You’ll Never Get Me Back

Four weeks ago, I nearly died at the pregnancy announcement my husband had arranged to celebrate our unborn child.

I was standing at the top of the grand staircase, two months pregnant and waiting for Adrian to share our happiness with everyone, when the chandelier gave way.

There was no warning, no time to scream. One moment I was smiling, and the next, glass and steel came crashing down around me. Then everything disappeared into darkness.

When I began to surface again, I couldn't move. My body felt impossibly heavy, as though I had been buried beneath tons of earth. I couldn't force my eyes open, but somehow, I could hear.

Why is she still stabilizing?

Adrian.

My heart gave a faint, hopeful flutter at the sound of his voice. He was here. He had stayed beside me.

Then he spoke again.

I didn't pay you to keep her alive. I paid you to make sure she never opened her eyes again.

Every trace of warmth vanished from my heart.

The monitor beside me continued its steady beeping while the doctor struggled to answer him.

Mr. Whitmore, surviving this was extraordinary. The swelling in her brain

Extraordinary? Adrian cut him off. This is a disaster. The board is waiting, the insurance money hasn't been released, and Vanessa is sitting outside waiting for me.

Vanessa.

My stepsister. My closest friend. The woman who had held my hand and cried with me when I discovered I was pregnant.

Adrian continued, his voice growing colder. She expects to become a widow, not spend the rest of her life married to a woman who can't even function. Put her back under. Give her enough to stop her heart. I don't care how you do it.

The doctor went silent.

That dosage could kill her, he finally said.

That is precisely the point.

My entire world collapsed.

Adrian wasn't trying to save me. He had paid someone to make certain I would never wake up.

And what about the pregnancy? he asked casually.

My breath caught.

The baby? the doctor clarified.

I strained to hear every word. My child. Please, not my child.

The impact ended the pregnancy, the doctor said. The injuries were severe enough that we had no choice but to perform an emergency hysterectomy. I'm sorry, Mr. Whitmore, but the baby didn't survive. She will never be able to carry another child.

My baby was dead.

And I would never have another.

The grief that tore through me was more devastating than the chandelier that had crushed my body. I wanted to scream until the walls shook, but my limbs remained useless, my tears trapped behind closed eyes.

Then Adrian laughed.

Good. I never wanted the child. It was only useful for securing my grandfather's trust fund. Now that the baby is gone and Serena can't have another, there's no reason to keep her around.

He glanced at the time.

Make sure she dies, Doctor. Something that looks natural. Heart failure, perhaps. I have dinner with Vanessa, and I'm not going to keep her waiting.

I'll need a few minutes to prepare the injection.

The footsteps faded. The door closed.

For a moment, there was only silence.

Then Adrian approached my bed.

I felt his fingers move a strand of hair away from my forehead, almost tenderly. The gesture made what he said next even more horrifying.

You were always more trouble than you were worth, Serena. You should have died beneath that chandelier. It would have spared both of us all this.

A quiet laugh escaped him.

But you'll be replaced soon enough. Vanessa is already carrying my child, and she'll be a much better Mrs. Whitmore.

His fingers tapped my cheek before he turned away.

Goodbye, Serena.

He walked out, humming as though he had just finished an ordinary conversation.

Terror surged through me.

I had minutes before the doctor returned with the injection that would end my life.

I had to move.

Somehow, I forced every ounce of strength I had into my right hand. Come on. Move.

My finger twitched.

It was barely anything, but it was movement.

I pushed harder. My eyelids fluttered, and harsh hospital light stabbed into my eyes. A dry gasp scraped out of my throat.

The door opened.

The doctor stepped inside with a syringe in his hand. He stopped the instant he saw me awake.

Mrs. Whitmore?

I tried to speak, but only a broken rasp came out.

Please don't kill me.

His face drained of color. I have orders. If Adrian discovers I disobeyed him, he'll destroy me.

I'll pay you, I whispered through my tears. Whatever he offered, I'll give you more. Twice as much. Three times. Just let me live.

