My Husband Chose Her Over My Grave

Amelia, youre really planning to walk away from the transplant? The physician leaned forward, disbelief written all over his face as he slid the documents closer to me. Mr. Holt spent five years pulling strings and burned fifty million dollars to secure this slot. Skip it, and youll be lucky to last another month. After that there will be no miracles left.

I dipped my head slightly, then murmured, Im not going through with it.

Confusion flickered across his features he seemed torn between wanting to lecture me and wanting to mourn me. He pushed the clipboard back into my hands. I signed with deliberate care, forcing my fingers to stay steady.

Please keep this quiet, I added. Ill explain things to Stephen myself.

The moment I stepped out of his office, the strength drained from my legs. Still, I dragged myself up the stairs to the fourth floor. That wing had always belonged to Stephen guarded hallways, restricted access, specialists in crisp coats coming and going day and night. He spared no expense. Yet even with all that power, they couldnt stop time for my grandfather. The doctors had warned me this morning that he might not make it through the day.

I sat beside his bed and wrapped my hand around his paper-thin fingers.

Grandpa if I do this, will you be angry with me?

I tried to apologize, but the words wouldnt come. If I hadnt existed, the Malonzo family might never have been destroyed.

Five years earlier, my parents had been falsely accused of massive financial crimes. Everything they built hundreds of billions vanished overnight. The only person who could testify on their behalf was Seraphina Vale, the intern my mother had foolishly mentored like family. She disappeared the morning the trial was supposed to start.

Stephen swore he would find her. We chased every trace, every rumor, every dead end. She evaporated completely. Without her, my parents were convicted. Not long after, crushed beyond endurance, they took blades to their wrists and ended their own lives.

I can still remember the phone call. Grandpa collapsed the moment he heard. He never truly woke again. And I was left with nothing except Stephen.

That night he held me until my ribs ached.

Addy, Im here, he whispered. Ill hunt Seraphina down, make her pay, and restore your parents names.

I clung to him like a lifeline. He was all I had.

Until yesterday.

He was out of town, so I reviewed a few of his property files. Thats when I noticed it one secluded villa, never discussed, never visited, was registered under Seraphina Vales name. The transfer date matched the exact day she vanished five years ago.

My hands went numb. For half a decade, I had chased ghosts, wondering how she stayed hidden. Now I finally understood.

The man who slept beside me every night.

The man who promised vengeance.

Stephen wasnt looking for her he was protecting her.

Hot tears soaked Grandpas blanket as my chest split open. If I had stopped my mother from taking Seraphina in, from placing her inside our company, maybe none of this would have happened. My parents would still be alive. Grandpa wouldnt be dying in this sterile room.

Then the monitors rhythm shattered.

Grandpa!

The sound turned into one long, merciless tone. Nurses and doctors rushed in as I slammed the call button, but I couldnt move. They pulled me into the hallway while they worked behind the closed door. I fumbled for my phone.

Stephen was still my emergency contact. I dialed.

Declined.

I tried again. His phone went straight to powered off.

I collapsed onto the icy floor, choking on my sobs, when my screen lit up with a new message:

Dear Mr. Holt, congratulations on reserving our premium postpartum suite! We look forward to welcoming you and Miss Seraphina as you celebrate your babys arrival.

Each word carved deeper than the last.

The door opened quietly. The doctors eyes told me everything before he spoke.

Im so sorry, Amelia.

My grip tightened around my phone until my nails drew blood. My grandfather was gone the man who raised me, the last piece of my family. And my husband was elsewhere, waiting to greet his child with the woman who destroyed my life.

The agony in my body was nothing compared to the ruin in my heart.

I stumbled back inside and held Grandpas hand one final time.

Please wait for me. You, Mom, Dad dont go too far ahead. Ill come soon. Then we wont be apart anymore.

I wept until my throat burned, then forced myself to arrange his funeral. When it ended, I walked out alone, clutching his urn with trembling arms.

