The Broken Bonds

My husband, Ryan Bailey, insisted that I donate my cornea to his childhood friend.

When I refused, he became enraged. "Sophie Young is an art teacher. She can't afford to have any problems with her eyesight. Why are you being so selfish?"

"If I had known you'd react this way, I would have never married you!" I shot back, my emotions boiling over.

Ryan then began to show affection toward Sophie right in front of me, declaring their love. Heartbroken, I ripped up my pregnancy test results and scheduled an appointment for an abortion.

Later, after Ryan's company went bankrupt, he sought me out everywhere, begging for reconciliation. I let him stand in the rain until he was soaked and shivering, completely ignoring him. I was determined to repay him for every humiliation he had put me through.

"Ella Wilson, it's just a cornea. If you agree to donate it, I'll take care of you for the rest of your life. I'll be your eyes," Ryan said gently, holding my hand. Each word sent chills down my spine.

Just because Sophie had lost her vision, he expected me to sacrifice mine. I pulled my hand away, my tone icy. "I won't donate it. Find someone else."

She may need a cornea, but how could I live without mine?

Seeing the situation turn against her, Sophie clung to Ryan's suit and sobbed, "I'm so sorry. It's my fault for coming between you two. I guess I'll have to live without sight."

Ryan frowned as he wiped her tears away, a look of anguish on his face that I had never witnessed before. "Ella, don't be stubborn. Sophie's eyesight is vital for her teaching. Do you even understand how important this is?"

"You don't even have a steady job! Why not help her out?" I shot back.

I looked at him in disbelief. How could he say that?

Sophie smirked at his words, pressing herself against Ryan and entirely ignoring my presence. I couldn't help but retort, "With how close you two are, anyone would think she's your wife."

Sophie froze, then dramatically covered her eyes and started crying. "I didn't mean it! He's always been there for me, and I've grown so dependent on him."

Ha! As if I would believe that. "You two must be close enough to share a bed, right?"

At that, Ryan yelled angrily, "Ella. What do you mean by that?"

"Just because you had a rough upbringing doesn't mean you can question our relationship." His words struck me hard, like a sharp dagger.

My parents divorced when I was young, and I faced many challenges growing up. When Ryan learned about my past, he promised to be my family.

Now he wielded that very same story against me. Tears welled up in my eyes.

Realizing his mistake, Ryan awkwardly reached out to wipe my tears. I turned away, wanting to create distance. "Leave me alone."

His expression turned cold, resentment radiating from him. As a public company CEO, he had never experienced such treatment before. He locked eyes with me before pulling Sophie into a passionate kiss. I watched, feeling utterly numb.

"There are condoms in the drawer. Make sure to use one-safety first," I called out as he stormed out.

Sophie supposedly went blind recently, but the fact that she was fully dressed and lightly made up made me suspicious.

No matter what, I wasn't going to donate my cornea.

I glanced down at the crumpled pregnancy test results in my hand. Since our engagement, Ryan had constantly asked more of me, never caring about my exhaustion or pain.

Finally, I had a child.

I had initially planned to share the news with him today, but now it didn't seem necessary.

I picked up my phone and scheduled an abortion for that evening.

In the spare bedroom, I stared at the room full of baby items, lost in thought. When Ryan loved me the most, he had gone all out to create the perfect nursery, complete with a starry ceiling, a high-quality wooden crib, and every conceivable item for mother and baby.

He would hold me close, the scent of his light, woody cologne filling my senses. "Ella, once the baby is born, I'll love them with all my heart."

But those sweet words had faded into nothingness.

I drove to the hospital alone and signed the consent form. The nurse asked if my family was nearby. "After the procedure, you won't be able to move around easily. It's best if you have someone with you." Her eyes were filled with sympathy as she looked at me.

I hesitated, my finger hovering over the message I had drafted for Ryan, finally telling him about the abortion.

Just so he'd remember to come see the baby one last time.

Yet, even after the procedure was done, he never arrived.

The nurse said I was weak and recommended I stay in the hospital for observation.

Lying on the hospital bed, I scrolled through my phone and happened to see Sophie's social media post. "My big brother loves me the most. He hasn't left my side since he found out I was hurt."