He looked toward the door.

You don't understand. Adrian owns this hospital. He owns my career. If you survive, he'll make sure I don't.

The syringe rose in his trembling hand.

I'm sorry, Mrs. Whitmore. I promise you won't feel anything.

I squeezed my eyes shut.

Then

Bang!

The door slammed against the wall.

Step away from her.

The voice was deep, controlled, and terrifyingly calm.

The doctor's hand jerked. The syringe fell, striking the floor and shattering.

I opened my eyes.

A man stood in the doorway, dressed in a charcoal suit, his presence commanding enough to make the entire room feel smaller.

Damien Blackwood.

Adrian's most feared rival. The billionaire I had rejected three years ago when I chose Adrian instead.

The man whose heart I had broken so I could marry the man who had just tried to kill me.

M-Mr. Blackwood? The doctor stumbled backward. This area is restricted. You can't

Leave.

Damien's gaze dropped briefly to the broken syringe.

Unless you'd prefer I help you discover how sharp those pieces are.

The doctor didn't need to be told twice. He rushed past Damien and disappeared down the corridor.

Damien shut the door behind him and locked it.

His eyes traveled over the IVs, the bruises covering my body, and finally settled on my face.

Look at what he did to you.

His voice softened.

I warned you Adrian was a snake, Serena. You simply chose not to believe me.

Shame burned through me, and I turned my face away.

Did you come here to remind me that you were right?

No.

He stepped closer and gently wiped a tear from my cheek. His hand was surprisingly warm against my skin.

I came because I have something to offer you.

I stared at him.

What kind of offer?

A faint, dangerous smile touched his mouth.

Adrian believes you're going to die tonight. He's already preparing for your funeral, and while he does, he's celebrating with your sister.

Anger replaced the fear in my chest.

What do you want from me?

Damien held out his hand.

You rejected me once, Serena. I have no intention of giving you the chance to do it twice.

His eyes held mine.

Marry me. Become my wife, and I'll give you everything you need to bring Adrian Whitmore to his knees.

I couldn't stay at the hospital. The sterile rooms made me feel like I was being kept in a cage, and the quiet was somehow worse than the pain. I needed to see Adrian for myself. I needed to stand in front of him and find out whether the man I had heard plotting my death in that hospital room was truly my husband.

I pulled my coat tightly around my battered body, biting back a wince when the fabric caught against my stitches. The night was bitterly cold, but the chill in the air was nothing compared to the emptiness spreading through my chest.

The moment the taxi stopped outside the estate, I knew something was wrong.

The house was blazing with light.

Luxury cars filled the driveway, belonging to the same people we called friends. Music spilled through the open windows, some cheerful jazz number that felt almost obscene against the grief still tearing me apart.

A party.

My baby was dead. I had nearly died myself only weeks ago, and Adrian was hosting a celebration?

I pushed open the massive oak doors.

The sound of laughter greeted me first. The foyer was crowded with guests holding champagne, their faces bright with the kind of happiness that made my stomach turn.

Happy birthday, Adrian! someone called from the adjoining room.

His birthday.

Of course.

I stepped into the light, still wearing the hospital bracelet around my wrist, my face bare and pale beneath the harsh glow of the chandelier.

The conversations gradually faded.

Then the music stopped.

Every face turned toward me.

Adrian stood beside the fireplace with a glass of scotch in his hand, while his other arm rested comfortably around Vanessa's waist.

She was wearing my favorite red dress.

The instant Adrian saw me, all the color disappeared from his face. His fingers went slack, and the glass slipped from his hand before breaking against the marble hearth.

Serena?

His voice barely made it past his throat.

I let the silence stretch before giving him a faint smile.

Were you expecting someone else?

I walked farther into the room, and the guests instinctively moved aside, watching me as though I had somehow returned from the dead.

Vanessa covered her mouth with both hands, her expression transforming into exaggerated shock.

Serena, you're here. Oh my God, we thought you were

Dead? I finished for her.

Her expression faltered.

