After He Ruined Me, He Couldn’t Let Me Go

I was twelve when the crash took Mom and Dad.

I woke up a week later in a hospital bed.

Elowen came to first much earlier. She was a year olderour adopted sister, the one my parents welcomed in when her own family couldnt keep her. They gave her a room next to mine, new clothes, a place at the table. She fit in perfectlyquiet, polite, always smiling at the right time. But I noticed itthe flicker of envy in her eyes whenever Mom fixed my hair, whenever Dad called me sweetheart.

Then everything shattered that night.

Mom and Dad told her the truththat her real parents had reached out, that they wanted her back.

She lost control. Screamed. Yanked Moms hair. Dug her nails into Dads shoulder, crying that shed rather die than leave. The car lurched. Headlights flashed. Tires screamed. Then darkness.

When I opened my eyes, everything was white.

She was already awake. Eyes glossy, voice trembling just enough to seem weak.

It was Kaia, she told my brothers, Evander and Leonhart. She went crazy in the car. She was shouting she pulled Moms hair she even said she wished they were dead.

I shook my head. Thats not what happened

Quit lying, Evander cut in.

Im telling the truth! I justI cant remember everything

Leonharts expression hardened. You cant remember because you refuse to. You killed them. Youre a murderer.

I didnt! My voice broke. I swear, I didnt!

He stepped closer, his face inches from mine. Then who did, Kaia? Tell mewho?

Please, stop fighting, Elowen sobbed softly, her shoulders shaking. I just want us to stay together I just want peace.

They pulled her into their arms. My brotherswho used to lift me onto their shouldersnow stared at me like I was something that shouldnt exist.

That was the moment I lost everything.

My name. My home. My freedom.

Evander said coldly, From now on, youre nothing but a servant. You exist to serve this family. You owe us your life.

And Elowen? Sweet, fragile, trembling Elowen sat by the window, smiling through her tears.

For ten years, I scrubbed floors, signed away what was mine, and answered to a name that wasnt mine. I learned how to move like a shadow. Elowen, meanwhile, perfected the art of erasing me in front of my brothers. She practiced looking hurt. Practiced being helpless. Learned exactly how to turn their anger toward me.

One morning, I carried tea into the sitting room. My hands trembled, the tray rattling. Elowen stood near the doorway, empty-handed, her smile too composed.

Oh dear, she murmuredand then she fell. Porcelain shattered. A sharp cry cut through the room.

My wristplease, my wrist! she gasped, clutching it, eyes wide with flawless fear. Kaia shoved me! She always comes in so loudly!

I didnt even touch you!

Evander rushed in. Whats going on?

She hurt me, brother, Elowen whimpered. I tried to move, but she knocked the tray she wanted me to fall.

Thats not true!

Dont lie again, Leonhart snapped. How many times do we have to teach you a lesson?

Please, Elowen whispered, glancing at me like she was terrified. Dont be too harsh on her she doesnt mean it.

Her gentle tone broke whatever restraint they had left. They looked at me like I was something monstrous she had forgiven too many times.

Basement tonight, Evander ordered. No food.

As she passed me, her wrist suddenly steady, she leaned in. Thanks, she whispered, smiling where only I could see.

That night, I lay on the freezing floor, listening to her laughter seep through the walls.

Every few weeks, she found a new way to hurt menever once needing to touch me.

One time, she staggered onto the porch, clutching her foot, blood soaking through her sock. Kaia stepped on me! she cried. She did it again!

I didnt! Thats a lie

Dont raise your voice at her, Evander said, stepping in front of her. Look at hershes trembling.

Im scared of her, Elowen whispered, tears brimming. She waits until no ones watching then she hurts me.

Leonharts voice was quiet but final. No food for two days. Youll sleep outside, Marsha. Maybe the cold will teach you obedience.

That night, I curled beneath a thin, torn blanket as rain soaked through me. From her window, Elowen watched me shiver. In her hand, I saw the sockstained red hours before.

After that, I stopped keeping track of how many times she broke me.

It all blurred togetherthe bruises, the punishments, the lies.

I learned to stay silent. To move carefully. To exist as little as possible. Elowen didnt need to lay a hand on me. My brothers did that for her.

Every day, she became someone new.

Sometimes the frightened little sister who flinched when I entered.

Sometimes the gentle one begging Evander and Leonhart to forgive me.