The photo was blurry, but I could vaguely see her wrist, bruised with two bright red scratches.

I quietly gave the post a like.

She'd added me just to show off, hadn't she?

I stared at my phone. Any moment now, Ryan's call would come through, just as expected. It was always the same.

Whenever we interacted, he would, without fail, criticize me and defend his precious childhood sweetheart.

Ella, you're acting up again, aren't you? Sophie can't see; I'm just taking care of her. What's your problem now?

She can't see, yet she knows exactly how to apply blush and foundation, looking perfectly flawless.

I looked around the empty hospital room and let out a bitter laugh. "The baby's gone. Just like you wanted."

There was a brief pause on the other end of the line before he bit out angrily, "That's impossible. I haven't touched you in ages; there's no way you were pregnant!"

He could believe whatever he wanted.

With a click, I ended the call and ignored him.

The anesthesia hadn't fully worn off, and I drifted into a haze. I didn't know how long I'd slept before faint voices reached my ears.

It sounded like Sophie and Ryan.

"What do we do now? Sister Ella got rid of the baby. Our plan is ruined. Sophie may never regain her sight."

Ryan gave a cold snort, turning to console Sophie. "I'd thought we could use the baby to control her-wait until she gave birth, then take her cornea. It's her fault; she's so unreasonable, going and aborting the baby!"

A sharp pain twisted through my heart. I slowly opened my eyes to see Ryan's angry face looming over me.

"Ella! How dare you? That was our child-how could you just get rid of it?"

His eyes were red as he clutched the ultrasound report tightly. "Why didn't you tell me you were pregnant? I'm the father, after all."

I studied the man before me, suddenly realizing I didn't know him at all.

The person who had once wanted to raise a child with me had only wanted to use the baby to tie me down.

"Why would I tell you? So you could take my cornea? So you could use the child to control me?"

Ryan's face paled, and his clenched fists loosened.

"You... heard all of that?"

I struggled to sit up, looking at him with detached indifference. "You're not fit to be a father."

"Take your little childhood sweetheart and get out of my sight." He wanted to say something, but Sophie tugged on his sleeve, complaining that her wrist hurt. With a cold snort, Ryan scooped her up in front of me and walked out the door without looking back.

I scrolled through my phone and contacted a private lawyer. I needed him to pull some strings and investigate Sophie. The matter of the cornea surely wasn't over yet. I had to protect myself.

As I suspected, the truth was as I had imagined. Sophie wasn't blind at all; she was out and about shopping, unaffected by any supposed condition.

So why was she pretending to be blind? And why was she insisting on my cornea?

After much thought, I decided to tell Ryan about this. He couldn't continue being deceived.

As soon as I stepped out of the hospital doors, a hurried figure bumped into me, nearly knocking me unbalanced.

The woman's sunglasses shattered, and she turned to glare at me. At that moment, our eyes met, and I saw the panic deep within hers.

"Sophie! You're not blind! Why did you lie to take my cornea?" I lunged forward, gripping her clothes tightly, refusing to let her go.

She looked away in panic, too nervous even to meet my gaze. Beside her was a young boy, reaching around to find his cane.

As I hesitated, she grabbed the child and fled, leaving me no time to react.

I rubbed my sore ankle, ready to chase after her, but suddenly, a force held me back.

"Everyone's watching you-don't you think you've embarrassed yourself enough?"

It was Ryan.

Panicking, I took out the evidence, eager to prove that Sophie was a fraud. But before I could say anything, I heard the murmurs of the surrounding onlookers, their judgmental whispers surrounding me.

"She ran into a blind person and is still yelling at her. This woman has no sense of decency."

"Yeah, she scared that poor girl off and won't let it go. It's outrageous!"

Upon hearing this, Ryan frowned deeply and asked me quietly what I had done.

"No, she's not blind. We definitely made eye contact..."

Before I could finish, Sophie stumbled between us, her voice breaking as she addressed Ryan.

She even removed her sunglasses, revealing her empty, vacant eyes staring straight ahead.

"Sister-in-law, I didn't expect to run into you like this. I'm sorry," she said, trying to kneel. Everyone thought I had bullied her.

Ryan was infuriated.