Adrian recovered first. What are you doing here?

I stopped a few steps away from him.

Where else should I be? This is my house, Adrian, and apparently it's also the setting for my husband's birthday celebration.

A nervous murmur moved through the room.

Mrs. Beaumont stared at me over the rim of her glass. Good heavens, Serena. You look dreadful. We heard there had been some terrible accident.

Another guest spoke up before anyone could stop her.

Your babyis the baby all right?

The question settled over the room.

I saw Adrian's jaw tighten. His eyes met mine, and the warning in them was unmistakable. Whatever happened next, he expected me to protect his reputation and play along.

He turned toward the guests with a carefully constructed smile.

We were told Serena was in critical condition, he explained. There was a possibility she wouldn't survive, so naturally, we were preparing ourselves for the worst.

I survived, I said, keeping my eyes fixed on him. Apparently, I'm harder to kill than everyone thought.

Vanessa immediately hurried toward me and caught both my hands.

Thank God, Serena! We were terrified. I've been crying practically all night.

I glanced down at her fingers wrapped around mine before meeting her eyes.

You must have recovered quickly. You even had enough time to change into my dress.

Her smile stiffened.

I didn't have anything suitable to wear. I came as soon as I heard about the accident, and I

Serena needs to rest.

Adrian's interruption was sharp enough to silence her.

He came toward me, seized my arm, and forced a smile toward the watching crowd.

I'm sorry, everyone. My wife is clearly still disoriented. She needs to lie down.

His fingers dug painfully into my arm as he guided me toward the stairs.

I didn't resist.

Not until we reached the master bedroom.

Adrian shoved the door closed behind us, and the instant the latch clicked into place, the pleasant expression disappeared from his face.

What the hell are you doing here? he demanded. You were supposed to remain in the hospital.

So I could die there?

He stopped.

Only for a moment, but I saw it.

His eyes narrowed before his expression hardened again.

Don't be ridiculous. The doctors were treating you.

Is that what you call it?

A laugh escaped me, but there was no humor in it.

I heard you, Adrian. I heard exactly what you told the doctor. You wanted him to make sure I didn't wake up.

His expression didn't change.

You were drugged and barely conscious. You were probably hallucinating.

He waved away my accusation as if it were nothing.

Look at you. You storm into my birthday party looking like this and make a spectacle in front of the board. Do you have any idea how humiliating that was?

Humiliating?

My voice rose.

Our child is dead, Adrian. Your child!

His face twisted.

And whose fault is that?

I stared at him.

What did you just say?

If you hadn't been careless, none of this would have happened! he shouted. You were standing right beside the chandelier. You couldn't even manage to keep yourself safe.

He jabbed a finger toward me.

Do you understand what you've done? My grandfather is furious. The trust fund was tied to an heir, and now I have to explain why his great-grandchild is dead because its mother couldn't even watch where she was standing!

I felt something inside me go completely still.

So that's what this is about?

My voice dropped to a whisper.

The money?

It's bigger than money, Serena. It's my inheritance, my position, the company. Everything I've spent years building!

He paced across the room, dragging a hand through his hair.

Do you think I married you for love? I married you because I needed an heir. I tolerated everything about you because there was supposed to be something worthwhile at the end of it.

My stomach twisted.

And I failed you.

Yes.

He didn't hesitate.

You had one responsibility, Serena.

I repeated the word quietly. Responsibility.

To give me a child.

He stopped pacing and looked directly at me.

Now you're incapable of having one. You're injured, you're barren, and you're completely useless to me. Tell me, what exactly am I supposed to do with you now?

The words hurt.

They should have destroyed me.

Instead, something strange happened.

The pain in my chest began to settle, and with it came a clarity I hadn't felt in weeks. My tears dried. My trembling stopped.

I looked at Adrian and saw the man I had loved for three yearsthe man I had defended whenever my family questioned him, the man I had trusted enough to build my entire future around, the man I had nearly died trying to save.

And suddenly, there was nothing left inside me for him.

I smiled.

