The Day My Husband Signed My Baby’s Death

Three weeks ago, the elevator dropped.

I was thirty seven weeks pregnant, rushing to the company's elevator holding two paper bags of food I had cooked because Owen skipped breakfast again. Garlic rice. Soy chicken.

Then the elevator jolted and it fell.

The bags flew from my hands. Hot sauce exploded against my dress. Heat. Pain. Screaming metal. My body hit hard against the wall as I collapsed to the floor.

I screamed Owens name.

The elevator shuddered, stopped, dropped again, just a breath, just enough to steal the air from my lungs.

Then everything went dark.

When I woke up, pain was everywhere.

A doctor told me a maintenance technician heard the alarm. He forced the doors open. He carried me out while I was slipping in and out of consciousness.

But Owen? Owen wasnt there.

They said they needed my husbands consent to operate. There were risks. Time mattered.

They called him.

Again and again. Ninety-nine times but he didnt answer.

When he finally did, his voice was flat. Annoyed.

Laura, what now? I told you, Im in a fucking damn meeting.

My throat closed. Owen! I fell Im I'm bleeding. Im at the hospital. Please.

Footsteps. Laughter.

Owen, baby, hurry up, a woman said. Well be late! You know how I hate to be late.

Kelsey.

My twin sister.

The one who came back six months ago with bruises and tears and a story too tragic to question. The one I let into my home. Into my marriage. Into my life.

She needs help, Owen, I had said. Please. You cant turn your back on her.

He relented, letting her move in. I cooked for her, drove her to appointments, made space in my heart for her while my own life bled away. Three months ago, she said she was pregnant with her ex husband. She made me help her. I believed her. God, I believed her.

I never saw it coming that all her softness, her tears, her whispered thanks, were just venom in disguise. The jealousy shed carried for years, the hatred of my life, my happiness she had been waiting, planning, and manipulating from the shadows.

Tears blurred my vision. My hands went to my stomach, trying to protect the baby inside me, but it was too late.

Because of the delay, my baby didnt make it.

I slipped into a coma and woke up days later, staring at the ceiling of a hospital room, and machines beeping beside me.

Thats when I heard Owens voice outside my door.

Keep her sedated.

Mr. Ashford, the doctors sounds nervous. Its been days. Its dangerous to keep her under this long.

The transplants done, isnt it? Owen said. Kelseys fine now. She can rest. Laura doesnt need to know anything.

My breath caught. My hands froze.

The doctor hesitated. You mean she doesnt know what you

I paid you to keep your mouth shut! Owen snapped. If you talk, you lose everything.

And that was it. The sound of my life ending for real.

Days later, I saw them together in the recovery room. Owen brushing Kelseys hair. Kelsey smiling, hand on her stomach.

You did it, she said softly. Our babys safe.

Everything I lost. Those words didnt just hurt but they shattered me.

I stumbled to the bathroom, locked the door, and looked at my reflection. I didnt recognize her. The woman staring back was pale, hollow, done.

The door opened behind me, and Kelsey stepped in, all soft smiles and venom.

Why are you hiding, sis? she asked sweetly. Dont you want to see our baby?

I turned around slowly. Get. Out.

She tilted her head. Youre not being very nice. After everything I took from you, I thought youd at least try to be grateful.

You slept with him?! You killed my baby!

She smiled wider, Killed? No, no. He was born alive. I have pictures.

She swiped her phone, and the screen lit up... a tiny baby boy with my eyes, sleeping peacefully in a hospital crib. My heart stopped.

W-where is he?

Kelsey tilted her head, Oh, you really dont need him anymore, sis. Your baby he didnt make it.

I froze, not sure I heard her right.

Poor little nephew, she continued, scrolling through another video. Isnt he a pretty boy? Look at him all perfect and now?

She paused the video, tilting her phone toward me. The frame showed the baby, lifeless, tossed into a trashcan like garbage. No, no, no! My stomach churned, bile rising.

Owen said it himself... Your baby was never his. You were cheating on him, werent you? The doctor just followed orders. He said your child wasnt his, so

She shrugged, tilting her head like it was nothing. Now hes gone. And all I have is the stem cells they harvested for me. Hes dead, sis. Completely dead. Isnt that poetic? Aw, my poor hert goes with him.

