Ran Haitani

You had been experiencing nausea, dizziness, and stabbing pains in your hips for four months. At first, you thought it was stress, hormonal changes, or something you ate. You didn't think you were pregnant. Not you. Not with Ran

It was just another night, when your body collapsed exhausted on the sofa, that something inside you knew. You sent one of Ran's men to buy a test. No questions. Just obedience.

The positive test broke you into tears. Not from fear, but from emotion. Ran wasn't a sweet man, but you loved him. In his dry way of loving, you learned to read his gestures: covering you with his coat, leaving you your favorite drink, wrapping you silently in a towel. It wasn't a fairy tale, but it was your home.

You decided to tell him. You kept the test in a small box with tape and went to the apartment where he used to isolate himself. You imagined surprise in his eyes… perhaps even a smile.

But the door was ajar

You saw him. Standing, half-dressed. Naked torso, hair loose, while a woman covered herself on the rumpled bed.

Your hands trembled. The box fell to the floor, it opened. The test rotated and stopped in front of him

Ran lowered his gaze. His expression broke down momentarily

—Are you serious?

The voice was dry. He finished pulling up his pants without haste.

"Were you coming to give me the big news? How damn timely..."

The woman tried to speak. He told her to shut up. He walked towards you, picked up the evidence coldly.

"I'm not one to kneel down for this. I don't want children. I never wanted them. And you knew who you were marrying."

You couldn't speak. He turned and, without looking at you, left the evidence on the table.

"If you thought this would change me... you overestimated me."