It wasn't the smile of a heartbroken wife. It was quiet, almost gentle, and far colder than anger could ever have been.

You're right, Adrian.

He stared at me, clearly unsettled by my sudden composure.

What?

I can't give you an heir anymore. Our child is gone, and I'm no longer useful to you.

I slipped the wedding ring from my finger and held it in my palm.

For three years, I had thought of it as a promise.

Now it felt like a chain.

I placed it on the nightstand between us.

So there's no reason for you to keep me around.

I met his eyes.

Divorce me, Adrian. If I'm truly that useless, then do it now.

The ring struck the nightstand with a muted clink, spun in a small circle, and finally came to rest.

I braced myself for Adrian to explode. I expected him to order me out, to throw my belongings into the yard and make it clear that I had no place in his life anymore. I was prepared for that kind of cruelty. In fact, some part of me wanted it.

Instead, he laughed.

The sound was low and unsettling, scraping against my already frayed nerves. He came toward me and deliberately knocked the ring from the nightstand with his foot. It slid across the polished floor before disappearing beneath the shadows.

You want a divorce? he asked, his voice so quiet that it frightened me more than shouting would have. Do you honestly believe I'm going to make things that simple for you?

I stared at him, my pulse pounding painfully against my ribs.

Why wouldn't you? You just told me I'm worthless to you. I can't give you the heir you wanted, and according to you, I'm damaged beyond use. So why are you refusing to let me leave?

Adrian's expression hardened.

Because you want to run straight to him.

I frowned. Run to who?

Don't pretend you don't know what I'm talking about, Serena!

The anger in his voice made me recoil. I could smell the scotch on his breath as he moved closer.

You think I haven't discovered what you've been doing behind my back? Do you really take me for a fool?

I don't know what you're accusing me of

I know you were unfaithful.

The words struck with such force that for a moment I could only stare at him.

Unfaithful? I repeated, barely able to get the word out. Adrian, I've never been with another man. Not once since I met you.

His lip curled.

Don't insult me with another lie.

He crossed the room, seized a thick envelope from the dresser, and flung it at me. It hit my chest before falling open across the bed.

Photographs spilled from inside.

I picked one up.

It showed me sitting at a caf.

Another captured me leaving a building.

There were moredifferent places, different days, but each photograph contained the same strange detail. Somewhere nearby was a man whose face was never visible. Sometimes his back was turned; other times, his features were swallowed by shadow.

My thoughts raced as I looked through the pictures.

Who is he? Adrian demanded. Tell me who you've been seeing.

My fingers trembled around the photograph.

I don't know.

Stop lying.

I'm telling you the truth! I cried. I studied the blurred figure again, desperately trying to recognize him. I've never seen this man before in my life. He could have been anyone passing by. I don't even know why he's in these pictures.

Adrian gave a bitter laugh.

You expect me to believe that? You're telling me you don't recognize the man you were sleeping withthe man who put that bastard in your womb?

My breath caught.

The baby?

I stared at him in disbelief.

You seriously think our child wasn't yours?

Of course it wasn't mine! he shouted. If Vanessa hadn't figured everything out, I'd be raising another man's child and calling it my own.

The mention of her name felt like another blow.

Vanessa?

Adrian's expression twisted with disgust.

She found the messages, Serena. She noticed how you were sneaking around and knew something wasn't right. She hired a private investigator because she couldn't stand watching you make a fool out of me.

She's lying!

I gripped the sheets as my anger surged.

There were no messages. There was no other man. Vanessa fabricated all of this because she wants you for herself. She's been manipulating you from the beginning!

Enough!

Adrian seized my face, his fingers pressing painfully into my jaw.

You're not going anywhere, he said through clenched teeth. You don't get to betray me and then walk away to some secret lover as though you're the victim. You'll stay here, and you'll live with what you've done. I want you to regret every second you thought you could deceive me.

Adrian, please

Adrian!

The bedroom door opened.

Vanessa stood in the doorway, one hand pressed dramatically against her chest, concern written all over her face.