Something inside me shattered. My hands shot for her, but before I could reach her, she laughed, sharp and cold.

You! You monster! I gasped, but the words were hollow.

She didnt flinch. Monster? No, I just did what had to be done. And Owen well, hes very pleased with me.

I slapped her hard and pulled her hair. She screamed for Owen. He came running, saw us, and before I could move, he grabbed me by the hair and threw me into the wall.

My head cracked against the tiles and everything blurred.

You attacked a pregnant woman! he shouted. You dont deserve to be a mother! Thats why your son died!

And then he carried her out, leaving me on the floor, bleeding.

Thats when I knew.

He never loved me. He never would.

I picked up my phone with shaking hands. Mr. Harris, I told my lawyer, Get the divorce papers ready. I want them signed in a week.

I ended the call with my lawyer and didnt pause.

My thumb moved on instinct and called Kleve Blackwood. My husbands step uncle. Ten years older than me. The man Owen hated because Kleve saw things. Because Kleve never looked at me like I was disposable.

It rang once.

Laura?

I closed my eyes. You asked me once if Id ever choose you instead of Owen, right?

Yes.

Im choosing now. Ill marry you.

That night, I heard my baby crying somewhere in the dark. I ran toward him, calling his name, begging him to stop, but Owen was there, looming over him.

You think this babys yours? You cheated on me. That child isnt even mine. From the moment he was born, his fate was to die.

I screamed, No! Stop! He's your child! Dont say that! Dont do this!

Before I could reach them, he tossed my baby to the fire like he was nothing. Kelsey stood beside him, and laughing.

Go ahead, she jeered. Run faster, scream louder. It wont change anything.

I ran, I begged, I tried to grab him but my feet felt like they were glued to the floor, then I woke up.

The lights of the hospital room burned my eyes. The smell of disinfectant clawed at my nose.

For a moment, I didnt know where I was. Then the memory of the dream and everything else hit me, and my chest tightened again.

The doctor was standing by my bed, scribbling on a clipboard. He cleared his throat. Mrs. Ashford you really shouldnt move around yet. If this happens again, you might not be able to have children anymore.

I stared at him, numb. Tell me something... How much did he give you?

He blinked, confused. Im sorry?

How much did Owen pay you to take my babys stem cells and let him die?

His hand froze in midair. Mrs. Ashford, thats not

Dont! I cut him off. Dont you dare lie to me.

He looked down, pale. He didnt answer. That silence said everything I needed to know.

Give me the papers, I said flatly. Im leaving.

He hesitated, then handed them to me. My hands shook as I signed.

You should stay a few more days, he said quietly. Youre not strong enough

I dont care, I said. I just want out of this place.

He didnt stop me again.

I pulled the blanket away and stood up. The pain hit me immediately, but it wasnt nearly as sharp as the memory of the dream. My legs trembled, my vision blurred, but I kept going.

When I finally reached the mansion; the same one Id picked out for Owen on our first anniversary... my chest felt like it was being crushed. Every corner, every curtain, every stupid little color choice Id imagined this as our family home, where our kids would run and laugh. Now it just felt dead.

I pushed the door open. The sound of laughter hit me like nails.

Mrs. Ashford was in the living room, hovering over Kelsey with a teacup in her hand. She was fussing like a mother hen, telling the maid to bring food, insisting Kelsey eat, insisting she drink tea.

I stepped forward, Looks cozy in here.

Mrs. Ashfords gaze snapped to me, sharp and cold. She set the teacup down with a deliberate clink. Why are you back now? Your child is dead. All because of your clumsiness, that stupid elevator fall. Honestly, I dont know why you even bother showing your face.

I froze, my blood turning to ice.

Mother, dont blame my sister. Kelsey leaned back on the couch, her swollen feet sticking out, her hands resting on her belly. Shes always been clumsy ever since we were kids. Its not her fault. She tried

I wanted to speak, to scream that it wasnt true, that Owen had killed my child but before I could get a word out, the front door opened.

Owen walked in, carrying a cake that Kelseys favorite. My stomach twisted, bile rising, rage burning. He froze when he saw me.

What why are you here? Youre supposed to be in the hospital, he frowned as if I had interrupted his perfect little world.

