Chapter 2 2

I heard three faint knocks from the door, so I turned to its direction. I'm in the master's bedroom, having changed my clothes due to the hot liquid spilled on my leg.

"Y-you may come in," I replied. The door opened, revealing the elderly housekeeper, Rose.

"Rose," I greeted her with a smile. She's like a second mother to me, always taking me to the mansion since my boyfriend Markus and I were dating. Rose raised Markus, so I have immense respect for her.

"I'll be leaving, dear," her voice carried sadness as she held my hands. I felt a deep sense of loss. "Take care of yourself and your husband. I know you'll get used to married life. It might be difficult at first, but once you overcome that stage, your bond will strengthen."

I felt her sincerity, but I couldn't find joy, knowing Markus's true intentions. I'm an orphan with a younger sister, and I'm grateful to have met Rose.

"Child, we're leaving," she said with a heavy heart, holding my hands. I, too, felt profound sadness. "Do you really have to go?" I asked, and she nodded.

"Take care of yourself and your husband. I know you'll get used to married life," she assured. I tried to smile, feeling a bitter sweetness. Is it really special? She played her cards well, making everyone believe Markus truly loves me.

It's already 10 in the evening, and I'm still waiting for my husband. The house is eerily silent, and I'm alone. I'm getting bored, and my stomach grumbles, but I still hope we can eat together.

Starting to get nervous, I dialed his number, but he rejected my calls. Anxiety builds up. Is he coming home?

I heard a car approaching, and relief washed over me. I greeted him with a smile, but his cold expression and silence greeted me instead. I felt a chill; something was off.

"Love, I'm glad you're home!" I said, but his face remained stern. I tried to reach for his bag, but he pulled it away. "Still awake at this hour, huh? What are you expecting?" he asked, coldly.

"We need to talk," I nervously replied. His gaze shifted, and he questioned, "Talk about what?" I couldn't comprehend his sudden change. Tears started to fall, "I don't understand! Why have you changed so suddenly? I don't know what you're accusing me of! I have no idea why you're so angry!"

He accused me of theft and murder, claiming that I manipulated the police. He expressed hatred, saying he lost two precious people because of me. The pain in his voice cut deep. "I wish it was you who died. You should be in their place now," he uttered.

"Markus," I whimpered through tears. "From now on, you must wake up in reality. I didn't love you, and I will NEVER love you," he declared, stabbing my heart once again. I pleaded, "Markus, please!" and hugged him tightly, apologizing endlessly.

He pushed me away, calling me a drama queen. The first day of our marriage turned out like this. I could only cry, wondering what the next days would bring.

Markus angrily removed his tie and threw it to the side. He grabbed a bottle of alcohol and downed it without hesitation. "Damn you, Serina! I'm done pretending!" Earlier, seeing her cry and beg felt like I wanted to choke her. Such drama! She thinks she can manipulate me with her tears!

Tsk... she didn't know everything!? The hell!!

Flashback:

"Mark!!" Shane shouted as he approached with Nicky, Kian, and Brian. His face showed worry.

"What's the matter? Why do you look like that?" Bryan asked.

Instead of answering, he looked my way, furrowing his brow as if something bad happened on my part.

"S- Sapphire!" I tensed the moment I heard her name. Damn, what happened to her!!

"What happened? Where is she!? Tell me!! Why don't you talk, you idiot!!" I started to lose it, tightly gripping the collar of his shirt, but he didn't say a word.

He just stared blankly. The other three tried to intervene, trying to hold me back.

I've been calling Sapphire, but she's not answering. Damn, I'm so worried!

"What happened? Tell us," Nicky asked. He faced Shane.

"She's in the hospital right now... she's in critical condition." Shane knelt down, silently crying.

Sapphire is his cousin, so I know how he feels.

"WHAT!!!" We all exclaimed. No, it can't be!! No!!

I sped up the car, not caring about anything as long as I see Sapphire.

What happened to her!? Damn!!! I aggressively hit the steering wheel due to excessive thinking.

"SAPPHIRE!!! SAPPHIRE!!!" I just entered the private hospital where they brought my fiancée.

I felt like losing my sanity when I saw her mom outside the ER, crying non-stop.

I rushed towards her, frantically looking inside the ER, but my tears fell uncontrollably.

I could clearly see the doctors trying to revive her, numerous machines connected to her body...

The doctor increased the voltage of the machine she was hooked up to and pressed it against Sapphire's chest, but nothing changed.

"Please, hon, fight for me... fight for our baby," I pleaded, even though I knew it was impossible.

But in an instant, it was gone. From the monitor on the side, I saw the sudden flatline, a sign that she was gone.

"SAPPHHHIIIRRREE!!!!!!"