Stop it! she cried as she hurried toward us. You're hurting her. She's barely recovered from the accident.

She caught Adrian's arm and pulled him away from me, but her eyes told me something her performance didn't.

She looked at me with satisfaction.

Serena, are you all right? she asked softly, reaching toward my shoulder. I kept telling Adrian that he was being too hard on you. I never wanted any of this to happen. I only wanted him to know the truth, I

Don't touch me.

The fury I'd been holding inside finally broke loose.

I didn't think about what I was doing. I simply pushed her.

All the grief, humiliation, anger, and hatred that had been building inside me went into that single movement.

Vanessa stumbled backward.

Her heel caught on the edge of the rug, and she went crashing into the vanity. Bottles of perfume and trays of jewelry scattered across the floor, striking the surface with a violent clatter.

Serena!

Adrian rushed to her immediately, catching her as though she were fragile enough to shatter.

Vanessa buried her face against his chest.

She attacked me! she sobbed. I was only trying to help her. I was trying to save your marriage, Adrian. I swear that's all I wanted.

Adrian lifted his eyes toward me.

The fury in his expression made my stomach twist.

You've completely lost your mind.

She's the one who's lying!

I pointed at Vanessa, my hand shaking.

She staged those photographs. She paid someone to follow me and make it look like I was seeing another man. She's been filling your head with lies about me for years!

That's enough!

Adrian stepped in front of Vanessa as though he were protecting her from me.

You want to behave like a wild animal? Then I'll stop treating you like a civilized woman.

He strode toward the door and pulled the key from the lock.

My heart dropped.

You're staying in this room, he said. You won't leave until I decide you're allowed to.

Adrian, don't!

The door slammed shut before I could reach him.

A second later, I heard the lock turn.

I threw myself against the wood, pounding on it until pain shot through my hands.

Adrian! Open the door! Let me out!

Nothing.

Then Vanessa's voice floated through the other side, soft and almost affectionate.

Don't waste your breath, darling. I'll take care of Adrian. You can stay in there and rot.

Their footsteps slowly disappeared down the hallway.

I sank against the door and covered my face.

I was trapped inside my own home. My child was dead, my husband had become someone I no longer recognized, and the sister I had trusted with my life had been waiting for the chance to take everything from me.

They had stripped away my baby, my marriage, my dignity, and now even my freedom.

For a long while, I could do nothing but cry.

But beneath the grief, something darker began to take shape.

If Adrian and Vanessa had already decided I was the villain in their story, then perhaps I had nothing left to lose by becoming exactly what they feared.

The silence dragged on until it became almost unbearable. My stomach was empty, but even the thought of eating made nausea rise in my throat.

Then I heard the lock turn.

I remained seated on the floor, watching as the door opened and Vanessa quietly stepped inside with a tray. A bowl of soup sat beside a glass of water.

Serena? she called softly, coating her voice in exaggerated concern. You must be starving. I brought you something to eat.

Take it and leave, I muttered without looking at her.

Vanessa sighed as though I were the unreasonable one and placed the tray on the nightstand. She perched herself on the edge of the bed, casually smoothing down the skirt she was wearingmy skirt.

I don't want us to keep fighting, she said. I only want you to accept what has happened and stop making things harder for yourself.

I finally raised my eyes.

Accept what, exactly? That you're sleeping with my husband?

Her expression barely changed.

Adrian and I love each other. We understand one another in ways you never did. He needs a woman who knows what he wants and can give him the life he's looking for.

A son, I said bitterly. You're talking about the heir I couldn't give him because he tried to have me killed.

Don't make yourself miserable over it, she replied, reaching toward me. You need to be honest about what happened. You were never suited to Adrian. You were always too delicate, too easily broken.

I stared at her.

I was his wife.

And you betrayed him.

The accusation came so casually that my anger surged.

You know that's fabricated. You arranged those photographs and paid someone to make it look as though I was seeing another man.

Vanessa's shoulders lifted in a small shrug.