But when no one else was around, she would look at me and smileproud of everything shed done.

One night, I tried to escape.

I waited until everyone was asleep. I didnt take anythingjust ran barefoot into the dark. I didnt care where Id end up. I just needed to get away.

They caught me before dawn.

Evanders men dragged me back by my hair.

He forced me to kneel on salt the entire day.

By noon, my knees were bleeding, but he didnt care.

Leonhart stood nearby, furious. You think you can run? he said. You didnt even hesitate after killing our parents, and now youre trying to escape?

I didnt kill them! I criedbut Evanders hand struck my face so hard the world spun.

Then Elowen stepped inside.

White dress. Red-rimmed eyes. Tears that looked flawless.

Please, Evander Leonhart, she said in a trembling voice. Shes still our sister. Isnt this a bit too much?

She sniffed softly, wiping her cheeks as if she couldnt bear to see me like that.

And somehow, they pitied her.

I laughed, even as blood filled my mouth.

Youre incredible, Elowen. Ever thought of acting? Youd probably win a FAMAS award.

Evander struck me againharder this time.

Leonhart pulled her into his arms, as if she were the one hurting.

Please, dont be too hard on her, she murmured against his chest, pretending to sob. She doesnt mean any of it. Shes just upset.

I looked at themmy brothers, who once shielded me from everything, now completely blind. They didnt see me anymore. Only the monster she had turned me into. And Elowen stood there, fake tears and all, knowing she had already won.

Then one day, Elowen got accepted into a fashion school in Parisand everything inside the house shifted.

For the first time in years, there was silence.

My brothers stopped shouting. They stopped hurting me. They just stopped noticing me at all.

No punishments. No more nights in the basement.

They looked right through me, like I didnt exist.

Like I was nothing more than a moving shadow.

It should have felt like peace.

But silence has its own way of hurting.

I started studying in secretlate at night, when the house was asleep. Old library books. Papers I quietly took from Leonharts office. I didnt even know why I was doing it. Maybe I just needed proof that I could still think.

Turns out, I learned quickly. I was good at it.

But what does being smart matter when youre trapped somewhere you cant leave?

Months passed like that.

The maids barely acknowledged me anymore.

Poor girl, one whispered once. She used to be the young miss.

Another scoffed. Now look at her. Cant even lift her head.

A third muttered as I walked past, If I were her, Id have run away long ago.

I wished I could.

Then one evening, everything changed again.

Evander called for a gathering in the dining hall. The entire house was in chaoscleaning, rushing, voices everywhere. The chandelier was polished until it gleamed, the silverware replaced more than once.

The Langford company is partnering with the Voss Corporation, a maid whispered, eyes wide. Its a massive deal.

I froze when I heard the next part.

The heir himself is coming, another added. Darius Voss. They say hes destroyed three companies just for crossing him.

Even the guards seemed tense that night. The entire mansion smelled like polishand fear.

Evander ordered me to serve wine. Stay silent, he warned. Speak only if youre spoken to.

So I stood quietly by the wall when they arrived.

Darius Voss entered first.

Tall. Cold. His dark red eyes under the lights felt sharp enough to cut through the room. Everything went still. Even Evander seemed smaller beside him.

Leonhart laughed too loudly, trying to sound welcoming. Evander kept talkingnumbers, deals, anything to impress. But Darius looked uninterested. He barely reacted, just observed them like he had already decided their worth.

When it was time for me to pour the wine, I stepped forward, trying to steady myself. My hands trembled anyway.

Then he looked up.

Our eyes metjust for a second. Maybe less. But it was enough.

He didnt look at me like I was a servant.

He looked at me like he recognized something. Like he actually saw me.

My heart stilled.

Leonhart noticed and let out another laugh. Ignore her, Mr. Voss. Shes just one of the servants.

Darius didnt respond immediately. His gaze lingered on me for a moment longer. I had to look away before my brothers noticed how I struggled to breathe.

It was the first time in ten years that someone looked at meand didnt see a ghost.

Weeks went by after that night.

Darius Voss kept returning for meetings with Evander and Leonhart. He never spoke to me, never directly acknowledged me. But sometimes, I could feel ithis gaze, quiet and unreadable, watching from across the room.

Evander seemed uneasy whenever Darius was there. Leonhart, on the other hand, looked irritatedfor reasons I couldnt understand.

