After an Avalanche, We Divorced

After Mike ditched me on the ski slopes to chase after his old flame, I got swallowed by an avalanche.

I trudged through the snow for two grueling days and nights until I finally got a signal.

When I called Mike for help, his words cut me off before I could even explain, "Look, I'm slammed. Deal with it yourself and stop calling."

I could hear her voice in the background, "Who's calling, Mike?"

"Just some spam," he answered with icy detachment.

I stood there, phone in hand, baffled. Too busy for me, just busy cozying up to her?

Then, a thunderous sound roared, and a cold blanket of snow crushed me. Everything went black.

*****

Waking up, I found myself in a hospital.

Thankfully, the rescue team wasn't far when I called. It's a good thing I didn't pin all my hopes on Mike.

"You're fine, just a bit dehydrated. But, you're pregnant, so you'll need to take it easy and get checked out thoroughly," the doctor said with a gentle reminder.

My mind buzzed. My hand instinctively went to my belly.

I thought about texting Mike the news, but I discovered he had blocked me.

I told myself this was it, the last time. I had to confront Mike face-to-face.

After a thorough checkup, I clutched the pregnancy report in my hands.

Yet, in the hospital room, I caught Mike tenderly giving his old flame her medicine, coaxing her with sweet smiles and candies.

Six years together and he'd never once shown me such gentleness.

So, that was his tender side. Apparently, he thought I didn't deserve such kindness, hence he never let it show around me.

The pain was like a sharp blade, piercing my heart.

Suddenly, clarity hit. There was no need to tell him about the baby in person. I pocketed the report. My child would have nothing to do with Mike, and neither would I.

But just then, a nurse bumped into me accidentally. She apologized profusely, "Oh dear, I'm so sorry."

I reassured her, but Mike heard my voice and spotted me outside his room. He stormed out and yanked me into the hallway, out of sight of his cherished childhood sweetheart.

"Why are you doing here?" Mike barked, clearly annoyed.

He refused to meet my eyes, blind to my pale lips and the sickly pallor of my face. He was convinced I was there to stir up drama, dragging me to this deserted stairwell as if to brace for a showdown, out of sight of his beloved.

In his eyes, I was forever the villain.

Overwhelmed by fatigue, I managed, "This is a public space, not your personal property. I can come if I want, and it's none of your business," I replied calmly. "If that's all, I'll be going now."

Sharing any space with him was revolting; I needed to get away fast.

Mike scowled, taken aback by my assertive tone.

He stood blocking the stairwell door, trapping me. "You saved me the trouble of finding you by showing up here. They've developed a new drug overseas for Jessa's condition, but it lacks clinical trial data. You and Jessa are so alike, you should consider participating."

I looked at Mike in disbelief. "Are you serious? Being Jessa's stand-in wasn't enough, now you want me to be her lab rat too? Have you lost your mind?"

Mike was the golden boy of the neighboring university, our arts school was always bustling with girls, and joint events were frequent. Our annual New Year's gala was a big affair we did together.

During one performance, I danced a ballet piece, and afterward, he approached me.

Mike reached out his hand, "Hey, I'm Mike. Mind if I get to know you?"

The flickering stage lights cast his features in sharp relief, his clean-cut look almost angelic.

Only later did I learn about his childhood friend Jessa Williams, who had grown up dancing just like me. We were similar in build and even shared a love for blue and the sea.

Step by step, I realized I was just a placeholder for Jessa all along.

"Jessa's like a sister to me. I've told you countless times, there's nothing more between us."

Ignoring my protests, Mike was already on the phone. "Brown, bring the trial drug over."

Being newly pregnant meant I had to be cautious about medications. This drug wasn't even confirmed safe yet—taking it could be risky. Even if I weren't pregnant, I wouldn't agree to be Mike's absurd test subject.

"Try it yourself if you're so keen!" I snapped back.

Determined to end the charade, I turned to leave.

Mike grabbed my arm forcefully, pulling me back up the stairs where I stumbled and fell.

I instinctively protected my belly.

"You've always wanted to marry me, right? Test the drug, and we'll tie the knot. We can go on that honeymoon you dreamed about, and maybe even have a baby you've wanted," he proposed.

As he spoke, Mike pulled out his phone and showed me the screen. "Wedding's all set."

He had everything planned. Offering me a dream in exchange for my participation as his sweetheart's guinea pig.

He clearly didn't love me. I was sprawled on the ground, and he didn't even offer a hand to help me up. Yet, for Jessa, he was willing to trade his own marriage.