"I've put up with you because you're my wife! If you would rather not donate, that's fine, but now you're harassing Sophie!"

He raised his foot and kicked me in the stomach, the pain nearly making me faint.

The body I had just started to recover was showing signs of bleeding again.

Weakly, I reached out, hoping Ryan would at least notice me and take me to the emergency room.

But he didn't.

Sophie stood in front of me, complaining that her stomach hurt and that she wanted to go home with him.

"Ella, I warn you not to play any tricks. If you do, don't blame me for being ruthless."

The two of them strutted away as I lay trembling on the ground outside the hospital.

Finally, an elderly woman passing by helped me to the emergency room.

The bleeding and pain were nothing compared to the ache in my heart.

I gritted my teeth and called my lawyer, asking him to draft a divorce agreement immediately and ensure that Ryan would cover all my medical bills.

After nearly two weeks of recovery, I returned home, gathered my things, and headed straight for Sophie.

I didn't need to contact Ryan; I knew he would definitely be with her.

Today was Sophie's birthday.

She was among the crowd in a delicate dress, looking joyful. When she noticed I had arrived, she gasped and covered her mouth in shock.

"Ryan, you've been so worried about me that you won't leave me alone. Please don't be upset, Sophie-"

I clenched my jaw and raised my hand, delivering a sharp slap.

Five red finger marks quickly appeared on her pale face.

Ryan was furious; he couldn't bear to see her treated like this, and stormed over with an angry expression.

I knew I couldn't take him on, so I grabbed a nearby ceramic plate and hurled it at him.

"Ella, stop! Are you out of your mind?"

Yes, I was out of my mind-I wanted these two to face consequences!

I picked up an ashtray and threw it at Sophie. She instinctively caught it and set it down on the table.

I couldn't help but smirk sarcastically. "Miss Sophie, what excellent eyesight. You can catch a small ashtray, so it seems you don't need the cornea after all."

She froze, stammering and unable to respond, before bursting into tears.

Ryan, heartbroken, held her close, his words dripping with blame aimed at me.

"What's wrong with you? Today is Sophie's birthday. Why are you acting so bitter?"

I pulled out the divorce agreement my lawyer had prepared and shoved it into his hands.

Without even glancing at it, he tossed it into the nearby trash.

"Do you think I don't know what you really want? You just want my money and my attention."

He was giving himself way too much credit.

Only after I slapped him again did he finally listen to me.

"Your kick made me unable to have children. I'll hate you for the rest of my life."

Ryan paused, shock crossing his face as he looked down at my abdomen.

In the past, he had also wanted children.

"If the baby had been born, they wouldn't want to see us like this."

Sophie stood beside him, a slight smirk on her lips, clearly delighted.

She was eager for our divorce to happen as soon as possible.

"Ryan, they say that a forced relationship never bears sweet fruit. Since she would rather not be with you, why not just let her go?"

Ryan's veins bulged as he clenched his jaw, a defiant sneer on his lips as he picked up a pen and signed his name.

"Ella, remember to face the consequences of your words. From now on, we are no longer connected."

I left a note for Gavin, telling him that I needed some time to clear my mind and to come find me in three days. On the third day, I positioned a lounge chair near the roses in the garden and lay down to rest. Eventually, I fell asleep... forever.

The last message I sent to Gavin was:

Goodbye, Gavin. May you forever lose what you cherish.

I don't know how Gavin reacted when he found me or what he did after, but honestly, it no longer matters to me. All I could think of was the tiny, gentle hand in my dreams-Baby, mommy's coming to find you.

Strangely, after my death, I didn't experience what one might expect from a haunting. Instead, I found myself stuck beside my lifeless body, unable to move.

A sound came from the entrance of the yard. I turned my gaze and saw Gavin standing there. He looked pale, his clothes disheveled, and his steps unsteady-there was no trace of the confident CEO I once knew.

I watched as he slowly walked toward my body, reaching out to touch me with trembling hands. "Lily... Lily, why are you sleeping outside? You shouldn't be this reckless when you're not feeling well. You could catch a cold," he whispered, speaking to my lifeless form as though I were still merely asleep.

"Lily, wake up. Let's go inside and rest."

