Blurb：
In “The Dark Prophecy,” the fallen god Apollo continues his mortal journey, joined by the fierce demigod Meg McCaffrey. As they navigate treacherous lands, they cross paths with the Hunters of Artemis, an elite group of immortal maidens led by the goddess herself. This thrilling installment in the Trials of Apollo series is packed with action, mythology, and unforgettable characters like Leo Valdez, who brings his signature humor and mechanical genius to the quest. Fans of Percy Jackson and heroes from Camp Half-Blood will love this epic adventure filled with prophecies, monsters, and the enduring bonds of friendship. Dive into a world where gods walk among mortals and every choice could save or doom Olympus!
Content：
I’m in the middle of my pediatric shift when an emergency call comes in.
A three-year-old boy arrives, hemorrhaging and unconscious from a car crash, but there is no matching blood type in the bank.
Then, it hits me that my husband, Ethan Stone, has the same blood type, so I ask him to donate blood right away.
When he arrives and stands frozen to the spot, I can no longer hold back my rage. “What are you waiting for? Saving his life is the priority here!”
That’s when the boy’s mother sprints over and screams, “No! Close family can’t donate! He’s the boy’s father!”
Chapter 1
Those words struck me like lightning, and I stood frozen to the spot.
Just then, Ethan Stone’s driver came breathlessly running over. “I have type O blood, Dr. Reid! I can donate!”
My eyes were bloodshot as I forced back my shudders and entered the operating room.
After three hours of surgery, the boy finally pulled through. Huge beads of sweat dripped down my forehead as I peeled off my gloves.
The moment I stepped out of the operating room, Ethan grabbed my shoulders and asked, “How’s the boy?”
My bloodshot eyes startled him a little as I gave a weak nod, feeling utterly drained of every ounce of strength.
Seeing me head out, Ethan quickly followed and draped his coat over my shoulders. “Your shift’s over, right? Let me take you home.”
He opened the front passenger door like he always did, but I walked past him and slid into the back seat instead.
The moment I sat down, exhaustion hit me so hard I could barely keep my eyes open. Somehow, out of the corner of my eye, I spotted a toy block under the seat.
In a daze, I recalled what Chloe Harper had said when she rushed her son into the hospital. “Hang in there, Peanut! Daddy promised to take you out every weekend, so you can’t break his promise for him!”
Back then, I had no idea Ethan was his father and even felt sorry for him. But now that I did, I finally understood why Ethan always had business trips every weekend.
Those trips were family weekends meant for just the three of them.
When we pulled up at the apartment, Ethan opened the door and helped me out. But right after I’d just settled on the couch, he was ready to leave.
I glanced at the empty dining table and couldn’t help but ask, “Aren’t you going to cook tonight?”
I was always so busy at work that forgetting to eat was a normal occurrence. That worried Ethan so much that he’d pick me up from work and make me dinner every night.
But tonight, he obviously wasn’t in the mood to cook.
Frowning, he glanced at his phone. “Just order takeout. I’ve got something I need to take care of, so don’t wait up.”
Then, he turned and left before I could say a word. That scene had me digging my nails into my palms, leaving deep, red marks.
When I rummaged through the shelves for some microwave pasta meals, I stumbled across a well-hidden photo album, tucked in a cardboard sleeve.
The moment I flipped it open, I froze. A handwritten caption was attached below each photo.
“Peanut, one month old.
“Peanut’s first steps.
“Peanut’s first picnic.”
Ethan had been there for every one of the boy’s firsts. In the photos, he held Peanut in his arms, while the woman leaned against his shoulder and smiled sweetly.
For some reason, I remembered how I once told him I wanted a baby. He’d pulled me into his arms and softly said, “Let’s just enjoy our time together for now. There’s no rush.”
So, was he really cherishing our time together, or was he just afraid that if we had a child, Peanut would feel left out and that he wouldn’t be able to give him all his love?
The answer had always been right under my nose, yet I never saw it.
It was only when my fingers brushed against a damp corner of a photo that I realized I was crying.