A part of me needed proof.

So I went to the postpartum center.

I hid near the lobby wall, scarf pulled high over my face. And when I saw them together, my entire body went rigid.

Seraphina sat across the room, her swollen belly cradled proudly beneath designer fabric, radiant in a way that only money and constant attention could create. Everything about her existence screamed luxury and security. Stephens arm circled her waist, his touch cautious and reverent, as though she were something fragile and priceless.

She stuck out her lower lip, voice soft and spoiled.

My stomach feels so heavy lately. The babies wont stop moving. I dont even know who they take after, but theyve been making life so difficult for me.

Stephen dropped to one knee in front of her like a worshipper at an altar and kissed the curve of her belly.

Hey, behave in there, he murmured. Dont make your mom suffer. When youre finally out, Ill be the one dealing with you.

Seraphina giggled. Youre not seriously going to scold your own twins, are you?

He laced his fingers through hers and pressed a kiss to the back of her hand.

Do you know how much it tore me apart when you came to me five years ago, crying like that? You were just a young girl who made one wrong move at work, and my wife wanted to ruin your life for it. I had no choice but to hide you in that villa, to keep you safe. And even after everything, you were strong enough to carry my children. He rested his forehead against hers. I swear, Seraphina no one will ever come before you. Ill protect you. Ill love you for the rest of my life.

Her eyes shimmered with tears. She brushed her fingers along his cheek, shaking slightly.

I dont care how hard it gets, as long as Amelia can forgive me someday. I grew up with nothing no parents, no one looking out for me. I can endure any pain. I just dont want my babies to be punished for my past.

His jaw clenched, the muscles standing out sharply.

You will never suffer because of her, he said flatly. My children will inherit everything I own.

Please dont Seraphina whispered, fear flickering in her eyes. If Amelia ever finds out, shell despise me even more.

She wont find out, Stephen replied calmly. The Malonzos gave me everything. I owe them loyalty for now. But once your recovery period is over, Ill give you the wedding you deserve. Your own.

My teeth sank into my wrist to silence the sob that threatened to escape. His words echoed inside my skull, pounding again and again. To him, my parents lives were nothing more than a minor error Seraphina had made. My grief, my ruined family they were insignificant next to the woman he loved.

I stumbled away like a leaf torn loose in a storm.

Back inside the car, I placed Grandpas urn carefully in the passenger seat. Through my tears I called the funeral home.

I want to schedule a sea burial one month from today. The name is Amelia Malonzo. The location will be Point Reyes National Seashore.

The same shore where Stephen once knelt before me and asked me to become his wife.

If destiny still has any mercy, it will also be where my story ends.

---

After Grandpas ashes were arranged, I wandered aimlessly through the city. I didnt even realize where I was headed until I found myself standing in front of the old community sports center the place where Id spent so many lonely afternoons in my youth.

I stopped outside the glass doors and stared in. It was deserted now, but memories filled the empty space. I saw myself from more than a decade ago: thin, awkward, hiding inside oversized gym clothes, always trailing a few steps behind Stephen. Not close enough to be seen. Not far enough to be free.

Back then, he was untouchable captain of everything, always top of every list. Everyone admired him, yet there was always a chill about him that kept people from getting too close. I was no different from the other girls with secret crushes. I observed him quietly, memorizing the way he moved, the way he smiled, never daring to approach. To him, I didnt exist.

Our marriage hadnt started with love. It was arranged, a decision made by two families who valued power, lineage, and alliances more than emotion. Affection was something they assumed would follow naturally if it ever arrived at all.

A familiar voice suddenly cut through my thoughts. The elderly woman who used to run the snack counter came out with a tray.

Well, Ill be look at you! Its been ages. Come inside, have some mint ice cream like the old days.

She studied my face and smiled.

And that handsome boy you used to follow everywhere how are things between you two now?

I lowered my gaze and took a scoop of ice cream. The flavor hadnt changed, but my throat refused to cooperate.