One afternoon, I was told to stay in the kitchen while they had a meeting. But the door wasnt fully closed, and their voices carried through.

Darius spoke calmly. I want her.

The glass in my hand nearly slipped.

He wants me?

Leonharts voice rose. You cant be serious! Shes a servanta murderer. She killed our parents. Shes not worth your time, let alone your money.

Darius remained unfazed. Youll get the billion-dollar contract if you agree.

Silence followed. Then, after a long pause, Evander spoke. Fine. If thats the condition.

Leonhart didnt answer right away, but eventually muttered his agreement.

My stomach twisted. I didnt understand fullyuntil Evander called me into the living room.

He didnt even look at me. Pack your things. Youre leaving with Mr. Voss.

I froze. Leaving?

Leonhart walked over and grabbed my arm, his grip painful. His voice was low, sharp. You better behave around him. Darius doesnt tolerate clumsy idiots. And he definitely doesnt tolerate murderers.

I nodded, unable to speak. His grip tightened briefly before he let go and turned away.

I went back to my room and packed what little I had. Five sets of worn-out clothes. Nothing else. No jewelry. No perfume. Not even proper shoes.

I folded them slowly, my hands shakingnot out of fear, but because I didnt know what waited for me next.

Before leaving, I looked around one last time.

The cracked walls. The broken lamp. The thin blanket that never kept me warm.

The place that took everything from me.

Then I shut the door.

The drive with Darius was quiet. He sat beside me, composed, unreadable, watching my reflection in the window. I didnt know what he saw. Maybe just a girl with nothing left.

When we arrived at his mansion, I couldnt believe it. The air felt differentclean. The lights were soft. No shouting. No footsteps chasing me. No hatred in anyones eyes.

He turned to me. No one will hurt you here.

Something inside me broke. Tears camereal ones this time, unstoppable. I didnt even know why I was crying fear, relief, or maybe just hearing those words for the first time.

He stepped closer and pulled me into his arms. His chest felt warm, steady. I clutched his coat like it was the only thing keeping me upright.

Then he whispered, If I told you Ive fallen for you would you believe me?

I wanted to. I needed to.

So I nodded, still crying, my tears soaking into his shirt.

He lifted my chin and kissed mesoft at first, then deeper, more certain. It felt like warmth after years of cold.

That night, I gave him everything. In the quiet glow of his home, on the sofa, I gave him the only thing I had leftmyself.

I thought it was love.

I thought it meant freedom.

But it was only the start of a different kind of prison.

Moving into Dariuss mansion felt unreallike I had wandered into someone elses life.

He gave me the largest room. The bed was soft, the sheets smooth as silk, the closet filled with clothes I never imagined wearing. Shoes were arranged by color, jewelry catching the light with every small movement.

Every morning, breakfast was brought straight to my door. Every evening, he returned with gifts. But he never once took me outside.

No dinners out. No parties. Not even a simple walk.

One night, I gathered the courage to ask, Can I come with you next time?

He just smiled, leaned closer, and kissed me instead of answering.

And just like that, my question disappeared.

The staff hardly spoke to me. Their eyes passed over me like I wasnt there. A few offered polite smiles, most simply bowed and left. I tried to act like it didnt bother me.

I kept telling myself it was enough. I loved him. He said I belonged to him. That shouldve been enough right?

One evening, while holding me, Darius murmured, Someday, Ill make you my wife.

I believed every word.

Our nights were always quiet. Hed pull me close, run his fingers through my hair, and stay silent. For the first time in years, I felt safe. Like maybe I finally had a place where I belonged.

When he left for Paris, he pressed a kiss to my forehead and whispered, Wait for me.

So I did.

Days passed. Then weeks.

No calls. No messages. Still, I waited.

Then one morning, as I was clearing my breakfast tray, I overheard the maids talking in the hallway.

I heard Mr. Vosss fiance is studying in Paris, one whispered.

The other sounded shocked. Then what about the girl here? Kaia? I thought she was the fiance.

A quiet laugh followed. No. Shes just someone to warm his bed.

The words hit harder than anything Id ever endured. I went back to my room, closed the door, and cried until my eyes burned dry.

The next morning, my body felt off. Heavy. The smell of food made me nauseous. Every time I stood, the room spun.

One of the maids noticed. You should get checked, she said.

So I wentalone. My hands trembled the entire way.