…
I barely slept that night.
Before dawn, I was jolted awake by Ethan’s call. “Something went wrong with Peanut, Megan! Come quick!”
Part of me wanted to leave him to handle it alone, but I knew that I had a duty as a doctor.
After briefly washing up, I ran all the way to the ward. I was gasping for breath as I reached the door, and what I saw froze my heart.
Chloe was curled up in Ethan’s arms and sobbing quietly, while he gently patted her back, as if to offer comfort. Then, he leaned in and planted a kiss on her forehead.
Chapter 2
After a moment, Ethan finally looked up and saw me. A flicker of panic crossed his eyes as he subtly pulled away from Chloe.
I forced down the chaos in my chest and gave Peanut a quick check. “He’s just unconscious for now, but he’ll be fine.”
With that, I swiftly turned and headed over to the pantry.
The highly intense work and lack of sleep made my head spin, and I could feel myself tipping backward.
Ethan caught me just in time and gave me a look of worry. “Did you not get enough rest last night? Come sit down a bit.”
I didn’t answer because my mind was still stuck on the lucky charm found on Chloe’s bracelet, which I’d given to Ethan.
There had been a time when he’d had so much on his mind that he couldn’t sleep, and I’d always catch him frowning.
So, I’d gone to a church and prayed on my knees, just to get him that lucky charm that could calm his mind.
He’d told me it was proof of my love and promised he’d wear it for life. But now, he’d taken it off and handed it over to someone else.
“Ethan, Peanut’s awake!” When Chloe came running over, her eyes were bright with relief.
Ethan couldn’t bother to spare me another glance as he let go of me and followed her into the ward.
I sank to the floor right there, feeling utterly pathetic.
He had once promised he’d never let me go or leave me behind. But the truth was that he’d never hesitate to leave and didn’t bother to spare me a single glance.
When I calmed down, I dragged myself to the door, only to see them huddled together like a perfect family.
Kids who were Peanut’s age couldn’t keep anything to themselves.
“Daddy, I’m sorry I made you worry. I just wanted to see your wedding photo with Mommy, so I ran a little too fast and didn’t notice the racing car.”
Hearing that, my heart twisted so tight I could barely breathe. Then, I watched as Chloe pulled out a photo and handed it to him.
“It’s fine—I picked it up. Just promise us that you won’t run off like that again. You gave us one hell of a fright.”
Through the glass, I could see it clearly. In the photo, Chloe was in a white gown with her arm hooked around Ethan’s while Peanut held a bouquet and stood between them.
I had a rough idea of when they took the wedding photo.
Two months ago, I was held hostage by an HIV patient who stabbed me in the arm with a used needle. After the incident, I popped emergency meds right away, but still felt terrified.
Shaking, I called Ethan over and over, but he never picked up. I sat crying on the bathroom floor the whole night, but never received a single call back.
Apparently, he was busy taking wedding photos with Chloe.
As I snapped out of my thoughts, I could taste blood from biting my lip raw.
It just so happened that it was time for a bandage change, and the nurse approached with a tray of medical supplies. So, I followed her in.
When Ethan looked up and met my eyes, he panickedly stuffed the wedding photo into his pocket.
“My head’s killing me. I didn’t sleep a wink last night,” Chloe said from the couch as she rubbed her temples.
Peanut tugged at Ethan’s hand and innocently said, “Daddy, give Mommy a massage! She’s always so happy when you do it!”
Ethan’s face paled at his words.
He’d been working long hours hunched over a desk for years, so I’d secretly learned massage techniques from the rehab nurses just to help him relax at home.
So, it seemed that he’d conveniently applied what I’d done for him to take care of someone else.
My nose stung as I forced back my tears.
Noticing my low spirits, Ethan tried to explain. “It’s not what you think, Megan…”
Peanut turned to me and curiously asked, “Who is she, Daddy?”
Seeing Ethan look torn, I let out a cold laugh and replied, “Sweetie, I’m just your dad’s friend, and not even a close one.”
