The Scars You Can't See

I lay beside Oscar. The lamp's soft light spilled gently over his face. He held my index finger tightly, his eyes shining bright. "Mom, can you tell me the story about the little fox today?" I smiled and nodded, speaking softly. Halfway through the story, Oscar suddenly interrupted me. "Mom, actually, I'd rather have Aunt Luna be my mom." My voice caught abruptly. The warmth at my fingertips seemed to disappear instantly. "Oscar, why do you say that?" I tried to keep my tone calm. "Aunt Luna buys me lots of toys and takes me to the amusement park." Oscar counted on his little fingers, "Dad also likes talking to Luna more." It felt like a heavy hammer had struck my chest, dull pain spreading through me. Holding back tears, I gently stroked his head. "Be good, Oscar. How about going to sleep now?" Once Oscar's breathing evened out, I quietly got up. I walked unsteadily toward the study. I wanted to find Edward Greenspan and ask him if what Oscar said was true. The study door was ajar, faint light spilling from inside. I raised my hand to knock, but before I could, I heard Edward's voice from inside. "Luna, I know I've wronged you." "Wait a little longer, I'll give you a proper place." My heart suddenly skipped a beat. My hand, pushing the door open, trembled uncontrollably. The moment the door opened, I froze where I stood. On the walls, the desk, even the computer screen—everywhere were photos of Luna Roger. Her smile blossomed like a flower, her eyes tender and alluring. Edward Greenspan stood with his back to me, facing a single photo of Luna Roger. He reached out, his fingertips lightly tracing the face in the picture. "Once Oscar is a little older, I'll divorce Freya Roger." "All these years, the one I've loved has always been you." My throat tightened; I could hardly speak. Edward suddenly spun around, a flicker of panic in his eyes before quickly masking it with calm. "You heard all of that?" His tone was flat, utterly devoid of guilt. "Why?" My voice was hoarse, choking with tears. "You were in a coma for three years." Edward Greenspan turned around and looked me straight in the eye. "During those three years, it was Luna who took care of Oscar and me; she was the one who stayed by my side through the hardest times." "With her, I found a warmth I hadn't felt in a long time." "So, you fell in love with her?" I stared at him, my heart feeling like it was being ripped apart. "Yes." Edward didn't avoid the truth. "But I will keep our marriage intact." "Oscar needs a complete family." "I can give you enough material compensation." He pulled a check from the drawer. "Whatever you want, as long as I can do it, it's yours." "Except love, right?" I laughed, but tears still fell. Edward Greenspan stayed silent, which was as good as agreeing. I looked at his familiar face and suddenly felt like a complete stranger. The man who once promised me forever—the one who held me tight before I lost consciousness and said he would wait for me—had finally changed. The pain in my chest grew sharper, nearly choking me. I refused the check and turned away, walking out of the study, step by step. Oscar was still sound asleep, a gentle smile softening his young face. I looked at him, tears flooding my eyes. This house was no longer my home. Edward Greenspan's love no longer belonged to me. I took a deep breath and wiped my tears away. There was only one thought in my mind: to leave this place and disappear completely.