I want to go now.”
Ruben didn’t argue further. He quickly booked my ticket and arranged for someone to take me to the station.
“Call me when you get there. You’re still pregnant, don’t overexert yourself. Tell Grandma 1
Shattered Promises
2.2
Chapter 3
miss her too,” he said.
I nodded lightly, suppressing my nausea as I kissed him on the lips, just like I always did.
On the train, my grandmother’s face appeared in my mind.
Wrinkled but kind, her smile was always so warm.
In high school, Ruben often came to see me and helped her with chores, earning her favor.
When we went to university together, Grandma watched us leave with a bright smile.
“Ruben and Sabrina, make sure to take good care of each other,” she had said.
Ruben had placed a steady hand on her shoulder, his tone mature and reassuring.
“Don’t worry, Grandma. I’ll take good care of Sabrina.”
Tears welled up in my eyes again.
When I arrived at her house, Grandma greeted me with delight, but her expression changed when she noticed my pale face.
She said nothing, just made me a bowl of spaghetti.
As I ate, I couldn’t hold back anymore and started crying. Between sobs, I told her everything and shared my thoughts.
Grandma sighed, her hands–worn like old bark–warmly enveloping mine.
“Sabrina, whatever you decide to do, Grandma will support you.”
Her words filled me with warmth, and my once blurry thoughts became clearer.
After leaving her house, I returned to the city and scheduled an abortion.
I couldn’t bear to bring a child into a world tainted by lies and betrayal.
The next morning at the hospital, I ran into a familiar figure.
Chapter 3
Ruben was with Sofia, standing by her side, listening intently as a doctor gave ínstructions.
Sofia, glowing with happiness, leaned sweetly into his arms.
They walked out of the consultation room and bumped into me.
Ruben froze the moment he saw me, quickly letting go of Sofia’s hand.
“Sabrina, you’re here too? Miss Walker wasn’t feeling well, so I came to accompany her for
check–up. There’s nothing between us.”
Sofia chimed in with her own explanation.
What a terrible lie,
I forced a smile.
“I trust you, honey. You two carry on; I’m here for a check–up for our baby.”
Ruben breathed a sigh of relief, his face apologetic.
“Alright then, I’ll head off. Work’s been overwhelming lately.”
I nodded, then walked into the clinic and underwent the abortion.
As the tiny life was drawn out of me, tears streamed from the corners of my eyes, soaking my hairline.
It felt like my long love for Ruben was being taken away too, leaving me completely empty.
When I returned home that evening, Ruben wasn’t back yet.
He sent me a message, showing a desk piled with documents and data.
“Darling, I have to work late tonight. Eat dinner and go to bed first. I love you.”
“Okay, take care of yourself. Don’t overwork,” I replied mechanically, typing out words of care like I always did.
At midnight, Sofia sent another message.
Chattered Promises
2.8
Chapter 3
“I’m visiting him at work! Office play this time. A man working hard is the most attractive!”
I didn’t bother opening the photos of them tangled together in the office.
My heart had long gone numb.
Instead, I turned to my phone and scheduled an appointment for divorce registration.