After the test, the doctor gave me a gentle smile. Youre pregnant, she said. About two months.

For a moment, everything stopped. Then my heart started racing. I clutched the paper to my chest, tears falling freely.

Hell be happy, I whispered. He has to be.

I thanked the doctor and hurried back, holding the result like it was something precious.

Maybe this would change things. Maybe now, Id finally matter.

When I reached the mansion, I heard voices coming from the living room.

His voice.

My heart leapt. He was back.

I ran toward it, smiling so wide it hurt.

Then I heard laughter.

A womans laughter.

I froze.

No it couldnt be. I knew that sound.

I pushed the door open.

Elowen was sitting on Dariuss lap, kissing him.

His hands rested on her waist.

They both looked up. Dariuss expression was coldlike I meant nothing. Like he didnt even recognize me. And Elowen? She blinked, acting surprised.

What are you doing here?

Darius didnt even move. Where have you been? he asked flatly, then added, Go prepare drinks and snacks for my guest.

For a second, I couldnt breathe.

My voice came out small as I stared at her. W-why are you here?

She let out a short, sharp laugh. Youre seriously asking me that?

She raised her hand, showing off a diamond ring. It glittered under the light. Im Darius Vosss fiance. See this?

Everything inside me went cold. The room seemed to tilt.

No that couldnt be true.

I turned to Darius, my lips trembling. T-tell me shes lying.

He didnt even look at me. His jaw tightened, his eyes somewhere else.

The silence said everything.

Elowen stepped closer, her perfume suffocating. Babe, she said sweetly, turning to him, why is that Langford servant in your house? She pointed at me like I was nothing. Didnt I tell you about her? Shes the reason my parents are dead. Evander and Leonhart hate her for it. They locked her away for years. And now you bring her here? That hurts, Darius. It really does.

My throat tightened. I could barely breathe.

Each word felt like it was tearing through me.

I waitedjust one word from him. Anything.

But Darius only sighed. His voice was cold. Detached. Elowen, relax. I only brought her here to keep my bed warm. Nothing more.

My knees weakened. My hands trembled.

The words didnt feel real.

So that was all I was.

The maid had been right.

The man I thought had saved methe one who promised me safety, a futurewas no different from the rest.

Oh I see, Elowen said, tilting her head like she understood. Youre a man. You have your needs. Fine.

She walked up to him, grabbed his collar, and kissed him right in front of meslow, deliberate.

I couldnt move. Couldnt even look away.

When she pulled back, she turned to me, her eyes burning.

You bitch, she hissed

And before I could react, her hand struck my face.

SLAP!

The sound rang through the room.

I staggered back, one hand pressed to my cheek, the sting spreading deep under my skin.

Out of everyone, it had to be you? she yelled.

I tried to speakanything at allbut nothing came out. Only tears.

Elowen lifted her hand again, ready to strike, but Darius caught her wrist mid-air. Thats enough, he said sharply. Then his eyes shifted to me, empty and unreadable. Kaia, go to your room. Dont come downstairs unless I say so.

My voice wouldnt come back.

I could only nod and turn away, still holding my cheek.

Each step up the stairs felt heavy, like I was walking through water.

When I reached my room, I sat at the edge of the bed, my body trembling. A folded paper slipped from my pocketthe sonogram.

I stared at it for a long time, my vision blurring.

Our baby, I whispered.

And then everything broke.

I cried until I couldnt breathe, until the world outside faded into nothing. All I could hear was the sound of my own heart shatteringwhile downstairs, I knew Elowen was probably clinging to him again, pretending to cry.

And he was letting her.

When I woke up, my eyes were swollen, my chest aching like I had nothing left inside.

Sunlight filtered through the curtainssoft, almost gentlebut it felt wrong. Too normal. Like nothing had happened.

I pushed myself up, head poundingthen I saw her.

Elowen.

Sitting on the couch like she owned the place, legs crossed, calm and satisfied, holding something between her fingers.

It took me a second to realize what it was.

The folded paper.

My sonogram.

Well, she said lightly, spinning it between her fingers, looks like youre pregnant.

I froze. My heart dropped.

Give it back, I said quietly.

She smiled, slow and sharp, like she had caught something helpless. Not yet. I want to tell you a story first. Its a good oneyoull enjoy it.

I said give it back.