But there was no response. My body didn't even show the slightest sign of life. Gavin, refusing to accept the reality, kept calling for me.

"Lily, please... don't scare me, okay? Wake up, please!" His eyes were bloodshot, tears streaming down his face. He held my hand tightly, as though he could somehow reach me through that touch.

I wanted to cry at the sight of him, but I could no longer shed tears.

"It's alright if you don't speak to me, I'll carry you inside.

I know you're upset with me, but I can wait for your forgiveness." He gently lifted my cold body, treating me as if I were fragile glass.

Yet, no matter how carefully he moved me, my body remained still, frozen in that same position. Unaware of my rigidity, Gavin laid me in bed and tucked me in.

I stood beside him, watching as he kept vigil over me through the night, his face unreadable. The next morning, Gavin tried again, calling my name in desperation.

"Lily! Please wake up! I was wrong, I shouldn't have ignored my feelings. I shouldn't have hurt the child! Please, wake up and look at me!" His composed exterior had shattered, and now he wept openly.

I found a bitter satisfaction in seeing him in this state, something I had never witnessed before. Even when we lost the child, Gavin had masked his pain, but now he was broken.

I had won. This was the worst heartbreak he could ever face-losing the woman he loved, and realizing too late how much he needed her.

But neither of us truly won.

I watched as Gavin stayed with my body, sitting beside me day and night. It was his assistant who finally spoke the truth.

"Mr. Monroe, your wife is dead. You need to bury her properly, or her spirit won't find peace."

"No. She's not dead." Gavin shouted, his voice breaking. "She's just sleeping... She's mad at me... She hasn't forgiven me yet, that's all."

I watched helplessly as he became more hysterical, his mind unable to accept what had happened. His assistant left, and soon a doctor entered, injecting Gavin with a sedative.

The room grew still as people began to move my body. I followed them as they took me away, and watched as they used Gavin's unconscious state to announce my death and prepare my funeral.

When Gavin woke, it seemed like he was emerging from a bad dream. He stood at my memorial, silent, while others quietly watched him.

In just a few days, the stress had aged him. His once dark hair now had streaks of white. He fell ill, and I saw him drinking alone by my grave, crying out, "I was wrong, Lily."

Gavin, do you appreciate the gift I gave you?

I felt it was time for me to move on, to search for my child.

As I passed by Gavin's side, he seemed to sense me. His hand reached through my ghostly form as he whispered, "Lily, is that you? Have you come to see me?"

There was no response.

"Lily, please." he cried.

I faded away, leaving him to his sorrow. It was time for me to find my child.

Gavin messaged me, asking to meet him at Soho at eight that evening, saying he had a surprise for me.

I felt confused. Earlier, he'd told me he'd be late tonight and that I should have dinner and rest on my own. Why the sudden change? Wasn't this usually the time he'd be out with Elise?

I couldn't deny the thrill I felt-a bit like a neglected pet suddenly getting its owner's full attention.

I chose a beautiful dress. Despite being five months pregnant, it wasn't noticeable due to my physique. I applied light makeup, filled in my brows, and wore a soft nude lipstick. Then, I asked the driver to take me there.

Excitement built as I entered. A server led me to a private room and held the door open as I entered. I stepped inside, only to hear voices raised in argument.

I froze. That wasn't Gavin calling me-it was a trick. I recognized the other voice immediately: Elise.

Standing in the shadow of the doorway, I wanted to leave, but my legs wouldn't move.

"Gavin! I'll say this one last time-you have to get rid of that child!" Elise's voice cut through the air, sharp and unyielding.

"Elise, that child is mine, too," Gavin replied.

"So what? We can have our child later. This one was a mistake which shouldn't exist!"

"He's already five months along!

Once I divorce Lily, she can keep the baby-or you could raise him yourself. He'd be yours from the start; there'd be no difference."

"Raise him?" Elise scoffed. "Do you think I want to be your mistress and play mother to your child with someone else?"

"That's not what I meant!"

"I don't care. I won't let that child be born. Even if he is, I'll make sure he never gets in my way! You have to choose, Gavin-it's either him or me!"

"Gavin seemed caught off guard, realizing she was forcing a choice.

"Choose, Gavin. You've put this off for a month already," Elise pressed. "It's him or me-there's both no. Who's it going to be?"

