Babel Novel
Chapter 5
Jordan was just about to say something when Qiana suddenly grabbed his arm and said, “Dr. Miller, I’m not feeling well.” Jordan looked at me, clearly distressed. “Caroline, I know we have our issues, but our baby is gone. Qiana is experiencing complications with her pregnancy, and as a doctor, I can’t just ignore that. I need to take care of her.”
“Oh, so you’re going to handle that. Just make sure you sign the divorce papers,” I said, unfazed.
Jordan’s face showed deep regret. “Caroline, whether you believe it or not, I never wanted this divorce. I’ll take care of things here, and then we can talk about it.”
He hurried off with Qiana, leaving me behind.
Everyone around me watched with sympathy.
Only my boss spoke up, “He doesn’t deserve you. I support your decision to divorce. Remember, a woman should always value herself.”
I smiled gratefully at her.
Then one of my colleagues added, “It’s unbelievable. I want to give them a piece of my mind. Did you see that? She’s entangled with someone else’s husband and still tries to play the victim. What a piece of work.”
“Absolutely. Caroline, we all support you,” another colleague agreed.
I was taken aback by the support from my coworkers.
The farewell dinner gave me a boost of confidence. I hadn’t mentioned the move to Chicago to Jordan.
When I got home, Jordan was already there. He came over as soon as he saw me. “Caroline, I know you’re upset, but I was just trying to help Qiana. She’s pregnant and having complications. I had to act quickly…”
“If she’s pregnant, where’s her boyfriend? Why isn’t he taking care of her? And seriously, Jordan, how can you justify this? You’re a doctor, and she’s your assistant. What kind of emergency could she have at the hospital?”
Jordan didn’t have a response.
I was done with his excuses. I started packing my things.
Jordan followed me, seeing the suitcase. “Caroline, don’t you want to give us another chance? I swear nothing is going on between us. We can still try for another baby…”
“A baby? Jordan, do you even deserve that? Another baby wouldn’t solve anything. She’d have a mother who can’t be there and an unreliable father. What kind of life is that?”
“What do you want me to do? I’ve apologized. I know I made mistakes. I couldn’t foresee everything. I acted on instinct. I know you’re hurting, and I’m sorry. I want to make it right, but you won’t let me.”
Jordan’s frustration turned into anger. He started to lash out.
I was tired of his blame–shifting and tantrums. “You’re not trying to save lives; you’re just trying to save yourself and Qiana. Jordan, it’s better to be straightforward.”
Jordan reached for me, but I pushed him away. “Don’t touch me. Just the thought of you makes me sick.”
He stood there, stunned.
As I continued packing, he paced around, trying to stop me. I was fed up. “Jordan, stop buzzing around like a mosquito. It’s driving me nuts.”Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.
He suddenly pulled me into a desperate hug. “Caroline, let’s try again. I promise I’ll cut off contact with her. Please?”
“There’s no need. I don’t care anymore.”
Seeing that nothing he said would change my mind, Jordan resignedly said, “I’ll leave the house to you. If anyone’s going to leave, it’ll be me.”
I put my clothes back in the closet. I had been waiting for this. I was not someone who didn’t plan for herself.
Jordan saw my reaction and said, “I’ll stay somewhere else tonight. You should get some rest.”
His tone was unexpectedly gentle.
It’s funny how love works. Once it’s gone, you realize just how much it mattered. It’s almost ironic.