Chapter 2 I collapsed to my knees , tears streaming down my face . My body shook with sobs that felt like they were being ripped from my soul . The plush carpet beneath me the one Id picked out with such care for our future home pressed against my skin like needles . Camillas laughter cut through my grief . Oh darling , look at her . Pathetic little thing , isnt she ? I lifted my head just enough to see her wrap herself around Dominic , her red painted nails trailing down his chest . Why dont we get back to what we were doing ? She pressed herself against him . Let her have her little breakdown out there . Im not finished with you yet . Dominics eyes met mine one last time , cold and empty , before he gripped Camillas waist . Dont leave , Val . Were not done discussing terms . The door clicked shut , but it wasnt enough to muffle their sounds . Camillas exaggerated moans pierced through the wooden barrier . The bed our bed creaked rhythmically . I pressed my hands against my ears , but couldnt block out their cruel laughter between gasps and groans . My stomach heaved . Every sound was another knife in my heart , another reminder of how completely theyd destroyed everything Id believed in . The tears wouldnt stop . They blurred my vision until the cream colored walls swam before my eyes . My parents faces flashed through my mind their warm smiles , their warnings about Dominic , their final goodbye . The truth of their death crushed my chest until I could barely breathe . More giggles and moans filtered through the door . They were putting on a show , making sure I heard every moment of their betrayal . I curled into myself on the floor , my forehead pressed against the carpet , and let my tears soak into the expensive fibers while the sounds of their lovemaking echoed through the hall as I fainted . My head throbbed as consciousness crept back . Cold tile pressed against my cheek , and the kitchens harsh fluorescent lights stabbed at my eyes . I blinked , trying to orient myself . A wat cound draw my attention Thora tho wer Dominic had Camilla hapter 2 11:46 Sun , 2 Mar 396 % wet sound drew my attention . There they were Dominic had Camilla pinned to our kitchen table , the one where wed shared countless meals together . His hands roamed over her body while she wrapped her legs around his waist . Look whos finally awake . Camillas lips curved into a cruel smile between kisses . Poor thing couldnt handle the truth . Dominic pulled back just enough to look at me , his expression a mix of amusement and contempt . You always were weak , Val . Remember when you fainted at that charity gala ? So embarrassing . God , shes pathetic . Camilla ran her fingers through Dominics hair . At least she provided some entertainment . The way she was on the floor … She threw her head back and laughed . I tried to push myself up , but my arms trembled too much to support my weight . The room spun as their mocking laughter echoed off the kitchen walls . Should we tell her the rest ? Camillas eyes glittered with malice . Or do you think shell pass out again ? Dominic smirked . Maybe we should wait . Im not finished with you yet . He captured her mouth in another deep kiss while I lay there , unable to look away from their display . Besides , Camilla broke away to shoot me another vicious smile , watching her suffer is half the fun . … Their lips finally parted , and they both turned to stare at me like I was their evenings entertainment . My legs shook as I pulled myself up , gripping the counter for support . Why ? My voice cracked . I loved you , Dominic . I gave you everything . Camillas lips curled into a sneer . Because youre nothing . A placeholder . A stepping stone . The truth hit me like a punch to the gut , but something else bubbled up beneath the pain . Heat rushed through my veins , burning away the tears . You evil bitch ! The scream tore from my throat . You manipulative , lying- I lunged at her , fingers curved into claws , aiming for her perfect face . The crack of Dominics palm against my cheek sent me sprawling . Before I could recover , his hand tangled in my hair . He slammed my face against the Chapter 2 11:46 Sun , 2 Mar table , pressing my cheek into the cold surface . Touch her again , he growled in my ear , and Ill kill you . His grip tightened until my scalp burned . Do you understand ? Camillas laughter rang out behind me . Oh , look at her now . Not so brave anymore , is she ? I asked you a question . Dominic yanked my head back , then slammed it down again . Stars exploded behind my eyes . Understand ? Yes , I whimpered , tasting blood where my lip had split . Dominic released my hair , and I slumped against the table . My head throbbed where hed slammed it , and the metallic taste of blood filled my mouth . Should we tell her now ? Camillas voice dripped with honeyed malice . I think shes ready for the grand finale . Go ahead , love . Dominics hand stroked down Camillas back . She needs to understand exactly what she lost . I pushed myself up , my arms trembling . Blood from my split lip dripped onto the pristine white tablecloth no . Camillas hand drifted to her stomach , and my heart stopped . Please , You see , Val , she purred , Dominic and I have been planning our future for months . And now … Her perfectly manicured fingers splayed across her abdomen . Well , lets just say youre not the only one who thought theyd be giving him his firstborn . The room tilted . My knees buckled , but I caught myself on the edge of the table . Three months along . She beamed up at Dominic . We found out last week . Isnt it wonderful ? My stomach heaved . Three months . The same time Id been trying to convince Dominic we were ready to start our own family . A son , Dominic said , his hand joining hers on her still flat stomach . The heir I always wanted . With a woman worthy of the Ricci name . No , I whispered , but the evidence was there in their matching cruel smiles . Camilla reached into her purse and pulled out a small black and white Chanter ? 3/4 5.8 % 11:46 Sun , 2 Mar 藏 家 96 % 會 photo . She slid it across the table toward me. Would you like to see your replacement ? My fingers trembled as I picked up the ultrasound image . There , in grainy black and white , was the proof that everything my relationship , my dreams , my future had been a lie . Congratulations , I choked out , the word tasting like ash in my mouth . Youve won . Camillas triumphant laugh echoed through the kitchen . Oh , darling . I won a long time ago . You just didnt know it yet . 11:47 Sun , 2 Mar Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!