Chapter 3 Several nurses bustled around me, whispering to one another. "A man like Mr. Harris is a godsend," one said in awe. "Yes, Mrs. Harris is so lucky. When he rushed his wife in just now, he was frantic, eyes full of tenderness and love," another chimed in. "Not like her..." They hadn't noticed I was awake. "They both had their weddings today, but look at her-gravely injured, and her husband is nowhere to be found." "Meanwhile in the next room, Mr. Harris's wife only got a tiny cut on her hand, and he reacted like the sky was falling." "The doctor said it was nothing serious, but he insisted on an emergency consult with the best specialists. Now he won't leave her side for even a second." I closed my eyes, silent. The cold IV fluid dripped into my veins, but nothing could cool the fire burning inside me. Nineteen stitches across my back, pain so sharp I couldn't tell if it was the wound or my heart that hurt more. "Do you realize you're pregnant?" The doctor pushed open the door, frowning. I froze, my mind going blank. "How could you let yourself get hurt like this? Do you understand? You nearly lost both lives at once!" I opened my mouth, but no sound came out. "Where's your husband? He still hasn't shown up? Irresponsible beyond words!" His scolding stung. My eyes burned hot, like a thousand needles pricking my chest. Clutching the test results, I turned toward the television, where gossip news praised Norwell's public display of devotion for his beloved. At the grand wedding that had captured the world's attention, the happiness everyone witnessed belonged to Lucy. I let out a bitter laugh, lowering my gaze to my stomach. My eyes filled with both fragile hope and unbearable despair. Dragging my weakened body, I stepped into a pharmacy, each step heavy as lead. I managed to buy the abortion pills, but as soon as they were in my hand, my fingers trembled violently. I swallowed one. The others lay in my palm, and in that instant, a crushing pain tore through my chest. My phone lit up. A message from him. [Cynthia, I know this has been rough. I just transferred you two million. Buy yourself something nice.] A moment later, the bank notification chimed. On TV, the reports continued to glorify Norwell, the rising star investor, showing how deeply he adored the woman who held his heart. In every paparazzi photo, his eyes brimmed with the tenderness I hadn't seen in years. The phone buzzed again. A text from a number I hadn't saved in years, yet knew by heart. Just a few simple words. [Happy wedding day. Wishing you a lifetime of happiness.] Seven years ago, I had stormed out, shouting at my father, "Dad, I've decided. I'll spend the rest of my life with Norwell!" The same father I had cut ties with, whose heartbreak had made him ill, still sent me blessings on my wedding day. No blame. No reproach. Only love. In that moment, all my pride, all my stubbornness, all my self-delusions crumbled to dust. A strangled sob tore from my throat, breaking into a cry so raw it ripped me apart. I wept, hysterical, until my body shook. Chapter 3 30.00% Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!