When Love Runs Out of Coupons

I found an empty box in Ethan's study.

It should have held a stack of wish coupons that read: Ethan promises to unconditionally fulfill one wish for Zara.

I made them by hand during our first year of marriage. He said he'd save them up, and we'd cash them in slowly when we were old.

Now, the box was empty.

He used the last one a week ago.

I saw it with my own eye. He handed that coupon to Blair, his voice gentle.

"Blair, ask for anything you want."

And I stood outside the hospital room, having just lost our second child.

My phone buzzed. A message from Ethan popped up.

"Zara, I'll have my assistant take you to handle the paperwork tomorrow. Blair's emotionally unstable. I need to stay with her."

I touched my flat stomach and suddenly remembered seven years ago.

He was at this same hospital, kneeling beside my bed with red eyes.

"Zara, I swear I'll never let you down in this lifetime."

How ridiculous.

The wish coupons were gone.

So was the love.

When I returned home from my hospital follow-up, my abdomen still ached with the dull pain from the D&C procedure.

A woman's soft laughter floated from the living room.

I steadied myself against the wall and saw Blair sitting on my sofa, wearing my silk bathrobe.

Ethan had his back to me, pouring her water.

"Ethan, Zara won't be upset that I'm wearing this, will she?"

Blair's voice was soft, her fingers brushing over the collar of the robe.

"She won't."

Ethan handed her the water, his tone carrying a tenderness I hadn't heard in ages.

"Your clothes were soaked through. You couldn't go home in wet clothes."

I stood in the shadows of the entryway, watching this scene, and suddenly the pain in my lower abdomen intensified.

"Ethan."

I spoke abruptly, my voice hoarse.

They both turned around.

A flash of panic crossed Ethan's eyes, but he quickly recovered.

He walked over, his tone softening.

"How was the follow-up? What did the doctor say? Are you feeling uncomfortable anywhere?"

I didn't answer his questions. I just pointed at Blair.

"Why is she here? Why is she wearing my clothes?"

Blair immediately stood up, her eyes reddening on cue.

"Zara, I'm so sorry. The rain was so heavy today. I came to drop off some documents for Ethan and accidentally fell."

"I let her take a shower and change clothes."

Ethan interrupted her, his tone matter-of-fact.

"Zara, Blair's father just went into the ICU. You've always been kind. I'm sure you won't make a big deal out of this."

Make a big deal?

I clutched my stomach and suddenly laughed.

Ethan's brow furrowed.

"What are you laughing at?"

"I'm laughing at myself."

I looked up at him, my eyes so dry they hurt.

"Ethan, we lost our child."

"Last week, I was on the operating table alone. I signed the consent form alone. I heard the doctor say alone that everything had been cleared out."

"And you were here, pouring water for another woman, letting her wear my bathrobe."

With each sentence I spoke, Ethan's face grew paler.

Blair spoke up on cue, her voice tearful.

"Ethan, I didn't know Zara had surgery. I really didn't know."

"It's not your fault."

Ethan patted the back of her hand, then turned to me.

"Zara, I'm sorry about the child, but Blair's father was in critical condition. A life at stake. Surely that's more important than-"

"More important than my child."

I finished the sentence for him.

"I know. I understand. The bigger picture comes first."

I walked into the living room, heading straight for Blair.

She instinctively stepped back, but I grabbed the belt of the bathrobe.

"Take it off."

I said calmly.

"This is my robe. You don't deserve to wear it."

Blair's eyes grew redder as she looked pleadingly at Ethan.

Ethan stepped forward, instinctively gripping my wrist.

"Zara!"

Seeing my pale face, he quickly let go, his tone urgent.

"Are you okay? I was just worried."

"It's just a robe. If you don't like that Blair wore it, throw it away. I'll buy you a new one."

When I looked up, I saw Ethan standing protectively in front of Blair.

"Blair, go rest in the guest room."

He said softly, turning his head.

Then he turned to me, his voice softening.

"Zara, about the child-we can have another one."

I didn't speak. I just turned and walked toward the bedroom.

He followed, gently wrapping his arms around me from behind, his chin resting in the curve of my shoulder.

"I'm sorry."

"I should have been with you yesterday, but Blair's dad suddenly went into emergency. She couldn't handle it alone. To keep everything stable, I had to be there for her."

It was always like this.

When Blair needed him, he had to go.

And when I needed him, I was always second to the bigger picture.

That night, Blair stayed at our house.

Ethan let me have the master bedroom and went to the study himself.

Late at night, I woke up from abdominal pain and wanted to get hot water from the kitchen.

As I passed the guest room, I heard muffled crying inside.

The door was slightly ajar.

I saw Ethan sitting on the edge of the bed, Blair leaning against him, her shoulders shaking.

"Ethan, I'm so scared. If Dad dies, I'll have no family left."

"Don't be scared. I'm here."

Ethan gently patted her back.

Once upon a time, when I had period cramps, he held me like that and said, "Don't be scared. I'm here."

Now, his embrace belonged to someone else.