Maybe I did. But what difference does it make?

She looked directly into my eyes, and for the first time, the sweetness disappeared completely.

Adrian believes me. That's the only part that matters.

You're disgusting.

A satisfied smile slowly spread across her face.

She rose and came toward me until she was standing over me as though I were something filthy beneath her shoes.

Call me whatever makes you feel better. It doesn't change anything. Adrian wants me now. You're barren, Serena. There's nothing left inside you that he needs. You're like a useless machine that has stopped working when he already has a perfect replacement.

Her hand drifted deliberately over her stomach.

I had to force myself to breathe.

I wouldn't cry in front of her. I refused to give Vanessa the pleasure of watching me fall apart.

Slowly, I pushed myself upright, ignoring the sharp pull of my stitches.

You may be right, I said, keeping my voice calm. Adrian might want you. He might sleep beside you every night. But there's something you seem to have forgotten.

Vanessa's brow furrowed.

What?

I moved closer until there was barely any space between us.

He locked me in this room because he refuses to let me leave. He told me himself that he won't divorce me.

Her expression tightened.

So while I'm still alive, I'm Mrs. Adrian Whitmore. I'm the woman who carries his name and holds the legal place beside him.

I pressed one finger against her chest.

And you? You're still his mistress. You're the woman he keeps hidden whenever it's convenient. You're only waiting for him to decide that he's tired of you, and believe me, Vanessa, Adrian gets tired of everything eventually.

The color rushed into her face.

You really think a marriage certificate gives you power over him? she snapped. He despises you.

He despises the fact that he can't completely control me, I replied. And he certainly despises that he still has a reason to keep me alive. If he didn't need something from me, I wouldn't be standing here.

Vanessa's hands tightened into fists.

For a moment, she looked as though she might say something else, but instead she spun around and headed toward the door.

Enjoy your dinner, Mrs. Whitmore, she said with a bitter smile. I'll be upstairs enjoying my night with your husband.

The door slammed behind her, and the lock turned once more.

I spent the rest of the night awake, trapped between pain and restless thoughts. By the time pale sunlight began filtering through the curtains, I had barely slept.

The lock turned again.

Adrian entered carrying a cup of coffee, which he placed on the bedside table with the casual ease of a husband beginning an ordinary morning.

Good morning, Serena.

I sat up and pulled the duvet higher over my body.

Adrian?

I assume you've had enough time to settle down, he said, adjusting his cufflinks. You were rather emotional yesterday. Frankly, I found it concerning.

I was grieving, I answered cautiously, studying his face.

Of course. Losing a child can affect a woman's judgment.

He said it as though my grief were merely an unfortunate side effect.

Then he glanced at his watch.

There's something we need to take care of. My grandfather turns eighty tomorrow, and the family is hosting a formal dinner. We need to attend, and we can't arrive empty-handed.

He looked at me with an expression that made it clear this wasn't a request.

I'm going into the city to find a suitable gift at the auction house. You're coming with me.

I stared at him.

I'm going?

Obviously. We need to show everyone that we're still united. The last thing I need is more gossip.

He paused before adding, Vanessa will be joining us.

My hands tightened beneath the blanket.

Vanessa?

She has better taste when it comes to these things. And after what you did to her last night, you owe her an apology.

I couldn't believe what I was hearing.

You want me to apologize to the woman who's sleeping with you?

His expression immediately hardened.

You will apologize to my sister-in-law for putting your hands on her.

The carefully controlled husband disappeared for an instant, revealing the anger underneath.

And if you can't manage something as simple as behaving civilly, perhaps the hospital was right to question your mental stability.

He waited for me to react.

He wanted the screaming, the tears, the accusations. He expected the same Serena who had spent years demanding fairness from him.

But that woman had died in the hospital.

I inhaled slowly and arranged my face into something resembling a smile. It felt stiff and unnatural, but I kept it there.

You're right, Adrian.

His eyebrows lifted.

I am?

