Chapter 3

"But you promised to take me to the concert today. If she was in danger, why couldn't she call the poli-"

"Elise Bauer!"

Stefan's brows tightened as he shot me a cold look.

"Is a concert more important than someone's life?"

"I've told you there is nothing between me and her anymore. Can you stop clinging to this?"

I froze hard.

No one spoke for the rest of the drive. The air in the car was suffocating.

When the car stopped in the garage, Stefan unbuckled his seat belt and took a delicate little box from the storage compartment.

Inside was a necklace in my favorite style.

He fastened it around my neck, then held my hand and said softly, "I'm sorry, Lise. I was too harsh just now.

"But I've already taken the case, so I have to see it through. That's basic professional ethics for a lawyer.

"So be good. Don't make a scene anymore, okay?"

I said nothing.

I was a mess inside.

But I could not immediately let go of this relationship either.

He had loved me for five years.

But I had loved him for ten.

If nothing had happened, our families were supposed to discuss our engagement at the end of this month.

The moment I got out of the car, a sharp pain stabbed through my lower abdomen.

When Stefan saw it, he immediately took me to the hospital.

On the way there, he kept comforting me.

"Lise, don't be scared. I'm here.

"Hold on a little longer. We're almost there."

While we waited for the results, Stefan went to the corner of the hall to take a call.

After hesitating for a moment, I quietly followed.

His expression was serious, but his tone was gentle.

"All the favorable evidence is with us. He can't turn this around, so Nadine, don't be afraid.

"Go to the hospital first and have the wounds on your face treated. Don't let them scar."

I suddenly remembered our first meeting. He had scolded a senior who mocked me.

Back then, he handed me a piece of candy and smiled.

"I'm Stefan Adler, pre-law from the next building. If anyone bullies you again, you can come find me."

What had drawn me to him back then was the justice and warmth in his bones.

I kept telling myself that maybe I really should give Stefan a little more trust.

When I returned to the waiting area, the doctor had just called my name.

"Four weeks pregnant. The fetus is healthy. Congratulations."

I placed my hand over my lower abdomen. A strange feeling rose inside me.

My first instinct was to tell Stefan the news.

But when I stepped out, I could not find him anywhere.

When I turned, I saw the news playing on the television in the hall.

The report was about a man who had been beating his wife on the street and had been stopped by a bystander.

In the footage, a man lay on the ground.

Beside him was Stefan, the person the doctor had been looking for.

His clothes were rumpled, and there was a bruise at the corner of his mouth, as if he had fought someone.

In his arms was Nadine, crying so hard she could barely breathe.

They knelt on the ground, holding each other tightly.

The doctor came out and reminded me, "Is the patient's family here? He hasn't signed yet."

With trembling hands, I dialed Stefan's number.

Beep. Beep.

No answer.

I called again.

Again and again.

It was as if I needed an answer that would finally let me give up.

On the tenth call, someone picked up.

"Stefan, I'm preg-"

"Miss Bauer, this is Nadine."

Nadine's tearful voice came through the phone.