I was shocked at what the doctor had told me. Although I kind of suspected it, it felt surreal. I thought about Hayato right away. How would he react? It would surely complicate things between us. I was busy rehearsing what I would tell him so I didn't notice the unfamiliar car parked on our driveway. When I opened our front door, I was shocked again. There she was. Hugging my husband! I thought she already left for the States. What is she doing here?

It was Hayato who saw me first. He extricated himself from her embrace and walked towards me. He looked kind of worried in a seemingly guilty way. He gave me a kiss on the cheek which was not normal for him. That irked me more. Is there something I don't know about?

"She dropped by to say goodbye," he explained while taking the two shopping bags I was carrying. He put it on the center table.

I didn't say a word. I was afraid my real emotion would come out. The last time she dropped by to say goodbye something happened and Hayato had to drive her home. I have not forgotten it, yet.

I looked at the bitch and our eyes met. I saw a glint of triumph in her eyes. I pretended I didn't notice anything. I slightly bowed at her. She just nodded. I felt like strangling her. There was an awkward silence. It was then that Shin cried. I had an excuse to leave them. I went to the bedroom to check on my son. A few minutes after, Hayato came in and asked what made Shin cry. I didn't answer him. He began to explain about Rika's presence in the house. I just glanced at him one time while changing Shin's diaper.

"I know you're mad," he said in a soft voice.

"I'm not mad. I just don't care," I replied without looking at him. "You can do anything with her – you guys can get back together again for all I care."

He gave out a light laugh. "Indeed, you're mad."

I glared at him and left the room with Shin. He followed me outside. He kept on telling me that there was nothing between him and Rika – that I should believe him.

"Okay. I believe you," I said reluctantly.

"Good," he replied and he patted my shoulder before he went back to the bedroom. When he came out, he was all dressed up. I think he saw the crease on my forehead because he explained that he had some work to do that Sunday afternoon. Work on a Sunday? Although I was skeptical, I just kept quiet.

I cooked dinner thinking that he would be home in time for it, but he wasn't. He came at around ten PM smelling of alcohol. I was so mad, but I just controlled myself again. I was helping him to the bed when his cell phone rang. I took it out of his shirt pocket and answered the call. I heard a male voice. He introduced himself as one of his friends. He just asked if he came home all right.

"Yeah. He's here now. Thanks."

The guy explained that they had a celebration because one of their close friends is leaving for the States. I frowned as soon as I heard it. Then, I glared at Hayato. He didn't tell me he went to join Rika's farewell party. He said he went to work. I bit my lower lip. How could I tell him about my condition when he seemed to be still attached to Rika.

I was loosening his belt when his phone rang again. This time, it was the bitch.

"Could you hand this phone to Hayato?" she said in her usual sweet, bitchy voice.

"He's sleeping," I said in a bored tone.

"Oh. Poor him. Could you just tell him I really appreciate the gift he gave me? It was so sweet of him for giving me those."

Gift? What gift? The jealous side of me flared up, but I still acted like it didn't have an effect on me. What do I care anyway? Rika was an old flame. Of course, he would give her a gift.

"I really love the necklace. I'm so flattered that he gave me one of his mom's precious jewelries," she said happily and she hang up. I was stunned. He gave her one of his mom's jewelries? That's when it dawned on me. Although we shared a lot of happy moments in and out of bed lately, they were not enough to replace Rika in his heart. I thought that it could mean something for him. Now, I know that I was just having an illusion. Before I knew it, tears came flowing down my cheeks.

As I was lying in bed that night, I thought about what to do. I don't think I can continue living with him knowing that his heart belongs to somebody else. It's only proper that I set him free now. Reluctantly, I got off the bed and went to pack my clothes. I will leave early in the morning – as soon as he leaves for work.

**********

I looked back at our house in Nagaokakyo for the last time. With a heavy heart, I turned my back at what I thought was my home – our home...

The first few months was very difficult. I kept on having nightmares about Shin. For several times, I was tempted to return home and check on him. But just as always I would be overpowered by fear that Hayato would drive me away.

On the third month away from home, I bumped into one of the twins on my way to work. He was shocked to see me.

"Ohisashiburi ne (Long time no see)!" Then he looked at my belly and frowned. Automatically, I held my tummy and told him to keep it between us. He just stared at me and hurriedly went away.

When I came home that night, I was shocked to see who was waiting in front of my doorstep. It was Hayato and Shin! I was about to turn my back when he called me.