She ignored me completely, leaning back with that same glint in her eyes.

You always thought you had everything, didnt you, Kaia? Always loved. Always lucky. Want to know how I became his fiance?

I stayed silent. I didnt want to hear any of it. But she continued anyway, her voice smooth and cruel.

Two weeks ago, my brothers told me Darius took you. Leonhart and Evanderremember them? They said you were living here, that he was protecting you. She let out a laugh that sounded wrong. Can you imagine how that felt? You, the nobody Langford girl, suddenly in his arms.

She stood and started pacing, like she was telling some casual story. You were always the favorite. Even when we were kids. So I decided to take everything that was yours.

She paused, turning to me with that practiced smile. Leonhart told me Darius was going to Paris for business. I begged for an introduction. I made sure I looked perfect that night. You shouldve seen mewhite silk, tears in my eyes, like some broken angel. Men fall faster when they think theyre saving someone.

I stared down, trying not to cry, but my chest tightened again.

She chuckled softly. You know what made it work? The shooting. Oh, Kaia, it was perfect. Leonhart hired men to stage it. I made sure Darius saw everythingthe guns, the chaos. I pretended to protect him, even fell to the ground. Fake blood everywhere. I looked like a hero. He carried me all the way to the hospital, you know? Stayed there the whole night.

Her eyes lit up at the memory. When I woke up, he told me I saved his life. Said he owed me everything. So I told him what I wanted.

She stepped closer, slow and deliberate, then crouched in front of me. I told him I wanted him. I wanted to be his.

I just stared at her. None of it felt real anymore.

Her smile widened, sharp and satisfied. He gave me this ring. Promised me everything. All because he thought I took a bullet for him. Guilt is such a useful thing, dont you think?

Something inside me snapped.

I started laughing. Quiet at firstthen louder. It came out wrong, broken, like I didnt know how to stop.

Her smile faltered. Whats so funny?

I wiped my face, still laughing through the tears. Thats it? Fake blood? A staged attack? Thats all it took for you to get him?

Her jaw tightened. Dont laugh at me.

But I couldnt stop. It hurt, but I kept going. You can have him, I said softly. I dont care anymore.

Her expression shifted. The anger faded, replaced by something colder. She tilted her head, smiling againsoft, almost gentle. But her eyes stayed the same.

I recognized that look.

I stood quickly, stepping back. What are you doing?

She moved closer. Youre pregnant. Im his fiancethe one who saved him. Her smile deepened. Lets see who he chooses to save first.

Before I could react, she grabbed my arm, her nails digging into my skin. I tried to pull away, but her grip tightened.

Let go of me, Elowen!

Suddenly, her voice changedloud, shaking, like she was the victim. Kaia! Stop! Youre hurting me! Why do you always hurt me?

I said let go

Before I could finish, she staggered backward, still holding onto me. My foot slipped at the edge of the stairs.

Everything happened too fast.

Her scream echoed through the house. Kaia! Pleasedont hurt me!

And then

We fell.

I couldnt move.

The floor felt freezing against my cheek, and above me, the white light spun, blurring in and out of focus. Pain tore through my stomach, spreading to my back until I couldnt tell where it began or ended. Then voices broke through.

Shouting.

Footsteps rushing closer.

Someone called my name.

Darius.

My heart stirred, fragile but hopeful. He came he was coming for me

But then I saw him.

He ran past me. Straight to Elowen.

She lay a few steps away, crying softly, clutching her arm as if it were broken. Without hesitation, he gathered her into his arms, panic clear in his eyes.

Call the doctor! Now! Darius shouted.

One of the maids stammered, Sir, Miss Kaia is bleeding too

Deal with her later! His voice cut through everything. Elowen comes first!

First?

Something inside me shattered. Their voices faded. The light dimmed.

And thennothing.

---

When I opened my eyes, all I saw was a white ceiling. The sharp smell of medicine filled my nose. My throat felt dry, almost impossible to swallow. There was a bandage wrapped tightly around my stomach.

I tried to sit up, but pain shot through me, forcing me back down.

The door opened.

Darius walked in. His face was set, his eyes colder than I had ever seen.

So this is how you repay me? His voice was steady, but anger lingered beneath every word. I took you out of that place. Gave you everything. And this is what you do in return?

I stared at him, confused. W-what do you mean?

