Chapter 2
756 Words
"You don't know."
I repeated the words.
I forced each one out one by one between clenched teeth.
"You knew damn well I was pregnant, and you knew exactly he's my husband." Every organ in my body ached so fiercely I could barely keep talking.
I could only drag in a few deep breaths before I continued. "You know perfectly well I haven't slept a wink full night because of this baby, and I just barely survived a brush with death."
She burst into tears, her shoulders jerking up and down with every sob.
And I got an even clearer view of the little secret hiding under her shirt.
I brushed my fingertip lightly against her collarbone. "You two were right here kissing and leaving that mark just minutes ago, Isabella. You're telling me you don't know about that either?"
She couldn't speak a single word, just shook her head over and over as hard as she could.
Explain it. Tell me it's all just a misunderstanding. Why won't you explain it?
Wave after wave of searing agony wracked my chest, until I curled into a tight ball.
Isabella lunged forward to wrap her arms around me, and the mark Alexander left on her blazed bright red right in front of my eyes. It seared into my vision.
I shoved her off me.
The next second, someone shoved me hard.
I lifted my head, and there was Alexander pulling her into his arms like she was the one hurt, his hand brushing gently over her barely showing bump.
Then he rounded on me, brows twisted into a furious scowl, and demanded an answer.
"Amelia, you lost your baby, so you want to kill Isabella's too? Is that it?
"Your kid knew what a vicious b***h its mother was, so it died early on purpose."
I wanted to laugh.
But no sound would come out.
All I felt was agony tearing through every fiber of my body, like I was going to split apart.
"I'm vicious?" I bit the words out between my teeth. "You're the one who cheated. She's the one carrying your baby. And somehow I'm the evil one here?"
"Amelia..."
"What are you crying for? What do you have to be upset about? Your baby is still right there in your belly! Where is mine? Where is my baby?"
The air went dead still. The only sound in the frozen air was my raw, broken screaming.
Everyone else was calm and collected. Only I looked like a raving lunatic.
"Amelia, your stillbirth wasn't Isabella's fault. Can't you just be reasonable for once?
"How she's treated you all this time. Don't you feel anything at all? She's your best friend. Why do you have to hurt her like this?"
Disapproval practically spilled over from Alexander's eyes.
I ground my teeth and spat one word back at him, "Get out!"
Isabella wouldn't leave me be. She lunged forward, reaching to steady me.
I jerked my head away and tried to shove her off again, but her fingers snapped tight around my wrist.
"What do I have to do for you to forgive me?"
A bitter laugh bubbled out of my throat. I slid my hand up to rest on her pregnant belly. "My baby is gone. Won't you get rid of yours to keep me company?"
I was in so much agony. Couldn't we all hurt together?
Don't make me live this living hell all alone.
Slap! Alexander's open palm crashed into my cheek, and the world spun so hard I could barely stay upright.
This was the first time he ever hit me.
The second his palm stung my skin, the truth hit me clear as day: he didn't love me anymore.
A hollow, blank laugh spilled from my lips.
I clung to the wall and dragged myself slowly out, sharp, twisting cramps gnawing at my lower abdomen with every movement.
"Stop pushing yourself. I'll carry you back." he said.
Alexander crossed the room in three long strides and swept me into a bridal carry.
I didn't even bother fighting him. I just stared at Isabella, who stood watching off to the side.
My voice came out flat and empty when I spoke. "She doesn't mind?"
"Amelia, you're just overthinking this. Isabella never wanted to steal anything from you. You'll still be Mrs. Carter," he said.
"The baby she's carrying will still be yours to raise. Everything can go back to the way it was before. What on earth are you throwing a fit over?"
- Writer