Of course. I wasn't myself yesterday. I was overwhelmed by the loss, and I shouldn't have pushed Vanessa. She's family, after all.

I lowered my gaze, carefully pretending to be ashamed.

I'd like to come with you tomorrow. I'd also like to make things right.

Adrian watched me for several seconds, clearly looking for the anger he expected to find.

When he found nothing, his mouth curved into a pleased smile.

That's better. I knew you would eventually understand.

He reached into his pocket and pulled out my phone.

Get ready. We're leaving in an hour.

He tossed the phone onto the bed, then paused at the doorway.

And Serena? Don't give me a reason to regret trusting you with this.

He walked away.

This time, the door remained unlocked.

I waited until his footsteps disappeared before snatching the phone from the bed. My hands shook as I turned it on, but there was no fear behind the trembling. It was anticipation.

Dozens of missed calls appeared from my mother and several friends whose loyalty I no longer knew whether to trust.

I ignored every one.

There was only a single message I cared about.

It came from a contact saved under one name.

Damien.

I opened it.

I'll be seeing you soon, future wife. Make sure you're ready.

I stayed near one of the marble pillars, hoping the shadows would keep me out of sight. In my red dress, I should have been impossible to miss, yet Adrian and Vanessa moved through the auction room as though I weren't even there.

Oh, Adrian, look at that necklace, Vanessa said, pointing toward a sapphire piece that probably cost more than my father's house. Wouldn't it look beautiful with my eyes?

If you like it, it's yours.

Adrian lifted his paddle without so much as asking for the price.

The auctioneer brought down his gavel.

Sold.

I stood there wearing Adrian's ring, the wife whose name was attached to his, while he openly spoiled another woman. Vanessa didn't even bother hiding how pleased she was. At one point, I was left holding her coat while she leaned against my husband, and the people around us whispered behind their programs, glancing between her new necklace and my humiliation.

My stomach turned.

I quietly excused myself and headed toward the restrooms, needing somewhere private to collect myself before I said or did something I would regret.

I had just reached the corner beside a private viewing room when I heard voices.

Why did you even bring her? Vanessa asked in a low, irritated whisper. Everyone keeps looking at us. It's humiliating. Why don't you just get rid of her? If you won't do that, then divorce her. What's the point of keeping this going?

I stopped and pressed myself against the cold marble wall.

The doctor didn't get the job done, but I've already figured out another way, Adrian replied, sounding almost entertained by the situation. A divorce would be inconvenient while we're dealing with the merger. Besides

There was a rustle of clothing, followed by Vanessa's quiet laugh.

I rather enjoy watching her suffer. Did you see her expression when I got the necklace? I thought I was going to laugh out loud.

You're awful, Vanessa murmured, though she sounded delighted.

I'm realistic. And I'm on your side.

Then I heard them kiss.

I stood there listening, feeling as though something inside me had gone numb.

The rest of the evening passed in a haze.

By the time we reached the Whitmore estate for Adrian's grandfather's eightieth birthday dinner, I had already learned how little my husband cared about hiding his contempt. The grand dining room was suffocating, filled with the heavy aroma of roast duck and the quiet judgment of every person seated around the table.

Grandfather Whitmore sat at the head, his white brows drawn together as he studied me.

So, he said, his booming voice carrying across the room. Another year has passed, and the Whitmore family still has no heir.

The silverware went still.

Grandfather, I began cautiously. I

I heard about what happened at the hospital.

He set his wineglass down with enough force to make it rattle.

Careless. That's what you were. You had one responsibility, Serenato give this family the next generationand somehow you managed to lose the child.

My throat tightened.

It wasn't something I could control, I whispered.

His expression hardened.

A mother is responsible for protecting her child. If you're too weak to carry a Whitmore heir, then what use are you to this family?

Tears burned behind my eyes, but I refused to let them fall.

Grandfather, that's enough.

Adrian reached across the table and placed his hand over mine.

The gesture looked comforting to everyone else.

To me, it felt like a brand pressed against my skin.