She clapped her hands suddenly. Wait what day is it today? Reunion, maybe? Speaking of that handsome lad here he comes now.

I looked up just as Stephen walked in, Seraphinas hand clasped in his. He didnt even glance my way. I slipped back into the crowd, invisible once again, while he focused entirely on Seraphina helping her sit, whispering gently, asking what she wanted to drink.

The snack lady watched them with admiration.

Oh my I wish Id found love like that. That girl is clingier than any kid Ive ever served, and he treats her like treasure. Shes a lucky one.

Seraphina leaned against him shyly, and he smiled down at her, tender and patient, as though she were the center of his universe.

And I stood hidden in the shadows, watching, remembering.

Im a coward. I didnt do anything wrong, yet the moment they appeared, I retreated like a frightened child.

After our wedding, I once asked Stephen to come back here with me just for ice cream, just to remember. He had frowned and waved me off.

Addy, Im busy. Ask your aunt to get it for you. Whats worth revisiting in that rundown gym? Its history. Forget it.

Now I finally understood.

I was never part of what he wanted to remember.

From my hiding spot outside the shop, I watched Stephen drift into his thoughts. Seraphina leaned toward him and offered a spoonful of mint ice cream with a playful smile.

Youre so quiet all of a sudden, she said softly. Whats on your mind?

He blinked as if waking from a dream, then gestured toward the narrow alley beside the old elm tree outside.

Do you remember what happened there? he asked.

My fingers curled as a chill ran through me. He had always been reckless when he was younger too fast, too fearless, convinced luck would always be on his side. One afternoon, he was sprinting down that alley when a car skidded wildly around the corner. Tires screamed against the pavement. He froze, terror locking his body in place. Without thinking, I threw myself forward and shoved him aside. The crash scraped my arms until they burned, the echo of metal slamming metal ringing in my ears.

I stayed with him until the ambulance arrived, gripping his hand, whispering to keep him awake. But that same afternoon, my grandmother collapsed at home. I had to leave the hospital to care for her.

When I came back later, hoping to see him again, I stopped short outside his room. Seraphinas voice drifted out from inside.

Im the one who saved you, she said sweetly. If I hadnt pushed you, you wouldnt be here today.

Stephen thanked her, his eyes full of gratitude.

My legs went weak. I didnt have the strength to step in, to fight for the truth. I walked away, hollow and shaking.

From that moment on, the memory belonged to Seraphina. And I the girl who had thrown herself in front of danger vanished from his story.

---

I returned home as if nothing had happened.

Over the following week, I buried myself in work. I transferred all my personal assets to establish a charity foundation, personally organized the staff, attended every event, and stood before cameras pretending I was fine. My body, however, was giving up. One afternoon I collapsed right in the office.

Stephen rushed to my side, wanting to send me straight to the hospital, but I stopped him. The doctor brushed it off, saying it was expected in my condition and that Id recover once the surgery was done.

He clasped my hand like I might shatter at any moment.

I havent been around enough lately, he said. After your operation, Ill drop everything. Ill be with you all the time. I promise Ill be early for the foundation ceremony tomorrow.

I studied him the unfamiliar strands of hair brushing his collar, the crisp white shirt, every detail suddenly foreign. I nodded. Deep down, I already knew it didnt matter anymore.

The next day, I forced my aching body into my gown for what felt like the last time. I stood on the stage with the ribbon poised while applause thundered around me.

Then a scream cut through the noise.

The crowd split apart. A pregnant woman was sitting on the floor, hands gripping her stomach. She raised her head.

Seraphina.

My scalp prickled. She had hidden for five years, avoided me like a ghost. Now she was kneeling in the open, blood trickling from her forehead.

Im sorry, Amelia, she cried. I never meant to disappear. They threatened to kill me if I testified. Ive lived with guilt every day since. If Mr. Holt hadnt protected me, I dont even know if Id still be alive after what happened to your parents. Im not asking you to forgive me I just want the chance to make things right.