Why? So you could pretend I dont exist?

He stepped closer, narrowing his eyes. Dont start. Kelseys pregnant. You should just stay out of the way.

My voice went cold. You you let her take my baby.

He flinched, a shadow of guilt crossing his face before he hardened it into anger. Stop. If you werent so fragile, maybe your child would still be alive.

The words hit me like a fist to the chest. My knees threatened to buckle, but I turned my back so he couldnt see me shaking.

Ill be gone soon, I muttered, more to myself than to him. And I meant it.

When I reached the top of the stairs, I stopped in front of the nursery.

My hand hovered over the door. The smell of baby powder used to linger heresoft, warm, safe. Id painted clouds on the ceiling myself, laughing when Owen told me I was too obsessed with the details.

I pushed the door open.

And everything inside me went still.

The room wasnt mine anymore.

The crib was new. The curtains were pink. The walls that used to be baby blue were now painted white with gold stars. And above the new twin cribs were names I didnt even recognize: Baby Jaxton and Baby Jasmine.

For a second, I couldnt breathe.

I stepped inside, slowly, my hands shaking. Everything I had built, every tiny dream I had stitched into this room? It was gone. Just gone.

Then I saw it, my babys ultrasound photo lying on the floor, the glass frame cracked. I knelt and picked it up carefully, brushing the dust away.

My sweet boy Im sorry. Im so sorry

Something in me snapped.

I grabbed the pink curtains and yanked them down. The rods hit the floor. I tore the name sign off the wall, ripping it in half. The sound echoed. A scream tore out of my chest, raw and broken.

I kicked the crib until it cracked. I didnt even care that my hands were bleeding, that glass was everywhere. I just wanted all of it gone. Every piece of them out of his room.

Thats when I heard it, Kelseys shrill, fake cry from the doorway.

Oh my God! What are you doing?! she screamed, clutching her stomach. Youre going to hurt the babies!

Her sobs were so loud that Mrs. Ashford came rushing in, Kelsey! Sweetheart, are you alright? she rushed to her side before glaring at me. Laura, have you lost your mind? How could you destroy this nursery?!

My chest heaved. This was my babys room! You took everything from me. Even this

Enough! Kelseys pregnant. Mrs. Ashford cut me off, shouting, You should be ashamed of yourself!

Then Owen appeared in the doorway, What the hell is going on here?

Kelsey was sobbing into his chest before I could even speak. She she came in here screaming! She ripped everything apart, Owen. Our babies nursery!

Thats because you all killed my son!

Stop, Owen said, voice flat. You need help, Laura. Youre acting crazy.

Something in me broke completely. I pointed at the walls, at the mess, at everything I had once loved. This was our babys room, Owen. Ours! And you let her take it? You let her take everything!

Owen stormed into the room, face twisted with rage.

Before I could even speak, his hand came flying. The slap cracked across my face so hard I stumbled back. Warm blood ran down my nose.

Owen

What the hell is wrong with you? he shouted. Youve completely lost it!

Mrs. Ashford rushed to Kelsey, wrapping her arms around her like a precious doll. My poor child. Are you alright? she cried.

Kelsey sobbed harder, Ever since we were kids, youve hated me, Laura. You had everything. Our parents love, the perfect life and I was the one always left behind! And now youre still jealous? she screamed. Even after losing your baby, you cant stand that Im carrying Owens twins. At least my children are the true Ashford heirs!

I froze, her words slicing through me. She smirked through her tears.

You have no right to hate my babies just because your bastard child died!

The room went silent. My blood roared in my ears.

Owen turned away from me like he couldnt even stand the sight of me. Guards! he barked. Get her out of here. Now.

Two men came in and grabbed my arms. I tried to fight, but they dragged me across the floor like I was nothing. My blood smeared the tiles.

Mrs. Ashfords voice rang behind me, cold and sharp. I dont ever want that woman stepping foot in this house again, Owen. Do you hear me? Ever.

The last thing I saw before they threw me out was Kelsey clutching Owens shirt, pretending to cry, while he held her like she was the only thing worth protecting.

Then they dumped me to a dark basement.

Then I heard it.

A hiss.

My eyes flew open, and I froze.

Snakes.

There were snakes all around me.