I turned to leave but knocked over a vase in the hallway.

Crash!

Both of them looked over.

Ethan's face showed panic as he quickly tried to explain.

"Blair suddenly said she was scared tonight, afraid her father would leave her. So I came to talk with her."

I looked at him and suddenly felt so tired.

"Ethan, right now, immediately-get her out of my house!"

Blair walked out of the room.

She'd already changed back into her own clothes, her eyes red and swollen.

"Zara, I'm sorry. I'll leave right now."

As she spoke, her legs gave out and she fell straight toward Ethan.

Ethan instinctively caught her.

"I feel so dizzy."

Blair leaned against him, her voice weak.

"I think I caught a fever from the rain today."

Ethan touched her forehead, his expression changing.

"You're burning up!"

He scooped Blair up in his arms and looked at me pleadingly.

"Zara, look-Blair has a fever. Can she stay a little longer?"

"I'll help her with the medicine and then come be with you! I promise!"

"Then call an ambulance."

I didn't budge.

"Or should I call one for you?"

Seeing I wouldn't relent, Ethan could only smile apologetically.

"Okay, okay. Don't be angry, Zara. I'll take her away right now."

With that, he had Blair go downstairs first.

I said nothing.

He came over to kiss my forehead, but I turned my head away.

He sighed and grabbed his coat.

"Don't be upset. Wait for me to come back, and we'll talk properly."

The door closed.

I stood there, listening to the elevator descend.

I suddenly remembered last month, on my birthday.

He promised to have dinner with me, but he left because of one phone call from Blair.

That night I waited until dawn.

He came back at three in the morning, reeking of alcohol, shoving a box into my hands.

"To make it up to you. Open it."

Inside was a diamond necklace.

"Do you like it?"

He kissed my neck. "Zara, I love you most."

Back then, I still softened.

I still thought that deep down, he remembered me.

How foolish.

Ethan didn't come home all night.

The next morning, he returned with breakfast.

"Blair was in bad shape last night. I took her to the hospital planning to come right back, but then her father's condition suddenly worsened."

He explained while changing his shoes.

He set the coffee and bread on the dining table and came over to touch my face.

"Why are your eyes swollen? Didn't you sleep well?"

I avoided his hand.

His movement froze, his eyes dimming.

"Zara, I know you're angry, but that was a life at stake. I couldn't just ignore it."

"So my child's life doesn't count?"

I heard my own voice, terrifyingly calm.

Ethan's face went pale.

He opened his mouth, but in the end just took a deep breath.

"I'm sorry, but what's done is done. Can we please stop torturing each other? Blair really..."

"She's really pitiful."

I finished for him.

"She needs you, and I'm strong. I can handle things myself, right?"

He was left speechless, guilt and frustration flashing in his eyes.

Finally, he crouched down in compromise, gripping my hand.

"Zara, I promise this is the last time."

"Once her father's condition stabilizes, I'll keep my distance from her. We'll live well together and have another child, okay?"

His palm was warm, his eyes sincere.

For a brief moment, I almost believed him.

But then I saw his phone screen light up with a message.

"Ethan, thank you for being with me. Without you, I really couldn't hold on."

Sender: Blair.

My wedding anniversary with Ethan was on Friday.

He'd promised a week ago to take me to my favorite stargazing restaurant.

I'd even secretly prepared a gift.

At 6 p.m., I started doing my makeup and picking out a dress.

At six-thirty, his message came.

"Sorry Zara, there's an emergency meeting. I might be an hour late. Can you go to the restaurant first and wait for me? I'll be there as soon as possible."

I typed back.

"What meeting?"

He replied instantly. "Final negotiations for the acquisition. The other party suddenly changed their terms. I have to be there."

Very reasonable.

I went to the restaurant alone.

The server came several times asking if I wanted to order. Each time I said to wait a bit longer.

Seven-thirty. Ethan didn't come.

Eight o'clock. He sent a photo of a conference room.

"Still at a standstill. Sorry, babe."

Nine o'clock. The restaurant was about to close.

I picked up my bag to leave, but through the window, I saw the huge LED screen across the street at the mall.

It was playing financial news.

In the frame, Ethan wore a sharp suit, smiling as he gave an interview.

And beside him, Blair in a white dress was holding his arm.

The caption scrolled.

"Jameson Group heir Ethan with his female companion at charity gala-wedding bells soon?"

I stood on the street, cold all over.

My phone buzzed. Another message from him.

"Finally done! I'm heading over now. Wait for me!"

I stared at those words and suddenly laughed.

When Ethan arrived, the restaurant lights were already off.

He found me on the street, his face full of apology.

"Zara, I'm sorry. The negotiations dragged on too long. Why are you waiting out here? Aren't you cold?"

He took off his jacket to drape it over my shoulders.

I dodged.

He froze. "Are you angry? It really was work."

"Ethan."

I interrupted him, looking up at him.

"Did the negotiations go well?"

His eyes flickered, and he forced a smile.

"It was... okay. The other party was difficult."

"I see."

I nodded. "And the charity gala? Did that go well too?"

