I decided to stay nearby. A taxi took me to a modest hotel, where I checked in and began unpacking.
Later, I prepared to visit the mall next door to buy some essentials and fresh clothes.
As I changed my shoes, my reflection in the mirror caught me off guard. My stomach, still swollen, looked as if nothing had changed—as if my baby was still there.
I froze, the image stabbing me with fresh grief.
Blinking back tears, I pulled on my jacket, stole myself, and stepped outside.
At the mall, I picked up toiletries and other necessities. Just as I passed a lingerie store, a familiar voice stopped me in my tracks.
“Ian, what do you think of this one? Does it look good on me?”
I turned instinctively toward the voice.
Paula stood in front of a mirror, flaunting a tight outfit, her chest puffed out. Ian sat on the store’s plush sofa, his gaze fixed on her with unhidden admiration.
He smiled and said, “Paula, you’d look good in anything.”
The sales clerk chimed in with a professional smile, “Sir, you have excellent taste. The bra your wife is trying on is one of our bestsellers.”
Paula smiled coyly but didn’t correct her.