Big ones, small ones, dark ones coiled in the corners, their bodies sliding over the floor. One of them brushed against my leg, and I bit back a scream.

The light above flickered and the wire door was padlocked shut. My whole body started shaking.

Owen! I screamed, my voice cracking. Please! Get me out! You know I cantplease!

The door creaked open after a few seconds, and there he wasstanding with his hands in his pockets, looking down at me like I was something disgusting.

Maybe this will teach you to stop losing your mind, he said flatly.

Owen, please, I begged, tears burning my eyes. You know Im terrified of snakes. Please, Ill do anything, just get me out!

He didnt even blink. You shouldve thought of that before you ruined Kelseys nursery.

A hiss came from behind me. I turned just as one of the snakes thick, black, and slow slithered closer. I kicked back, screaming, but the thing lunged and sank its fangs into my ankle.

Pain exploded through me. I screamed until my throat went raw. Owen! It bit me! Please, please, it bit me!

But he didn't budge. He left me down there for 10 hours. And when he opened the room again, I was shaking and crying. He ordered his men to dragged me out by my wrist, and dumped me in the car. I could barely breathe, my leg was burning, my skin felt like fire. Everything blurred.

I woke up again to the sound of rain hitting the windshield. My body was shaking uncontrollably. Owen was driving, his jaw clenched tight.

O-owen I whispered, barely able to speak. It hurts. Please, the hospital

He didnt answer. He didnt even look at me.

Then his phone rang.

Kelseys voice filled the car, Owen! Please come home! The babies... somethings wrong! Theyre not moving inside me.

Owens hands tightened on the wheel.

Owen I croaked, please dont

He slammed the brakes and pulled over. The rain was coming down hard now. He didnt even look at me when he spoke.

Get out.

I stared at him, confused. What?

Get out, Laura, he said again, his voice flat. Kelsey needs me.

Youre leaving me here? I cant even stand

He finally looked at me, and there was nothing in his eyes. Nothing. Youll live. Those snakes are midly venomous. You won't die. he said.

Then he pushed open my door and shoved me out. I fell to the wet pavement, the rain soaking through my clothes.

The car door slammed shut.

Then he was gone.

I tried to stand, but the pain in my leg was unbearable. The world tilted, my vision blurred, and before I could take another step a gunshot rang on the air.

I winced from pain and dropped.

When I came back, everything was wrong.

A man in scrubs stood over me, his face careful and tired. "Mrs Ashford, you were brought in with a gunshot to the abdomen. You were in a coma for five days. We did emergency surgery. I am sorry. The damage was too bad. You wont be able to carry a child anymore."

The words hit like a door slamming. "What do you mean?" I croaked.

He looked down. "The bleeding was severe. We removed what we had to to save your life."

My hands grabbed the sheet. Then the door opened and Kelsey glided in like she was a cloud. Soft pink dress, hand over her belly.

"Oh sister," she cooed. "I heard. How terrible about... your womb. What a tragedy. But think about it this way. Now you can focus on helping me raise my babies."

I tightened my fingers until the fabric bit my skin. "Why are you here?" I said, weak and burning. "Why are you always here?"

She laughed, "I just wanted to admire my work," she said and looked around like she owned the air. "I told them what needed doing. You survived the shooting, unlucky for you. But at least now you can never replace what I have."

A hot, stupid rage flared and I lunged for her hair. "You shot me!" I sobbed. "You had someone shoot me. How could you?! My baby is dead because of you."

Kelsey screamed then, high and sharp, "Help! Help me! Oweeenn!" she called, clutching at her belly, stumbling like Id hurt her.

The door burst open.

"You fucking attacked her again?" he barked, shoving me away roughly. I toppled off the bed. Pain exploded along my side where the stitches tore. My bood ran warm and sticky on my gown.

"Owen! She had me shot"

He cut me off with a cold laugh. "Stop! I caught the guy who shot you. He says you paid him to stage it. Do you hear me? You staged your own attack."

My hands went numb. "No, no, I would never"

"Of course you would," he snapped. "You crave attention! You always have. You would do anything for it."

He leaned close, voice low and sharp. "How far will you go, Laura? You even hurt the woman carrying my children. You are dangerous."