He stepped closer, arms crossed. Stop pretending. You tried to hurt my fiance. Do you even realize she once saved my life? She took a bullet for me. And you you pushed her down the stairs.

My stomach twisted. No, Darius, pleaseit wasnt me

Enough. His voice rose slightly. You always have an excuse. Always crying, always acting like youre the victim.

I shook my head, tears spilling over. Please, just listen to me

A knock interrupted me.

A nurse peeked in, her gaze lowered. Sir Miss Elowen just woke up. Shes crying. Shes still in shock and asking for you.

Dariuss jaw tightened. His eyes flicked toward me for a brief secondcold, empty, like I didnt matter at all.

Save it, he said quietly. Ill deal with you later.

Then he turned and walked out.

The door closed softly behind him. But to me, it sounded finallike something breaking beyond repair.

Dont worry, baby well leave. Ill keep you safe. I promise.

My hand slowly reached toward the IV needle. I just wanted to go. Anywhere. Away from all of this.

But before I could do anything, the door slammed open.

Leonhart and Evander rushed in like a storm.

Leonharts eyes burned with fury. Evander looked at me like I was something disgusting.

Evander moved first. His hand struck my face hard, the sound echoing through the room.

How dare you, Kaia? he shouted. How dare you try to kill our sister?

My head snapped to the side, my cheek throbbing. I didnt, I whispered.

Leonharts voice came louder. Dont even think about lying. You already killed our parents. Wasnt that enough? Now youre going after Elowen too?

Tears filled my eyes again. Shes the one who

Leonhart stepped closer, pointing at me. Shes the one what? You said that before. Every time you say that, someone ends up dead. Mom. Dad. Now Elowen?

No, I cried, shaking my head. You dont understand. She lied. She set me up. Please, Leonhartyou have to believe me.

Evander grabbed the metal tray beside my bed and slammed it to the floor. It crashed loudlyglass shattering, water spilling everywhere. Shut up! he roared. You think anyone would choose your word over hers? Youre nothing. Just a stain on this family. A curse that wont disappear.

I covered my mouth, sobbing.

Evander leaned in closer, his voice low, filled with hatred. Why are you still alive? Just die already and spare us the trouble.

Leonhart grabbed my chin roughly, forcing me to look at him. His eyes were cold, almost hollow. Youll pay for this, Kaia. Even if Darius lets you off, we wont.

Then they turned and walked out, the door slamming shut behind them.

That night I peeled the tape from my skin, the soft ripping sound too loud in the silence. I bit down on my lip to keep from crying out as the needle slid free. My arm burned, but I didnt care. I just needed to get out.

I pushed myself off the bed, my legs weak, my body cold. The floor felt too far beneath me. Every step hurt, but I kept going, dragging myself toward the door.

Just as my fingers reached for the handle, it burst open.

Darius stood there, his face flushed, his eyes sharp with anger.

So now youre trying to run? His voice filled the room. After everything youve done, you still think you can just leave?

I froze, my throat dry. Darius, please I just

He cut me off, louder this time. Do you even understand what youve done? Elowen is losing blood because of you. She could die!

Before I could say anything, his hand grabbed my arm, his grip tight enough to hurt.

Youre giving her your blood, he said coldly. Youre both RH-negative. She needs itand you owe her your life.

I shook my head, trying to pull away. No I cant. Please, let me go. I cant do this.

His eyes darkened, his voice dropping. Why not? After everything Ive done for you? I took you away from your brothers. I knew what you were, Kaiaa killerand I still kept you. I gave you a place to stay, clothes, everything. I let you be with me. And now you act like youre above me?

Darius My voice broke. Please, stop.

He let out a bitter laugh. You should be grateful. Do you have any idea how many women would do anything to be in your place? To be the one beside me? But I chose you. And now all I feel when I look at you is disgust.

His words hurt more than his grip. Tears blurred my vision. I cant, I whispered. I cant give blood Im pregnant.

For a second, he paused. Something flickered in his eyes. Then he laughedcold, mocking.

Pregnant? You think Im stupid? He shook his head. Youll say anything to get out of this. Lying comes so easily to you.

Its true! I begged. Please, Im not lying. Its your child. Dont make me do this.

He yanked my arm, making me stumble. Enough. Youre giving her blood whether you want to or not.

Darius, stop! Please!

He didnt listen. He dragged me down the hallway toward the nurses station. My feet scraped against the floor as I tried to resist, grabbing onto the wall, the doorframeanything.

