Goodbye, CEO Trashbag

At 2 AM, Alfred finally walked in.

We locked eyes. No one spoke.

His gaze flicked to the untouched candlelit dinner, but guilt? Nowhere to be found. Instead, he scoffed. "It's just a little late. What was the point of that post? You're always so passive-aggressive."

I didn't bother answering.

He tossed a designer shapewear set at me. "Vivian got this for you. Thoughtful, huh? She said if you still won't accept her apology, she'll delete her social media."

I glanced at the tag: 'Enhances Your Best Features.'

Yeah, Vivian knew exactly how to piss me off. I laughed.

Seeing me smile, Alfred thought I was over it and handed me his phone.

"She's being so considerate. Aren't you gonna thank her?"

I ignored him, eyes on the TV.

"Hannah, are you deaf?"

He yanked me up. I lost my balance, crashing to the floor.

Pain shot through my waist as I hit the edge of the table.

It hurt.

That old injury—seven years ago, from the fire. The one where I ran in to save him and got crushed by a falling beam.

I curled up, trembling.

Alfred hesitated. For a split second, guilt flickered across his face.

"I'll get the ointment."

I watched him walk away, wanting to stop him. But I didn't.

The ultrasound report had been sitting in the drawer for three days. The doctor warned me to stay calm in early pregnancy. No stress, no unnecessary meds—especially no topical ointments.

I was supposed to tell Alfred tonight. Valentine's Day. Our family was growing.

But now? What was the point?

He came back fast, digging through the first aid kit—then suddenly froze.

"The ointment is gone. Did I..." His voice trailed off. A flicker of guilt crossed his face.

Then it hit me. Vivian's post.

[He's such a sweetheart. I burned myself while cooking, and he immediately got the ointment for me.]

Before, I might've asked if he gave her my imported ointment. Pressed him for answers.

This time? I just laughed. Tired. Done.

"Forget it, Alfred. I'll go buy some."

He frowned. "How are you supposed to go out like this? Stay home—I'll—"

His phone rang. One glance, and he answered instantly.

"Vivian? What's wrong?"

Her tearful voice came through the speaker.

"Mr. Johnston, I'm drinking alone at a bar, feeling awful, and some strange men keep bothering me. They said if I don't leave with them, they'll kill me... Please, come save me..."

Alfred tossed the first aid kit onto the couch and shot up.

"Vivian, don't be scared. I'm on my way."

"Mr. Johnston, thank you... But maybe you shouldn't come. Your wife will get mad. I'll figure something out myself."

"She has no right to be mad!"

He cut me a cold look—me, still curled up on the floor—then hung up and rushed for the door.

"Alfred, wait!"

I called out to him.

He groaned. "Hannah, can you not make a scene?"

I pointed at the couch. "Your phone and wallet. How are you supposed to save her without them?"

They sat right next to the first aid kit.

Alfred hesitated, then grabbed them. "I'll take you to the hospital when I get back."

And just like that, he was gone.