Cameras flashed wildly. Reporters shoved microphones toward Stephen.

She claims you sheltered her. What do you have to say, Mr. Holt? Are those your children?

His expression hardened. He ignored them, ordered his guards to clear the hall. Soon, only Seraphina and I were left.

He instinctively leaned toward her, as if to lift her up then hesitated and withdrew his hand. When he turned to me, reproach cut through his eyes.

Addy, why did you let her kneel like that?

I looked at Seraphina calmly.

Youve been in hiding for five years. Why come out now?

She trembled. I heard about your foundation. Everyone started looking for me. Im exhausted, barely surviving. Please, Amelia spare the babies. They dont even have a father. Ill make up for everything Ill be your servant, your slave, anything.

I swallowed, staring at her swollen belly, at the children that had rewritten my entire life. Lies, betrayal, my broken marriage it all rested in that moment.

Later, slumped against the leather seat in the back of the car, I tried to steady my breathing. My chest burned, my limbs throbbed, but I couldnt fall apart yet.

Stephens words replayed in my head.

Addy, I investigated everything. It wasnt her fault. She was young, taken advantage of. Shes suffered for five years. Let go of your hatred and move forward.

Move forward? How could I, when she had destroyed my family, slept with my husband, ruined the foundation I poured myself into, and now demanded mercy?

I straightened, forced my back rigid, and left the banquet hall alone.

Only when the car door shut did I crumble. Tears slid silently down my face as I pictured Stephen bending over Seraphina, wiping her blood away as though I had never been there.

My phone rang.

You fake saint, a shrill voice screamed. Your filthy money wont save you. Your parents deserved to die! Making a pregnant woman kneel? Youll pay for this. Everyone knows what a bully you were. You shouldve died too!

I hung up but the attacks kept coming. Messages flooded in until the driver passed me my phone. The headlines were everywhere: Amelia Malonzo humiliates pregnant woman. Malonzo parents exposed as frauds. Former classmates reveal Amelias cruelty.

My fingers went numb as I tried to type a response. The comment disappeared the moment I sent it.

The driver spoke urgently.

Madam, more than ten cars are tailing us. No license plates. The men are carrying iron rods.

I twisted around. In the rearview mirror, masked figures were closing in, weapons raised.

Heart racing, I dialed Stephen, watching them draw nearer with every second.

At the very same moment, in another part of the city, Stephen was staring at the same headlines flooding the internet. His brows drew together as he phoned his assistant, ordering them to suppress the rumors as quickly as possible. Seraphina leaned into his chest, her tears soaking into his sleeve, while his hand closed firmly around her shoulder, that familiar dangerous calm settling over him.

Tell me straight is anything theyre saying online actually true? His tone was low, edged like a blade.

Seraphina pressed her face into him, trembling.

Stephen, please dont dwell on it. Whats done is done. Dont blame Amelia. She never meant any harm. Shes the reason Im still alive today. If she told me to die, I wouldnt even hesitate.

His arms tightened around her.

And then

The impact came without warning.

The car spun violently, metal screaming as it overturned. My body was slammed sideways, breath crushed out of me. Before I could even scream, the door was torn open and I was dragged out by rough hands, my body crashing hard against the asphalt.

I tried to crawl away, but a boot drove into my back, pinning me down.

Ever wonder how it feels when your luck finally runs out? a man mocked. Youve lived a charmed life, hurting people and getting away with it. Tonight youre going to learn what real pain is.

I didnt The words barely left my lips before a slap sent my head snapping sideways. Blood filled my mouth. The world tilted.

They bound my wrists to the back of the vehicle. The engine roared, and suddenly I was being dragged along the road. Stones ripped into my skin, my clothes shredded, my already failing body screaming in agony. I tried to cry out, but my throat was torn raw, the sound nothing more than air. My arms felt like they were being ripped from their sockets, my knees scraping until I couldnt tell where the pain ended. Inside the car, they laughed and filmed everything like entertainment.

