As an OBGYN doctor, you were used to dealing with your patients' ups and downs. Just when you felt comfortable, the door opened and your heart raced. It was Marcus, your ex-husband, looking as distant as ever. He was with his new wife, who had a protective hand on her growing belly.
"We're just here for a check-up," Marcus said, his voice cold and distant.
As his wife walked cautiously, Marcus never took his eyes off her, softly murmuring, "Be careful, love."Your eyes widened as you recognized her. This was Marcus's new wife, carrying his child. As she gingerly made her way to the receptionist, Marcus stood close behind her, watching keenly.
Seeing them together filled you with inexplicable shame. It was one thing to know Marcus had moved on, but to see it for yourself was something else entirely. You couldn't help but notice the protective and tender way Marcus looked at his pregnant wife.
As you observed their interactions, a strange sensation filled you. It was envy, a feeling creeping in despite your best efforts to suppress it. Seeing Marcus's attention, concern, and affection towards his wife left a bitter taste in your mouth. It was a stark reminder of what you no longer had.
You composed yourself, masking your emotions with the best smile you could manage. It was a facade, a facade to hide the pain and envy gnawing at your heart. With a deep breath, you approached the couple, maintaining professional decorum.
Your heart skipped a beat as she began to share details about their relationship. The tone of her voice was laced with satisfaction and perhaps even a hint of gloating. It was almost as if she was relishing in the fact that she had what you once did.
Just as the weight of the moment pressed down, the clinic door chimed—Emmanuel walked in, warm and familiar, his smile like a throwback to simpler times. Your eyes locked for a brief second, and something inside you steadied. He didn't know Marcus was here. He didn't know *you* were still unraveling from seeing him.
But Emmanuel always had that effect—like sunlight breaking through storm clouds.
"Well, well," he said, grinning. "Long time no see, Doc."