Chapter 3 CHA

"What in the name of the devil is happening?" Frank demanded from Dera when the doctor had examined her. Guilt welled up as he gazed at the bandage on her forehead. "I'm sorry. I have no idea why Ruth changed. She was once so kind to me." When he'd crashed into the parking lot, he'd been convinced he'd seen Ruth dragging Dera from the wheelchair. Fear had muddied his reasoning. But Dera's legs-her strength already weakened due to her illness-had collapsed beneath him. He'd been the one to bring her down.

"I hope you can forgive her. She doesn't get angry very often," Frank added, his tone grating.

We were in a VIP hospital room, Dera sitting on the edge of the bed without her wheelchair. She smiled and grasped Frank's hand. "Hey, don't get this wrong. This isn't Ruth's fault. I fell on my own. My wheelchair must've had a malfunction."

Frank's eyes opened wide. "Are you saying Ruth didn't push you?"

Dera shook her head, her lips trembling. "No, she didn't push me. Don't blame her for this. I don't want the two of you fighting because of me."

Frank's chest tightened. He remembered pushing me away carelessly, assuming the worst. How could he have been so blind? "I had no idea," he whispered.

Dera squeezed his hand. "You should go to her and clear things up."

Frank nodded, his face filled with guilt. "I'll take you home first. I've already put an order in for a new wheelchair to replace the broken one."

"Okay. Don't leave Ruth alone long enough," Dera said in a low voice.

"Don't worry. I'll talk to her," Frank replied.

Later, I bumped into my best friend Bianca at a cafe on my way back home.

"What? Pregnant?" Bianca's eyes popped open. "That's great news!"

A bitter smile twisted at my lips. "I don't think so. You were right last night. That was Frank I saw. And the woman he's been loving? The woman he always wanted to love? That was Dera."

Bianca's jaw dropped. "Is he cheating on you with his ex?"

"I don't know. But it hurts to finally know the truth. Perhaps I should do what I've been resisting all along," I said, my voice hollow.

"Are you insane? Why would you leave your marriage-especially since you're pregnant now? Being a single mother is pure hell, Ruth. You're his lawful wife! If you can't stand up to her, I will."

"And then what, Bee?" I shook my head. "You should have seen how fast he shoved me away when he believed I hurt her. He did not even hesitate. He did not inquire if I was okay. How am I to remain with a person who shelters her more than me?"

Bianca's fists were tight. "Try telling him about the baby. Perhaps that will wake him up from his insanity."

I rubbed my belly gently. "He pushed me without hesitation. He didn't call to see how I was. Maybe he doesn't want this child. Maybe he'd rather I just disappeared so he can be with Dera."

Bianca sighed. "If that's what you've set your mind on, I'll be with you. Just promise me you'll do what will make you happy."

When Frank arrived, I sat in the lounge. As soon as he entered, guilt flickered across his face. "Ruth, about that back there, I'm-"

"I have something to say to you," I told him quietly. I handed him the papers I'd lugged all day.

Frank frowned as he read the documents. "What's this? Work? Can't it wait until tomorrow morning? I wanted to talk-"

"Those are divorce and resignation papers," I told him. "Let's end this, Frank. It's been long enough."

Frank's eyes sprang up, shock taking the place of guilt. "Ruth, wait-"

"Let's divorce," I said again. "I'm no longer standing in the path of your happiness."