The nurses stared when we entered, frozen.

Take her blood, Darius ordered. Even if you have to drain her. Shell pay for what she did.

Sir one nurse hesitated.

Leonharts voice cut in. Do it. She owes our sister her life.

Evander nodded beside him. Finish it.

I screamed as they held me down. Please, dont! Im begging you! Im pregnant! Youll kill my baby!

No one listened.

The needle pierced my skin. I watched as my blood filled the bag, red and endless. My body turned cold. My vision blurred.

Before everything went dark, I whispered, After this Ill end it.

---

When I woke up again, the room was quiet. My body felt hollow. My hands looked pale. My breathing felt weak. It was like something inside me was gone.

A nurse stood beside the bed, her expression soft with pity. Miss Kaia, she said gently, Miss Elowen is safe now. Shes stable.

I slowly turned my head. Did he come?

She looked away. Mr. Voss hasnt returned.

I gave a small nod. My hand drifted to my stomach. It felt too still. Too empty.

Something wasnt right.

Wheres my baby? I asked, my voice shaking.

The nurse hesitated. Ill call the doctor.

When he arrived, he wouldnt meet my eyes. His voice was quiet, like he didnt want to say it out loud.

Im sorry, he said. We couldnt save the baby.

Everything stopped. For a moment, I couldnt even cry. I just smiled faintly, trembling. So thats how it ends, I whispered. My baby died just to save hers.

The doctor left. The room fell silent again.

That night, I got out of bed. My legs almost gave out, but I kept walking. No shoes. No coat. Just the thin hospital gown.

Outside, the air was freezing. Rain poured heavily, blurring everything in front of me. I kept walking until I reached the bridge.

The water below was dark, rushing fast. I stood there, shaking.

I looked up at the sky. Mom Dad Im tired.

Rain hit my face like needles. I smiled through my tears. Im sorry if I stop now. I tried to be good. I tried to stay strong.

My voice trembled. My brothers hate me. The man I loved used me. And my baby they took it too. I just want peace. Please let me come home.

I stepped forward. The sound of the river roared beneath me.

Goodbye, Darius. My lips shook as I said his name. You took everything from me and somehow, I still loved you. I dont even know why. Maybe because I never really knew what love was.

The rain grew heavier, swallowing my voice.

Goodbye, Leonhart. Goodbye, Evander. My voice cracked. Maybe one day, youll remember I was your sister before I became your shame.

A quiet sob escaped me. Youll wake up tomorrow and wont even notice Im gone. Maybe thats better.

Lightning flashed across the sky. I closed my eyes.

My baby I whispered, pressing my hand to my stomach one last time. Wait for me, okay? Mamas coming.

The river roared below.

I stepped closer to the edge, rain pooling around my feet. This is it, I murmured. The last pain Ill ever feel. I hope you both burn.

Then I stepped forward.

The world tipped. The storm howled.

And I jumped.

The water swallowed everything.

Darius'S POV

I sat by the window, peeling an apple. The knife scraped against the skin, a slow, steady sound. The kind that filled the silence when words felt too heavy to say.

Elowen was lying on the bed, pale and quiet. Her eyes were open, watching me. I could feel her gaze even if I didnt look up.

Where are you going? she asked when I stood.

I slipped the knife into my pocket, staring at the apple in my hand. Ill be back. Kaia hasnt eaten anything all day.

Elowens voice trembled. She doesnt need your pity, Darius.

I turned to her. Its not pity.

She tried to kill me, Darius... And youre worried if shes eaten? Youre hurting me again.

I didnt answer. I couldnt. So I left.

The hallway outside was cold. Too quiet. The kind of quiet that made your thoughts louder.

When I passed the nurses station, I heard them whispering.

My heart broke for that woman Kaia, right? one said. She looked so weak. I cant believe they forced her to donate.

Yeah, another said. Miss Elowen was the fiance. Kaia was just the mistress. Poor thing, I heard she was pregnant too.

I stopped walking. My hand froze on the apple.

Pregnant?

Two months, they said. But she lost the baby after giving blood. She lost too much herself.

The apple slipped from my hand and hit the floor with a dull sound.

The nurses went quiet. I turned to them slowly. My voice came out low. What did you just say?

They looked at each other, nervous. No one spoke.