Gavin hesitated. "Elise, are you saying you'd disappear, and none of us would find you?"

My blood turned cold.

How laughable. They were discussing whether my child should be born, with Gavin actually saying, "I need more time to think."

I thought he just didn't love me. Now, I realized he'd even give up our child for Elise.

Of course, if he didn't care about me, why would he care about the child?

In the end, Gavin would always choose Elise.

I turned to leave, making no sound. Neither of them noticed me slipping away.

But after I left, Elise seemed to glance at the door. Her face wasn't smug as I would have expected; instead, she looked uneasy.

She'd sensed a change in Gavin recently. He was spending more time with me and showing a quiet affection whenever he mentioned the baby. Elise knew things were shifting that Gavin might be falling for me without realizing it.

So she had taken matters into her hands, messaging me about Gavin's "date" to force a confrontation.

Elise wanted Gavin to belong solely to her. And to ensure that, she knew she had to eliminate any ties he had with me, including the baby.

Back in the car, I instructed the driver to take me home. I asked him not to mention to Gavin where I'd been.

Could he really be planning to harm our child? Should I leave while I still could?

I tried to believe that Gavin wouldn't go that far. Perhaps it was best to wait and see.

Soon, it was time for my prenatal check-up. Gavin accompanied me, his hand warm as he held mine. But when we were called in, I noticed a strange look in the nurse's eyes.

The doctor spoke, his words a death sentence: "I'm sorry. There's no heartbeat. We need to induce as soon as possible for your safety."

A chill went through me. "Doctor, are you sure? Everything was fine at the last check-up."

"I'm afraid so. It's rare, but occasionally the heartbeat just stops. You're young; with care, you can try again in the future."

But my future with Gavin was over.

Tears filled my eyes as my heart shattered.

Gavin brought me home after the appointment, comforting me with empty words. "Your health matters most. We'll have another chance someday."

But was it true?

I looked at him through swollen eyes. Did he feel relieved? Now he wouldn't have to face Elise's anger or make any sacrifices.

The next day, Gavin took me to the hospital for the procedure. Though the baby was small, it felt as if a piece of my soul was being torn away.

Afterward, I was too weak to go home, so I stayed in the hospital. Gavin moved his work there, spending every day by my side, bringing me meals and trying to lift my spirits.

But I felt numb.

At night, I'd listen to the cries of newborns echoing through the halls, wondering if my baby would have had a voice as loud and full of life.

Gavin, meanwhile, seemed restless at times. He hadn't left the hospital for over ten days-he hadn't seen Elise in all that time.

I wanted to tell him he could go if he wanted that his assistant could stay with me, but the words wouldn't come.

Currently, I am needing someone-anyone-even him.

One day, Gavin said he had errands to run but would be back soon. I nodded, pretending to be fine.

Once he left, I realized I needed to use the restroom. I got up slowly, not wanting to disturb anyone. But as I approached the door, I heard footsteps.

Expecting Gavin, I was startled to see Elise enter instead, a smile on her face.

My heart raced as she approached, her calm steps unsettling.

"What are you doing here? Stay back."

But she didn't stop; her smile only grew colder.

"Oh! No baby? What happened?" Elise laughs.

I'm furious. This is a deep wound in my heart.

"Actually, did you know? Your child was completely healthy-there was absolutely nothing wrong."

"What did you say? Impossible! The doctor clearly said..."

"Said there was no fetal heartbeat? Ha! That's because I swapped your prenatal test report. Your child was perfectly fine."

"Impossible... Impossible... How could you..."

"Didn't Gavin tell you? This is my family's hospital. And guess what? Do you think Gavin knows?" Elise adds with a mischievous gleam in her eyes.

My mind goes blank. My child is fine? But if that's true, why did Gavin still allow Elise to harm our unborn baby?

Gavin! I've never harmed you. Why would you hurt me?

My heart feels like it's suffocating. I try to cry, but my eyes are dry and painful. I want to hit Elise, but I can't even get up.

I'm overwhelmed with hatred. So much hatred.

There's a sound at the door-Gavin has entered.

"Elise? Why are you here? What are you doing here? Get out!" Gavin stands between Elise and me, his voice harsh as he pushes her out.