His expression changed drastically.

The air went dead silent.

After a few seconds, he ran his hand through his hair in frustration.

"You saw? I didn't mean to hide it from you. Blair insisted I accompany her."

"She said it was her father's dying wish to see her in the spotlight once. I couldn't refuse."

Couldn't refuse again.

"So you lied to me?"

I heard my voice trembling.

"Ethan, today is our wedding anniversary."

He panicked, reaching for my hand.

"I know! I remembered! That's why I rushed over!"

"Zara, I was wrong. I'll make it up to you. Let's go eat somewhere else."

"No need."

I pulled my hand back. "I'm tired. I want to go home."

Finally, he said hoarsely.

"Okay. Let's go home."

In the car, he drove with one hand and gripped mine tightly with the other.

It hurt.

When we got home, he pressed me against the door, kissing me fiercely and urgently.

"Don't leave me..."

His voice choked.

"Zara, I can't live without you. I thought about you all day today. Really!"

I closed my eyes.

I felt his tears falling on my face.

But my heart-why wouldn't it warm up anymore?

After the anniversary, Ethan started trying to make it up to me.

He canceled all evening engagements and came home on time every day.

On the weekend, he took me to the countryside to relax. On the terrace of a bed-and-breakfast, he held me while we watched the stars.

"Let's have another child. This time I'll stay by your side every step of the way. I won't leave you for a second."

I leaned against him, saying nothing.

For a moment, I almost believed everything could go back to how it was.

Until his phone buzzed.

He glanced at it, instinctively about to decline, then paused.

"It's Blair. Her father might not make it."

I closed my eyes.

"Go."

He kissed my forehead.

"I'll be back soon. Wait for me."

He left.

I sat alone on the terrace until midnight.

The inn owner came up with hot milk, hesitating to speak.

"Did something happen at home? That gentleman left in such a rush."

I smiled.

"Yeah. Something happened."

Ethan didn't come back until noon the next day.

His voice was hoarse.

"Blair's father passed away at dawn. Blair fainted several times from crying. I couldn't leave."

I poured him a glass of water.

He took it and held my hand.

"Zara, this is the last time. Once she finishes handling her father's affairs, I'll cut ties completely."

I looked at him.

"Can you bear to?"

He froze.

"She depends on you so much. She needs you so much."

I spoke softly, mockery in my eyes.

"Can you really bear to leave her when she's at her most vulnerable?"

His eyes showed struggle, and finally he looked away.

"Even if I can't bear it, I have to. You're my wife."

I smiled and said nothing.

On the day of Blair's father's funeral, I went too.

Ethan was surprised.

"After all, we knew each other."

I said flatly.

At the funeral, Blair cried herself into a wreck, barely able to stand.

Ethan supported her the entire time.

Guests whispered.

"Is that Mrs. Jameson? She looks so composed."

"How could she not be? Her husband's practically someone else's now."

"I heard Mr. Jameson didn't even care when his own child was lost because of Blair."

Ethan clearly heard them too. He looked back at me, guilt and urgency in his eyes.

He probably wanted me to leave so Blair wouldn't feel more embarrassed.

I didn't move.

After the funeral, Blair walked over with others supporting her and bowed to me.

"Zara, I've caused you so much trouble during this time."

She looked up, tears streaming.

"Don't worry. Once I finish handling Dad's affairs, I'll leave this place and never bother you two again."

Ethan's expression changed.

"Blair, what are you talking about? Where would you even go?"

Blair cried harder.

"I should have left already. I've been too selfish, monopolizing Ethan all this time."

"Stop it!"

Ethan cut her off, looking at me.

"Zara, Blair has no family now. We can't force her to leave at a time like this."

I quietly watched them.

One crying her heart out, the other looking at her with pained protection.

Like a pair of star-crossed lovers.

And I was the cold-hearted villain.

"Ethan, do you remember what vow you made when we got married?"

He froze.

I smiled.

"Never mind. It doesn't matter anymore."

I turned and left. He didn't follow.

That night, Ethan came home reeking of alcohol.

He found me sitting on the balcony and hugged me tightly from behind.

"Zara, I'm sorry."

I didn't turn around.

"You know what? Today at the funeral, I saw Blair wearing a necklace."

His body stiffened.

"That necklace. I saw it last year and didn't buy it because it was too expensive."

"You said it cost too much and you'd give it to me on our next anniversary."

The wind on the balcony was cold.

Ethan's breathing stopped.

After a long while, he finally spoke with difficulty.

"That was her father's last gift to her before he died. I didn't buy it."

"Really."

I laughed. "But the receipt is still in your study drawer, dated last Wednesday."

He let go of me, staggering back two steps.

"Zara, let me explain!"

"No need to explain."

I stood up and turned to face him.

"The wish coupons are all used up, aren't they?"

His pupils contracted sharply.

"The last one. You gave it to Blair, telling her to ask for anything she wanted."

I pushed past him and pulled out the very first coupon I'd never been willing to use.

"So Ethan, this time my wish is to let me go."