Peanut nodded half-understandingly, while Ethan looked stunned. He opened his mouth as if to speak, but ended up not saying a word.
At lunch, I’d just settled down for a nap when he knocked on my office door and set a lunchbox on my desk. His eyes shone bright as he said, “I went home and made this myself, so try it.”
If my colleagues hadn’t seen him having lunch with Chloe in the cafeteria, I might have taken his words for the truth.
Chapter 3
According to my colleague, Ethan had carefully picked out every single fishbone for Chloe. But in all the time I’d known him, he never ate fish because he couldn’t be bothered with the bones.
Whenever I cooked fish, he never lifted a finger to help. Instead, he’d puzzledly ask, “Why bother with such a tedious dish?”
I glanced at the lunchbox and coolly said, “I’m not hungry, so take it and leave.”
Ethan’s smile froze, and a slightly irritated look flashed in his eyes as he snapped, “What are you upset about now? I went out of my way to cook for you, and you wouldn’t even try it.”
Pressing my lips together, I helplessly replied, “I texted you half an hour ago and asked if you wanted to have lunch together, but you never replied.”
At that, his annoyance vanished and was replaced by guilt. He’d been ignoring my messages ever since Peanut was admitted. He used to text back in seconds, even in meetings. But now, he’d glance at his phone before putting it away without a word.
“I’ll pick you up after work and make dinner for you at home, alright?” he said, trying to make up for it.
When I nodded and said nothing, he turned to leave.
By now, all my sleepiness had vanished, so I got up and wandered around the garden a bit. That was when I spotted two familiar figures.
Sitting side by side on the garden swing, Chloe and Ethan leaned into each other like a picture-perfect couple. Then, he pulled out a rose from his coat and held it up to her with a delicate necklace dangling from the stem.
Chloe lit up with excitement, reminding me of my past self.
After the HIV incident, I’d been forced to stay home. I’d spent the days wallowing in misery and barely spoke.
Back then, he sat next to me just like this and pulled out a bouquet with a necklace tucked inside. I could remember how warm and genuine the look in his eyes had been when he said, “Cheer up, Megan. Your happiness means everything to me.
“If I could, I’d spend my whole life making sure you always smile.”
Back then, I believed I was the luckiest woman in the world, only to forget that humans could change. I was never special to him, so he could easily give someone else the love he showed me.
My thoughts were interrupted by a text from the senior resident.
When I got to his office, he looked at me for a moment, as if hesitantly weighing his words.
“Megan, everyone knows how much you’ve given to this hospital these past years. There’s an advanced training opportunity opening up that I meant to offer you, but it’s out of state. You won’t be able to come back for a while, so I’m wondering if…”
I didn’t hesitate to agree. “I’ll do it! I’ll go!”
He looked surprised before smiling and patting my shoulder.
Just as I stepped out of the office, one of my closest colleagues grabbed my hand and beamed. “Congrats, Megan! After you leave, we’d better keep in touch every day, you hear me?”
I laughed and promised to do so, but then a low voice came from behind me.
“Leave? Where are you going?”
I turned around to find Ethan staring at me. Before he could say anything else, I cut in. “I’m thinking of using my annual leave to travel for a bit.”
He visibly relaxed and stepped forward to take my hand. “Let me come with you.”
I could feel my eyes welling up with tears, so I panickedly lowered my head so he wouldn’t be able to see.
…
That afternoon, as I rushed between surgeries, I couldn’t help but stop in my tracks on my way past Peanut’s ward.
Ethan was inside, wearing a costume and putting on a whole show, as if worried Peanut might get bored.
The latter was beaming, while Chloe was affectionately wiping sweat from Ethan’s forehead. They looked so much like a happy family of three that anyone would envy them, including me.
As I pressed a hand to my stomach, I wondered if we’d be that happy, too, if I had a child. But that thought slipped away as quickly as it hit me.
Since Ethan couldn’t devote all his love to me, how could he ever love my child? I didn’t want my baby fighting for a father’s love right after they were born.