I tried to tell him I did not do it. I tried to tell him the truth. But he already turned away. "Kelsey has a baby shower tonight. Be decent and help. Try to act human."

Kelsey stepped forward, all sweetness. "Dont worry," she said, patting my arm like I was a stray dog. "Ill save you a piece of cake."

They left together, shoulders brushing, the doctor closing the door behind them.

I sat there while my phone buzzing on the bedside table. Mr Harris.

I opened the message with fingers that felt foreign.

Divorce papers have been delivered.

When I got home, the house was full of laughter. Music, clinking glasses, people talking like life was perfect. Pink and blue ribbons hung on the walls, and a banner stretched across the room:

Welcome Baby Jaxton and Jayden Ashford.

It hit me thentoday wasnt just the baby shower for Kelseys twins. It was supposed to be my wedding anniversary too.

But there was no sign of it. No flowers. No card. Not even a glance from Owen that said he remembered I existed.

People turned when I walked in, voices dropping to whispers.

There she is.

She still lives here? Poor thing.

I heard she cant have kids anymore. No wonder Owen stays with Kelsey.

I didnt say a word. Just walked past like I didnt hear them. My legs still hurt from the hospital, but I climbed the stairs anyway. I couldnt stay there another second.

When I reached the master bedroom, my hand froze on the doorknob. The door was slightly open. Inside was pink curtains, baby clothes folded on the bed, framed photos of Kelsey and Owen smiling.

My room. My bed. My memories. Gone.

Kelsey had taken everything.

I stood there for a long time, then turned and went down the hall. The guest room was cold and smelled of dust, but I shut the door and lay down anyway. Maybe if I closed my eyes, the noise downstairs would disappear.

---

A few minutes later, the door slammed open. Owen stood there, still in his suit, face tight with anger. He threw a folded uniform at my face.

Wear that. One of the waitresses didnt show. Youll serve food.

I looked at him. For a moment, I almost asked why. But then I realized it didnt matter. I picked up the uniform, my hands steady even though my chest felt hollow.

Okay, I whispered.

He hesitated. For a second, something flickered in his eyes but he turned away before it could stay.

Just dont cause trouble, he muttered and left.

I changed quietly. The black uniform hung loose on me. I didnt even look in the mirror before stepping out.

As I was walking toward the stairs, Kelseys voice floated up from below, all sweet and fake.

Oh, Laura!Youre helping tonight? Thats so kind of you. Then she lowered her tone. Could you give this to Owen? I need his signature to finalize a few things... you know, the house, the thirty cars, the five beach resort he gave me, and those new shops. You know how generous he is.

I took the documents from her hand, glanced at them, then slid another paper beneath them: my divorce papers.

She blinked, surprised. Whats this? Youre not even angry?

I didnt answer. I just gave her a faint, tired smile and walked away.

In Owens study, he was talking on the phone. When he saw the papers, he took them without question and started signing.

All this for Kelsey?

He didnt look up. Yeah. She deserves it.

His pen didnt stop moving. Not once.

And just like that, without even realizing, he signed everything her properties and our divorce.

---

By the time the guests arrived, the whole place looked like some rich people palace. Lights everywhere, fancy food on every table, people laughing like their lives were perfect. Kelsey was in the center of it all, glowing like she owned the entire world.

I stood at the back, in my black uniform, trying to look small.

Mrs Ashford walked in like the house belonged to her alone, pearls, perfume, and judgment filling the room.

She saw me and her face twisted.

Why is that woman here, Owen? I told you I dont want her stepping in this house again.

Owen didnt even look up from adjusting Kelseys shawl.

Were out of staff, Mom.

Mrs Ashford laughed.

Well, she does look better in that uniform. Go, get me my drink.

I didnt argue. I just nodded and went to fetch it. My hands shook a little, but I didnt let myself feel anything.

When I came back, Kelsey suddenly slid her foot out just as I walked past. I stumbled. The tray tipped. The wine splashed right onto Mrs Ashford.

She screamed like I stabbed her.

You ruined everything. Again. Just like how you ruined your own childs life. No wonder the baby died. And now look at you. Barren, useless, clumsy. You cant even carry a drink.

Her words hit harder than the fall. My throat tightened.

Kelsey rushed in, acting shocked, acting worried.