"Ellie!"

I stopped and faced him. When I saw Shin for the first time in three months, I cried. The baby reached out for me. He has not forgotten me, yet! I hesitated for a moment before I got him from his Papa's arms.

"I thought that you went back to the Philippines. You had me worried for months!" he said in a tired voice. He seemed mad. "Why the hell did you leave?"

I didn't answer him. He sighed.

"Could we get inside your apartment? It's a bit cold for Shin here outside."

Without saying anything, I led them to my apartment.

"I'm sure you left because of Rika. How many times should I tell you that Rika and I are no longer together? Why don't you believe me?"

"Whether you guys are together or not is none of my business. Ours is just a fixed marriage. I'm setting you free now."

"Setting me free? In your condition? No!" And he looked at my tummy which is beginning to swell. I turned my back at him.

"I can take care of myself and the –b-baby."

"You have to go home with me. I'm not leaving Kobe without you," he said in an authoritative voice. "You've already made me worry for months. I'm not letting you do that to me again."

"Why do you have to worry about me? I left you a note. I explained everything."

"I know you're mad at me because you caught me and Rika hugging. But that didn't mean anything. It was just a friendly hug."

"Oh, so the necklace you gave her, which was something you got from your mom, was also a friendly gesture? It didn't mean that much to you?" I retorted. I was so angry.

He frowned. "What necklace?"

"C'mon! Stop acting like you don't know."
"I don't know what you're talking about."

I studied his face carefully. He seemed to be telling the truth. Then, I realized that Rika had tricked me again! But still, I explained to clarify things with him. I saw him shook his head.

"I didn't give him a necklace from Okaasan (Mom). Why would I do that? The necklace and bracelet my mom gave me are meant for my daughter. That was my mother's request. To give her jewelries to my first baby girl."

I felt my cheeks burning. How I wanted to run and escape again in embarrassment.

"I didn't know that Rika had the power to make you so jealous," he said in a teasing voice. He came to me and raised my chin with his palm. "You have nothing to be jealous about." I blushed.

"I'm not jealous! Why do you think that I am?" I denied furiously although I was already pretty obvious.

He chuckled. I glared at him. He kissed me on the cheek. I pushed him away. He came near me again and raised my face. This time he gave me a light kiss on the lips.

"I'm sorry for making you feel insecure. I'm sorry for making you jealous. I thought that I have already made it obvious to you that I was serious about you – that my offering you a marriage of convenience to help you out was just a front. The real reason was – I really, really like you a lot. I think I've liked you ever since I saw you on the train for the first time that morning."

I frowned. He explained about our first encounter on the train. Who would have forgotten it? Of course, I remember. I just frowned at what he said. He liked me since day one? That seemed hard to believe! He was pretty arrogant to me then.

"You were different from the girls I used to date. And I like your devotion to your family. I grew up in a family where everybody seemed to be kind of detached so you were a breathe of fresh air to me."

I guess, I didn't look like I believed him so he kept on explaining.

"When I first heard you from the twins, I was a bit intrigued. They were never so taken by their teacher before. When I saw you, I realized why they like you a lot. You exude the kind of warmth that they have not experienced with anyone before. Later, I realized that I felt something special for you, too. So when I offered to lend you some money, it was just an excuse to be near you. And when I heard about your visa problem, I thought it was fate's way of making us come closer. Sorry for taking advantage of your need."

"Are you just telling me this because – because I'm pregnant and ---"

"Of course not. When you left me, I was consumed with anger and sadness. Anger at myself for not telling you what I truly feel and sadness because I longed for your presence. I promised myself that when I see you again, I have to make sure you know what I feel about you."

I was not able to hold back my tears. He looked at me worriedly. He cupped my face and asked me if there was something he said that made me sad.

"Nothing. I'm just h-happy."

He smiled. He lowered his face and planted a soft kiss on my lips. He also kissed Shin's cheeks and hugged us both.

"I love you," he whispered in my ears. "Do you love me, too?"

I nodded shyly and said, "Yes. I love you, too."

His smile widened and he kissed me passionately on the lips. We both hugged Shin while kissing. I felt the little one pushed his Papa away. We laughed.

We didn't go back home that night. We stayed at my little apartment and returned to our home sweet home in Nagaokakyo the following morning. When I saw our house, I felt our little one move inside my tummy. I guess, just like me, he's excited to be home again.

-END-