"No need, Gavin. I know everything. Aren't you tired of pretending?" I scream at the top of my lungs.

Gavin turns to look at me, panic written all over his face.

"Lily, what did she tell you? I didn't- I can explain!"

"Alright, then tell me you didn't cheat. Tell me you didn't go on dates with her while you told me you were in meetings or working late."

Gavin's face turns even paler, and he can't refute my accusation.

But now he realizes his mistake.

"Lily, I know I was wrong. I truly do. I don't like her anymore, I like you. Lily, I love you."

"can you forgive me? I really know I was wrong."

"Huh, alright. Then I have to ask, do you know about the child? Did you let her kill my baby?"

"What child? I don't know!"

"Gavin! Are you still playing around? Is it fun to deceive me?"

"I really don't know!" Gavin turns abruptly, shouting, "Elise, what did you do?!"

Elise's face turns pale, but she just shakes her head. "I didn't do anything. You know everything I've done."

"What do I know? Speak!" Gavin yells, his voice sending a shock through Elise.

Her face turns even paler.

"My child was perfectly healthy. Elise replaced the pregnancy test report. Do you really not know this at all, Gavin?!"

Gavin turns to me, his eyes wide with shock and fear. What is he afraid of?

"I don't know about it. Lily, I really don't! Believe me!" he pleads.

Before I can respond, he continues, "Lily, take a rest, please. Don't get upset. I'll call the doctor. Doctor! Doctor!"

Then I notice it. I'm lying in a pool of blood.

As the doctor enters, Gavin grabs Elise's hand and drags her out of the room roughly.

"I told you I would handle it. Why did you have to act on your own?"

"Hm? Since it was destined to be lost, why care who made the move? Isn't that right? Or do you have regrets?"

Gavin's eyes narrow with malice. "Yes, I regret it! I love Lily!"

Elise's expression falters. She forces a smile. "Didn't you say you loved me the most? Didn't you tell me her affair was just a child's game? Didn't you promise me that if I came back, you'd never let me down?"

"I've been in love with Lily for a long time. I don't love you anymore. Elise, I'm warning you-don't show your face in front of her again."

"Gavin! Even if you've realized it now, she's already been scarred by you! The person she hates the most now might be you. You can only be with me. Only I love you."

Gavin coldly shrugs off Elise's hand, glaring at her.

"You knew all along that I had feelings for Lily, didn't you? So you deliberately set me up, made her think I didn't want our child?"

"Haha, right. That day in the bar's private room, Lily stood outside the door, listening to how you deceived her."

"While I was arguing with you, she heard you say you didn't want the child. Ha ha ha."

Gavin's face goes ashen. "Elise..." he mutters, slapping her across the face.

What happened outside the door is a blur. I feel like I'm drifting in a dream.

I run in the dark for what feels like an eternity, but I can't find an exit. I'm cold and scared.

A small hand reaches out to me-tiny, soft.

I can't see its face. I don't know its gender. I ask it a question, but it doesn't respond.

It leads me, for what feels like forever, finally guiding me toward the light.

And then, I realize. This is my child. My unborn baby.

I begin to sob uncontrollably.

Suddenly, I wake from the dream, as if I hear a faint whisper: "Mama."

The doctor assured us that the patient was no longer in danger but warned that any further stress could be harmful. The severe bleeding had caused significant damage, and she needed careful care.

"Yes, doctor. I understand. I will take good care of her," Gavin said, his face showing clear anxiety.

I couldn't help but think, wouldn't it have been better if I had just died? Maybe that way, Elise would have had a chance. But why did Gavin seem so fearful rather than regretful?

It didn't matter anymore. My mind was fixated on the small hands I had dreamt about, gently guiding me toward the light.

"Gavin," I croaked, my voice weak from days of silence.

He rushed to my side, holding my hand tightly in his. "I'm here, I'm here."

I looked at his face, studying every detail - his eyebrows, his eyes, his nose, his lips - then gathered all my strength to pull my hand away from his.

"I think it's time for us to divorce."

"What? What did you say? I... I can't believe you just said that," Gavin stammered, clearly shocked.