By the time I finished my last surgery at night, I was so worn out that I fell asleep at my desk.
Later, feeling someone drape a coat over my shoulders, I forced my eyes open to see Ethan, leaning close with his familiar smile.
Chapter 4
“You’re exhausted, huh? Let me take you home.”
With that, Ethan scooped me up, while I instinctively wrapped my arms around his neck. As my eyes landed on the faint smudge of foundation on his collar, I started wondering if he’d carried Chloe the same way just moments ago.
Fighting back my tears, I swallowed the bitterness in my throat.
In the car, he started to explain for once. “That kid’s not mine—I’m just his godfather. You don’t have to worry about Chloe, either, because I’ll make sure they’re gone once Peanut’s discharged. Then, we’ll go on that trip.”
He must have realized how flimsy his excuse sounded because he kept glancing at me, trying to read my reaction. When I calmly nodded, he finally focused on the road.
Halfway home, Chloe’s call popped up on the car screen. Ethan flinched and hesitated briefly before tapping on the answer button.
“Ethan, Peanut’s crying for you! Please come back!”
In the background, Peanut’s tearful voice came through. “Where are you, Daddy? I had a nightmare, and I want you here!”
Ethan slammed on the brakes, and I was sent pitching forward before the seatbelt snapped me back against the seat so hard it hurt.
“Hang on, okay? I’ll be right there,” he replied in a seemingly calm voice, but the way his grip tightened on the wheel said everything. He was dying to turn the car around.
But Peanut’s sobs grew louder and more pitiful until finally, Ethan decided he couldn’t just sit by and do nothing. He looked over at me and said, “Megan, could you get out of the car and grab a cab? I’ll be back soon.”
I’d expected his reaction, but hearing his words still made me clench my fist hard.
The moment my feet hit the ground, he pulled away without looking back. Exhaust from his car blurred my vision as I hugged the coat tighter and started walking alone. After all, the neighborhood was too far out, and it was almost impossible to grab a cab.
As I walked, I felt a tap on my shoulder. When I turned around to look, the man standing behind me sent shivers running down my spine.
“Well, it’s been a while, Dr. Reid. You’re living a good life now, but I spent two months rotting in prison because of you.”
Grinning, he pulled out a needle and continued, “My HIV hasn’t healed yet, so could you care to help me out again?”
My hands curled into fists as I bolted down the street in fear. But he came after me like a ghost that was almost impossible to shake off, so I had no choice but to dial Ethan’s number.
On the dark, silent street, all I could hear was my pulse thundering in my ears and the endlessly ringing call.
Just as he was closing in on me, the call finally connected. However, Chloe’s voice was the first to ring out.
“Ethan, are you going home tonight?”
“No. I’m staying here with you and Peanut.”
The line went dead before I could say a word, and the tears I’d been holding back finally broke free. The last shred of hope I’d been holding onto was crushed with that final call.
Once, Ethan had abandoned me for wedding photos, and now, he’d left me alone for their child. He’d promised he’d never leave me behind, but the truth was, he would always leave me for someone else.
With that, I stopped running and watched as the man drew closer.
Right as he lunged, someone yanked me back. A tall, broad figure stepped in front of me and chided in a solemn voice, “You didn’t get enough time in prison, did you? I’ll gladly send you back.”
With that, he gripped the man’s wrist, knocked the needle to the ground, and dragged him away.
“Don’t worry. There are plenty of patrols in this area,” he said over his shoulder before disappearing into the dark, along with that fear that had been strangling me.
After getting home, I showered right away, and the water cleared my head. Deep down, the part of me that used to fight and hope slowly calmed down until it went completely dead.
…
At dawn, I pulled my suitcase through the airport and received a message from Ethan at the terminal. “Where are you? Why aren’t you home? I brought you breakfast.”
Only when I boarded the plane and fastened my seatbelt did I calmly type, “Let’s get a divorce.”
Calls immediately bombarded my phone, but I powered it off with a faint smile.
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