You're being too harsh on her, he said gently. Serena is still recovering, and she's always been delicate. She did everything she could. Unfortunately, she simply wasn't strong enough to carry our child.

Then he looked at me with an expression of sorrow so convincing that I almost wanted to applaud him.

She needs time, he continued. We may simply have to accept that she won't be able to give the family what it needs.

Sympathetic murmurs traveled around the table.

No one seemed to notice that the sympathy was directed toward Adrian rather than me.

I remained silent and let them believe whatever story he wanted them to believe. I didn't defend myself or explain what had really happened. Instead, I stared at the candle burning in the middle of the table and imagined its flame spreading from curtain to curtain until nothing remained of the Whitmore estate.

The drive home was quiet.

Rain had begun falling heavily, turning the winding roads into slick ribbons beneath the headlights.

Adrian drove while Vanessa sat beside him in the front. I was in the back, watching the speedometer steadily climb as she idly touched the sapphire necklace around her throat.

Adrian, could you slow down? I asked. The roads are wet.

He glanced at me through the rearview mirror.

I'm perfectly capable of driving my own car, Serena. Stop worrying.

I only meant that

I said I'm fine.

His voice sharpened.

He turned his attention back to the road.

Then the world changed.

A horn suddenly blared through the darkness.

Adrian's head snapped toward it.

A pair of headlights came straight at us. A massive truck had lost control and was sliding across the center line, its trailer swinging wildly behind it on the rain-soaked pavement.

Adrian!

Vanessa screamed.

Adrian slammed his foot onto the brake, but the tires lost their grip. The car spun violently across the road.

Then the collision came.

The impact sounded enormous, as though the entire world had been ripped apart. Metal twisted with a horrible shriek, windows exploded around us, and the car rolled until I could no longer tell which way was up.

When everything finally stopped, I found myself hanging upside down from the seatbelt.

Pain pulsed through my skull. Something warm trickled down my face and into my eyes, and every breath tasted of smoke.

I tried to move, but my legs were trapped beneath the crushed metal. The door beside me had been pushed inward.

Adrian?

My voice came out weak and rough.

Smoke was rapidly filling the cabin.

From the front came Adrian's frantic voice.

Vanessa! Are you hurt?

My stomach!

Vanessa's scream tore through the car.

Adrian, it hurts! What about the baby? Please, the baby!

I heard Adrian struggling to get out. A moment later, he crawled through the driver's side window, slicing his hand against the broken glass before dropping onto the wet pavement.

Then he rushed around to Vanessa.

I've got you. Come on.

He tore open the passenger door and pulled her free. She clung to him, one arm wrapped around her stomach as she cried about their unborn child.

I reached toward them through the narrow space between the seats.

Adrian

He turned.

Please help me. I'm trapped.

For a second, our eyes met.

The headlights behind him illuminated everything clearly. He could see the blood covering my face. He could see the wreckage pressing against my legs and the smoke curling around me.

He knew I couldn't get out.

Adrian, please, I begged. The car's going to catch fire.

His eyes moved to Vanessa.

She was crying, clutching her stomach and begging him to save their baby.

Then he looked back at me.

He hesitated.

I have to get her to a hospital. She's bleeding, Serena.

And what about me?

My lungs burned as I fought through the thickening smoke.

I'll come back, he shouted. Just stay here. I'll come back for you!

Then he turned away.

He didn't look back.

Adrian helped Vanessa toward the truck driver, who was already running toward them, and left me trapped inside the wreckage.

Adrian!

I screamed his name until my throat burned, but the rain and the roaring night swallowed my voice.

Smoke poured through the cabin. Flames began crawling across the front of the car, and the heat quickly became unbearable.

I watched Adrian and Vanessa disappear into the darkness together.

He had left me.

After everything, he had actually chosen to leave me there and let me die.

My hand slipped from the seatbelt and fell uselessly beside me. The pain that had been consuming my body began to disappear, replaced by a strange, heavy numbness.

As the flames grew brighter, one thought settled over me with terrible certainty.

So this is where my story ends?