"I said we should get a divorce," I repeated calmly, tears streaming down my face.

"Divorce? No, I won't accept that!" Gavin pleaded, grabbing my hand again.

"Gavin," I interrupted, my voice firm. "You pursued me, asked me to marry you, and then you cheated. You treated me like a placeholder and deceived me. Your actions indirectly caused the loss of our child. Even though it wasn't directly your fault, you still share part of the blame."

"Gavin, tell me, who are you really?" I asked.

"No, that's not it. You don't understand! Please listen to me. It's not what you think," Gavin cried, his voice breaking.

This was the first time I had seen him cry.

"Lily, I love you. I really do. I've always loved you."

But his words meant nothing to me anymore. I couldn't understand why he was lying to me now, at this point.

"You don't need to say this. I won't cling to you or disrupt your life with Elise. I'll stay out of your way," I said, shaking my head. "I won't believe anything you say anymore. I would rather not be made a fool."

"I haven't lied to you, not this time," Gavin insisted, his voice desperate. "Will you believe me?"

It was true that the night we lost our child, Gavin hadn't slept, sitting up and watching over Lily. His heart ached for reasons he couldn't explain, but he was there, by her side the entire time.

When he had found Lily lying on the floor, blood pooling beneath her, a wave of panic overtook him. At that moment, he realized how much he had come to love her, though he had hurt her before. His feelings for Elise had been born out of regret and obsession, not love.

But none of that mattered to me anymore.

"What are you going to do about Elise?" I asked, glaring at Gavin. "She killed my child."

Without hesitation, Gavin replied, "She made a mistake. What do you want me to do about it? I'll do whatever you ask."

I let out a bitter laugh. "Gavin, have you ever been told you have a heart of stone?"

He gave a simple nod. "What do you want?"

"I want her locked away for ten or twenty years to atone for her sins. I want this hospital to go bankrupt, and for her family to lose everything."

"Alright," Gavin said without a moment's hesitation.

Elise, you hurt me because of Gavin. How would you feel knowing that the one you loved sent you to prison?

"I'm tired," I said, closing my eyes.

"Alright, rest now. I'll stay with you," Gavin said, not leaving my side.

Within five days, Elise was arrested. She was charged with money laundering, illegal trafficking of personal information, and hit-and-run accidents.

"Did you know about this?" I asked Gavin, shocked.

"Yes, I knew. I've been gathering evidence," he answered calmly.

I felt a chill run down my spine.

Gavin loved her so deeply that he would do anything to protect her, no matter the cost. But if he didn't love her, he would have sent her to prison in a heartbeat without mercy.

"I want to see her," I said suddenly.

"But your health..." Gavin protested.

"I need to see her," I insisted, unwavering.

He sighed, then reluctantly agreed. "Alright, but you can't see her for too long. And if you feel uncomfortable, you must tell me right away."

The next day, I saw Elise through the glass. She was wearing a prison uniform, her face pale and devoid of makeup.

"Guess who sent you here?" I asked, a cruel smile on my face.

"Don't get too smug! Gavin loves me," Elise retorted, though she was clearly rattled.

"Is that so? But it's the very same Gavin who put you here," I replied coldly.

"No! That's impossible!" Elise exclaimed, but I could see the panic in her eyes. "My father will bail me out. You'll see."

I laughed, the sound bitter. "Let's see if your father can help you now that he's lost everything."

"What do you mean by that?" she demanded.

"I mean, you're going to stay here to pay for what you did to my child," I said, turning away.

Baby, wait for me. I'll be with you soon. Gavin is the reason this all started.

I looked at Gavin, who was waiting for me outside. His eyes lit up when he saw me, and I realized then what the worst punishment for him could be.

Gavin was stubborn, and though Elise had been gone for years, he still hadn't moved on from her. As for me...

I sat in his car, contemplating where to go next. I had to find my baby.

There is nothing more painful than thinking there's hope, only to find despair.

Gavin stayed with me at home for over a month, caring for me in ways I hadn't expected. But eventually, the company needed him, and he had to leave.

I packed my things, took a flight to a southern city, transferred to a high-speed train, then caught a bus to a quiet, unknown town.

The town was beautiful - it was the new beginning I had chosen for myself.