Oh Mom, please dont be angry. Shes been through a lot. Its not her fault. Just forgive her. My sister is trying.

The room went quiet.

My sister.

She said it like she was some saint.

Mrs Ashford softened immediately, her gaze melting as she turned to Kelsey.

See, this is why I adore you. Youre kind, pure, patient. Why cant you be like her, Laura?

My chest tightened so hard I could barely breathe.

I wiped my face, stood up slowly, and looked straight at Kelsey.

Kind? I said, my voice shaking. You want me to be like her? The same woman who took my husband, my home, and my baby? The same woman who lied about being sick so Owen would take my sons stem cells? The same woman who let my child die so she could get better?

Gasps exploded around us.

Kelsey blinked, her smile cracking just enough for me to see the truth under it.

Mrs Ashford glared at me, furious.

Stop lying. Kelsey would never harm a child!

She already did, I said. Mine.

Owen stepped in then, jaw tight, eyes cold.

What the fuck are you doing? This is Kelseys day. Dont ruin it with your nonsense.

My hands shook, but I didnt look away.

You dont even remember what today is, do you.

He frowned.

What now.

Our anniversary.

Laughter broke out from the guests. Mrs Ashford smirked proudly. Kelsey hid behind Owens arm like she was scared.

Kelsey suddenly grabbed her belly and let out a piercing scream that echoed through the whole hall.

Ah! My stomach she cried, doubling over. Owen! It hurts! My babies, oh my god

People froze. Music stopped. Every head turned.

Owen rushed toward her instantly.

Kels! Whats wrong? What happened?!

I I just remembered earlier I saw Laura standing near my drink. II thought she was just fixing the glasses but what if she put something in it? I dont know but oh god, what if she wanted to hurt my babies?

The room exploded.

Oh my god! Poison?

Maybe something to cause a miscarriage!

She hates Kelsey and everyone knows that!

Shes jealous!

Shes sick!

I stared at Kelsey, speechless, because she looked so damn believable.

Thats not true, I said quietly. I didnt touch her

Before I could finish, Owen grabbed my arm and shoved me so hard I fell onto the floor, my knees slamming into the tiles.

You think this is fucking funny?! he roared. If anything happens to her or my kids, I swear your life will be the price!

I didnt even try to stand. I just sat there on the cold marble, feeling the last piece of me crumble.

The murmurs around us were venom.

Thats her? Shes disgusting.

She wants Kelsey dead because she cant have kids anymore.

Jealous women are dangerous.

Shes evil.

Mrs Ashford clutched her pearls dramatically.

Owen, take Kelsey to the hospital. NOW. We dont know what this woman did!

Owen didnt hesitate. He scooped Kelsey into his arms and ran toward the exit while she whimpered and held onto him like her life depended on it. The moment they disappeared, the guests turned on me like a pack of wolves.

Someone threw a glass. It shattered near my leg.

Thats for hurting your pregnant sister!

A splash of wine hit my face.

Thats for being jealous!

A plate of food slammed into my shoulder.

You monster!

Someone actually threw a sandal that hit my face and it bled.

You dont deserve to breathe the same air as her!

I didnt shield myself. I didnt scream. I didnt defend anything.

I just sat there, letting them hit me, throw things at me, spit their words like poison. Because for the first time

I finally accepted it.

The night finally died down, the house dark and silent, but my ears were still ringing with every insult, every broken plate, every splash of wine against my skin.

I locked myself inside the upstairs bathroom and leaned over the sink. The mirror showed a woman I barely recognizedhair tangled, cheeks streaked with dried tears, and a thin line of blood dripping from where the sandal hit my forehead.

I pressed a towel to it, but the bleeding didnt stop right away.

Happy anniversary, Owen, I whispered at my broken reflection. You finally destroyed everything and somehow, you set me free.

My phone buzzed on the counter.

I didnt want to answer it but when I saw the name, my heart stopped.

Kleve.

I picked up with a trembling thumb. Hello?

Ill be there tomorrow night. Youre leaving that house. And tell me Is the divorce done?

My throat tightened. I stared at myself in the mirror... at the bruises forming, at the dead look in my eyes.

Yes, I whispered. Its done.