I said, I repeated, what did you just say about her pregnancy?!

One of them, the youngest, finally looked up. Its true, Mr. Voss. The report is still here. She was two months pregnant.

My chest tightened. Show me.

She handed me the file with shaking hands.

Kaia Langford.

Pregnancy: Positive.

Complication: Miscarriage due to trauma and excessive blood loss.

I couldnt breathe.

I read it again. And again.

Her voice came back to mesoft, desperate. Im pregnant, Darius. Please, dont do this.

I thought she was lying.

I dragged her out like she was nothing. I let them take her blood. I didnt believe her.

My hand trembled. The file slipped from my fingers onto the floor. I pressed my palm over my eyes, but it didnt help. The image of her face... pale, scared, begging burned into me.

I killed my own child! Fuck.

Our child.

The one thing my doctors said I might never have again.

My throat felt dry. My chest hurt like someone had punched through it.

I stood up fast. WHERE IS SHE?

The nurses looked at each other again, afraid.

Where is Kaia? I said louder.

Shes gone, sir, one whispered. She checked out we dont know when.

I stormed out of the ward. Called my assistant immediately. Get the CCTV now.

Within minutes, he had it ready. The footage played on his tablet.

Kaia walked down the hallway. She was barefoot, pale, and limping. Her hospital gown dragging slightly. Her hand on her stomach.

I stared at the screen, my heart sinking deeper with every frame.

Sir my assistant said carefully.

Send men to find her, I said, my voice low, shaking. Search every street, every bridge, every goddamn place near the hospital. Bring her back to me.

He nodded and ran off.

I stayed there, staring at the screen, feeling the weight in my chest grow heavier.

She told me the truth. I didnt believe her.

Now shes gone. And so is our child.

.....

It was already night when I got back to my office. I told the nurse to stay with Elowen, to make sure she didnt try anything stupid. I just needed a minute to think, to breathe.

I sat behind my desk, still in the same damn shirt from the hospital. The sleeves were rolled up, my tie gone, the buttons half undone. My eyes burned. I hadnt slept. Couldnt.

The phone rang. My assistants name flashed on the screen.

I picked it up fast. Tell me you found her.

There was silence first. Then his voicehesitant, careful. Yes, sir. We we found Kaia.

I shot up from my chair. Where is she? Bring her here. I dont care how, just bring her back to me.

He didnt answer right away.

Did you hear me? I barked. I said bring her back!

He hesitated again. Boss I sent you something. Please check your phone first.

I frowned. What is it?

Just please, look first.

I opened the message. It was a video. Grainy footage from a CCTV.

A bridge. Rain coming down hard. Headlights flashing by. And then her.

Kaia.

She was walking barefoot, the hospital gown clinging to her body. Her hair was soaked, her steps slow and weak. She stopped at the railing, holding it for support.

Kaia I whispered.

She looked up at the sky, eyes swollen, face pale. Her lips moved, but the rain drowned everything.

My knees went weak.

She climbed the railing.

No, I whispered, backing away from the desk. No, Kaia, dont! Fucking don't!

She let go.

The splash came a second later.

The sound hit me harder than a gunshot.

My phone slipped from my hand. It hit the floor, but I didnt even look down. I just stared at the dark screen. My chest felt like it was caving in.

Then I snapped out of it and grabbed the phone again.

Call the coast guard! I yelled. Call rescue teams! I dont care whojust find her! Find her now!

Yes, sir. I already contacting emergency services

Go! I shouted. She must still be alive. She has to be. I slammed my fist against the desk. The sound echoed in the room. My veins burned under my skin. Go, damn it!

I didnt wait. I grabbed my keys and ran out.

My driver tried to stop me at the door. Sir, please, let me

Ill go myself! I shoved past him and ran into the rain.

The storm hit hard, but I didnt care. I got in the car, started the engine, and floored it.

Her image wouldnt leave my head. Kaia standing there, her hair whipping in the wind, her face so tired.

Hold on, Kaia, I muttered, gripping the wheel. Please hold on. Dont die on me. Please.

My voice cracked.

Fuck, Im such an idiot, I said, hitting the steering wheel. You told me you were pregnant and I didnt believe you. I pushed you to donate. I killed our child. God, what have I done?

The phone rang again. The nurses voice came through, shaking.

Mr. Voss, Elowens missing!

My blood ran cold.