The person who sent the message must've known I couldn't see . They had the screen reader turned on . A steady voice started reading it out loud . " Today is Katie's first birthday . I flew all the way from overseas just to be with Katie . Is our little girl happy ? " " Daddy ... " A woman giggled softly , almost flirtatiously . " Alexander , thank you for coming . I wish I could see . The gift you brought for Katie must be so special . Has she been smiling the whole time ? It looks like she loves her dad more than her blind mom . " Alexander's voice was deep and full of guilt . " I'm so sorry ... I'll find a way to get your eyesight back , I promise . As soon as I get back , I'll start making arrange- ments for your surgery . And I'll bring Katie home to the Martinez family . Don't worry , I'll keep every promise I made to you . " Liv , you've gone through so much for me . " Katie is my only child . I swear , everything I have - everything - is for Katie and for you . I'll be there for every holi- day from now on . I'll never leave you alone again . " The birthday song started playing . They were holding the baby together , and both of them laughed at the same time . After a short pause , the next voice message played on its own . Just like Alexander had said , he spent every holiday after that with Olivia . At first , he brought small gifts like dolls , but later it was the biggest amusement park in town . He showed her every bit of love and favor . And then there was the wedding - something he'd been planning for the past six months . He spoiled Olivia with every little detail . The wedding dress was made just for her , and the ring had her favorite gemstone . From the very start , he never planned to include me in that wedding at all . 0.0 % 09:15 Chapter 2 I let out a bitter laugh . I didn't bother listening anymore . I recorded a voice message to my best friend , asking her to book a plane ticket for me , three days from now . She would get in touch with a hospital overseas about surgery . I wanted her to help me cancel all my documents here as my authorized representative . My best friend didn't think much of it , probably assuming I'd finally seen Alexander's true nature . Her replies were full of joy for me . After putting down my phone , I drifted into a deep sleep . When I opened my eyes again , I was woken by Alexander sobbing . He shoved a hospital report into my hand , crying like he couldn't stop . 1288 Vouchers " Ronnic , I'm so sorry . I was too late to save you . The doctor said that our baby's gone . And your stomach was badly hurt - you won't be able to have kids again ... " I'm sorry , I'm really sorry . It's all my fault . I got here too late . " Don't be sad , okay ? If you really want a baby , we can go to the orphanage after you're out of the hospital . No one will say anything with me around . I'll love that child like my own ... " It was my baby that was lost , but he looked like he was hurting more than me . His acting was spot - on , but I didn't even feel like calling him out on it anymore . After a long pause , I ran my fingers over the thick stack of papers in my hand and slowly nodded . Alexander's tears fell onto my hand as he pulled me into his arms . " Ronnie , don't be afraid . No matter what happens in the future , I'll be by your side . " After we get married , we'll never be apart . I'll be your eyes , your walking stick . I'll take you to see the most beautiful scenery in the world - I'll describe every breeze and every falling leaf to you . " Our bodies were pressed close together , but our hearts beat to different rhythms . After a moment , Alexander finally managed to say , his voice shaky . " It's just that the wedding's already all set . You're still not fully recovered , and I'm worried that by then ... " " Just find someone to stand in for me . Don't let the Martinez family lose face . " I knew exactly what he was trying to say . Instead of waiting for him to bring it up , I figured I'd just say it first . 09.15 Chapter 2 At least that way , I could keep a little dignity . Alexander was a bit taken aback by how I suddenly changed . But since he got what he wanted , he didn't push any further . Just then , my phone beeped with a robotic - sounding voice message from my best friend . I quickly ended the call . Alexander caught the words " go abroad " and froze for a second . " Go abroad ? Ronnie , why would you go abroad ? " " No , it was probably just a news alert . In my condition - where would I even go ? " He didn't think much of it , pulled me closer , and spoke with a tone of pity . " Now that your eyesight's not good , just tell me what you need . I'll take care of everything for you . " " Alexander , I want to be discharged from the hospital . " His tone suddenly got tense . " No , your body's still not fully recovered . I can't agree to that . " I reached for his hand , gently touched his arm , and gave it a light shake . 288 Vouchers " Didn't you promise we'd adopt a child together ? How about we pick out a nanny on the way ? Let's go together . I just want to get out for a bit . " 78.5 96