Good. I want our marriage settled the moment I arrive. I dont wait, Laura.

The line went dead.

I stared at my reflection again. At the bruises.

The cut The emptiness.

...

The next morning.

I woke up to heavy footsteps pounding outside my room. Before I could even sit up, the door slammed open. Owen stormed in, flanked by two burly guards, his face cold as ice.

Grab her, he barked.

WaitOwen, what are you doing?! My voice cracked, panic clawing at me.

He didnt answer. The guards were on me in seconds, yanking me off the bed. I screamed, tried to fight, begged him, but he just stood there, unmoved.

Stop! Shes faking! I yelled.

Silence, he said flatly. Youve put my babies in danger. Thats enough.

I realized in a sickening moment what he meantKelsey, his precious twins, were somehow at risk, and I was the villain. I didnt even touch them, didnt even step near Kelseys drinks last night but it didnt matter. In Owens eyes, I was the threat.

The guards threw me into the back of a black SUV, my limbs banging against the cold leather seats. Rain streaked the windows as the car roared through the streets.

Kelsey its all fake! I screamed, my voice raw. Shes faking! Shes fine! Youre being cruel!

Owen didnt even glance at me. He sat rigid, hands clenched on the wheel. Shut up. Youre coming with me. Now.

At the hospital, the scene was already set. Nurses stepped back, eyes wide, as Owens voice boomed:

Draw her blood. NOW. Kelseys twins are in danger. Shes the reason.

Mr. Ashford! Shes barely stable

I dont care! Do it! Owen snapped.

I cant! If we take more, she could collapse

DO IT! he shouted, deaf to reason.

My body shook violently as the nurse restrained me, straps digging into my wrists and arms. I clawed at them, thrashing, screaming, every word guttural.

No! Stop! Kelsey, youre faking this! Its all lies! She's fine!

But Owen didnt listen. He stood back, arms crossed, watching me as if I were nothing. His jaw was tight, his eyes hard, his voice sharp when he barked at the doctors.

Take her blood. Shes the reason my babies might be hurt.

I screamed louder, struggling against the straps, my lungs burning.

Silence, monster, Mrs. Ashfords voice cut through behind me, mocking. Look at you. The woman who killed her own child. Do you think your jealousy will ever end? My Owen is smart to keep you tied down. Youll never touch my grandkids.

I froze, my chest tightening as the nurses forced the needle into my arm. Cold metal, sharp pain, the red creeping into the transparent bagit was stealing pieces of me. Every gasp, every twitch, every drop of blood was another part of my life leaving.

Kelsey, or at least the twins she carried, were safe but only because I suffered. And Owen he held her hand, stroked her hair, murmuring soft comforts that should have been mine once.

Im sorry, Owen this is all my fault, Kelsey cried. Its not your fault, Laura is just being dramatic as always, Owen said coldly.

I shook violently, whispering through the tears and the pain: Owen please make it stop

He didnt turn. He didnt care. The last thing I saw before the darkness swallowed me was Mrs. Ashford smirking from the corner, nodding toward Owen, as if she had orchestrated my torment all along.

And then I let go.

When I woke up, everything looked too bright, too clean. For a second I honestly thought maybe Id died.

Then I saw him.

Owen sat in the chair beside my bed, elbows on his knees, rubbing his face like he was the victim here. Like he was exhausted from my suffering.

Youre finally up. Youve been out for two days.

I just stared at him, feeling nothing.

He let out a sigh like he was the victim. Look things got out of hand. I didnt think the blood thing would hit you that hard. I just panicked. Kelsey needed help, and I couldnt let anything happen to her.

I kept my face empty.

I know I havent been the best husband lately. Ive had a lot on my plate, and I guess I forgot about us. I even missed our anniversary. He made a small, self-pitying laugh. But I want to fix that.

He reached down and placed a paper bag on my lap like it was some grand gesture.

Theres a dress inside. Something nice. When youre discharged, my driver will bring you to dinner. Your favorite place.

I just stared at the bag. It felt like looking at trash.

He forced a smile.

Come on, Laura. Try to look good again, okay? Im giving you another chance to fix things with me.

He leaned down, kissed my forehead like he owned me, and walked out.

The second the door closed, the room went silent again.

