Restore My Hearing and My Heart novel Chapter 5

My heart skipped a beat. I glanced at the folder in his hand and knew it was the official document proving my placement for teaching in the Seru Plateau.

He looked tense, but I remained calm as I slowly explained, "It's Lydia's. Her family wouldn't let her go, so she used my information to fill out the application. Now that it's approved, I just need to hand the document over to her."

With that, I took the folder from his hand under his skeptical gaze. He finally exhaled in relief.

Meanwhile, Bonnie grinned from the side. "Mommy, guess what we brought back for you!"

I paused for a moment, then asked, "A chocolate cake… made by Daddy?"

Her eyes widened in surprise. "How did you know?"

How could I not know? Back when we were dating, Jackson always made me all kinds of desserts. He said it was so I would stay plump and happy. That way, no one could ever take me away from him.

The desserts were always bitter and too rich, but because he made them, I devoured every bite with delight.

One day, when he finally realized how awful they were, he held me tight while crying. "It's so bitter… Why did you still eat it?"

I buried my head in his chest, nuzzling him as I let out a chuckle. "It's not… Every bite of it is filled with proof of your love for me. It's sweet, really. If there's no love, even the best cake wouldn't taste great."

The memory drifted slowly. At some point, Jackson had taken out the cake and said gently, "I still can't hide anything from you, can I?"

She froze at the sight of his anger, then suddenly threw herself into his arms with the most pitiful, helpless expression.

"I'm sorry… I know I shouldn't have come, but I can't control myself. I love you so much that I don't even want to leave you for a second… and neither does the baby."

She reached for her stomach, as if to show him, but he swiftly pushed her hand away.

"I told you he'll be nothing but an illegitimate child I can never acknowledge. Go home. I'll have someone drop you off. I'll see you again in a few days."

He turned to leave, but she grabbed his wrist and threw herself fully into his arms. "No, I can't leave you. Jackson, please, just give me another minute—just one more minute."