When I was discharged, Ethan came to pick me up.

"Elle, let's go home."

He still wore that gentle smile as he reached out to take my hand.

"No need to trouble yourself. I'll just take a cab."

I pulled away from him, maintaining a polite distance.

"Elle, don’t do this," Ethan's eyes grew red.

"I'm sorry for Ashie," he said, referring to the nickname we had given our baby. "But I hope we don't let this issue ruin our feelings for each other. We have plenty of time ahead of us."

Ashie was the name we chose for the baby. The full name was Asher.

I’d hope my baby...