I grabbed my phone with shaky fingers. A new message lit the screen.

Kleve: Boarding my jet now. Ill be there tonight. Be ready.

My heart lurched. My hands almost dropped the phone.

Before I could lock it, Owen suddenly walked back in.

Who texted you? he asked sharply. Let me see.

I hid the phone behind my back. No.

His face darkened instantly, that ugly narcissistic anger twisting his features. Laura. Dont get stupid with me. Let me see.

I didnt answer.

Before he could grab it, his phone rangKelseys name flashing on the screen.

He froze. Then everything about him softened in an instant.

Tsk. Stay here, he muttered, already rushing out the door.

The moment he was gone, I let out a shaky breath I didnt realize I was holding.

The doctor came in after a while, not meeting my eyes. Youre being discharged today, he said quietly. Mr. Ashford already settled everything.

Of course he did. Money was the only thing he used to feel like a good man.

A pair of nurses came in carrying a box and a bouquet of white roses.

Mr. Ashford said these are for you, one said gently.

I stared at the roses.

White. Pure. Innocent.

Exactly what I wasnt anymore.

I didnt even touch them.

I changed into the dressred satin, fitted perfectly, like he still remembered my measurements but had forgotten my entire existence.

The driver came to the door. Maam, sir asked me to bring you straight to the restaurant.

I just nodded.

When I reached the table, I froze.

Owen was already there, smiling like nothing was wrong and sitting right beside him was Kelsey.

She looked perfect of course she did. Ivory dress, glowing skin, both hands resting on her belly like she was posing for some magazine cover.

Owen looked a little nervous but still gave me that fake gentle smile.

Laura, he said, standing up. Kelsey didnt want to eat alone tonight. Shes been stressed. I couldnt just leave her.

Yeah, I said, sinking into my seat. You never leave her.

He flinched but pretended not to notice.

Lets just have a calm night, okay?

Then he pulled out two things from a small bag.

The first bracelet he pushed it toward me was cheap. Hand-made. Ugly uneven beads, childish colors.

Kelsey made this, he said, like it was supposed to mean something. She said its her way of saying thank you and sorry.

Kelsey gave me a shy little smile, the kind that wasn't shy at all.

I made it myself, she said sweetly. I know you dont have many nice things, so I thought youd appreciate something heartfelt.

The insult was so obvious it almost made me laugh.

Then Owen turned to her and clasped a diamond bracelet around her wrist with glittering stones, dripping money, the kind of thing only Kelsey ever got.

It looks perfect on you, he murmured to her.

Kelsey lifted her wrist, admiring how the diamonds caught the light.

Its beautiful, Owen. Really. You always know exactly what I like.

I set the cheap bracelet back on the table.

I dont want this.

Owen's smile twitched. Laura

I said I dont want it.

He sighed, annoyed, then tried to act like everything was normal.

Asked about my health.

Asked if the house was fine.

Small, empty questions.

I answered with one-word replies.

Meanwhile, Kelsey kept talking about their childhood how Owen used to sneak into her yard, how they used to play piano together, how close they used to be. Every story was just another knife she shoved into my ribs, and she knew it.

I stayed quiet.

Owen watched me every now and then, waiting for a reaction, hoping Id look hurt so he could feel important. I didnt give him anything.

Then I smelled it.

Gas.

Before I could say a word

BOOM.

The whole restaurant exploded.

Glass shattered. The floor shook. Flames roared up the walls.

I was thrown across the room, hitting the ground so hard everything spun.

Owen! I screamed. Pleasehelp me!

Through the smoke, he stood frozen for a second.

Then Kelsey grabbed him, screaming dramatically,

Owen! I cant move! The babies! Please, help me!

She wasnt hurt. Not even a scratch.

Her acting was so perfect it made me sick.

I reached out for him, coughing, barely able to breathe.

Owen please

He looked between us. Between me half-buried under debris and Kelsey pretending to sob.

Then something cold settled over his face.

Ill come back for you! he shouted at me.

But he didnt run toward me.

He ran straight out the door carrying Kelsey.

The fire crackled louder. Heat wrapped around me like a burning cage. My legs were pinned and I couldnt move. My lungs fought for air.

So this is it?

This is how he leaves me.

This is how he finally kills me without touching me.