I dont know how long it lasted. My awareness slipped in and out until I was no longer sure if I was alive. When the car finally stopped, they cut me loose and dumped me like trash on the roadside.

When I regained consciousness, silence wrapped around me.

Gravestones glittered faintly beneath the moon. I should have been terrified, but after what Id just endured, even the dead seemed kinder than the living. Shaking, I dragged myself toward the highway.

At dawn, my strength vanished completely and I collapsed at the edge of the road.

Can you hear me? Where does it hurt?

I opened my eyes to a nurse adjusting my drip. Every breath felt like knives.

You were rushed in as an emergency case. Weve been unable to contact any family members. We still need to process your admission and payments and keep monitoring you

I understand, I whispered, interrupting her. I pulled the gown tighter over my wounds, hiding the truth beneath fabric.

She offered me a wheelchair. I refused. Walking out of the ward was like stepping on shattered glass, but I left anyway. No one came for me that night. Stephen never even called.

I remembered the day Id learned about my heart disease, kneeling alone at my parents graves for hours. Back then, the internet had exploded with rumors about my disappearance. When Stephen finally found me, hed cried into my shoulder. Now I wondered had any of that been real?

His eyes no longer held room for me.

I stood in the hospital payment line in silence when a familiar voice froze my blood.

Stephen, dont worry so much. Im fine, Seraphina said gently, almost playfully.

I didnt turn around. Out of everywhere in the world, she was here.

Stephen replied, his voice soft yet stern.

The doctor said there are signs of possible miscarriage. You have to be more careful.

She cut in quickly. I know. And Amelia yesterday was my fault. I was careless.

My fists clenched until they hurt. I turned to leave and met Stephens stunned stare.

Amelia?

The surprise vanished, replaced by anger. Seraphina hid behind him, shaking.

Please dont frighten me anymore, she pleaded. I didnt do anything online. Im in my final months. The doctor said I cant handle stress.

Once the babies are born, you can punish me however you want. Ill accept it.

Stephen stepped squarely between us, his face ice-cold.

She nearly lost the children because of you yesterday. Im here to make her answer for that.

I wanted to scream, to rip open my clothes and show him every wound. But the revulsion in his eyes stole my voice.

Seraphina doubled over suddenly. Stephen my stomach it hurts.

Without hesitation, he swept her into his arms and rushed toward the doctors wing. His shoulder slammed into mine, sending me sprawling across the marble. He didnt look back once.

I stayed there for a long time, watching them disappear. When I finally stood, numb and shaking, I rejoined the line. I had nowhere else to go.

When my turn came, I signed the discharge form silently. The nurse glanced at my chart, worry darkening her face.

If you leave like this, she said gently, you might not survive the next few days. Three at most. Your condition has deteriorated badly.

I almost laughed when she said it. Three days. That was plenty of time. Living even one more felt unbearable. I didnt bother replying I simply turned and walked away, leaving her warning echoing uselessly behind me.

The moment I stepped outside the hospital, I phoned the funeral service. My tone was calm, disturbingly steady.

Please arrange everything for three days from now.

Three days. Maybe then Id finally be reunited with my parents and my grandfather. Maybe I could meet them looking the way I chose, not as Stephens wife, not as anyones burden just me.

I stopped by the cemetery one final time, murmured my farewells, then took a cab to the mall. I drifted through one luxury boutique after another without interest.

For years Id been trained to behave like Mrs. Holt to dress according to Stephens image, to wear jewels that screamed wealth, to appear flawless and distant. Somewhere along the way, Id forgotten what I personally liked. Stephen never asked. He just bought the latest collections every season and stuffed my wardrobe full, promising that besides the stars in the sky, I could have anything.

All I ever wanted was something real.

That was when I saw it a simple white dress. Clean lines, no excess, just a slender silver trim at the waist catching the light. I pictured myself wearing it, walking into the waves, holding my parents and Grandpas hands. My lips curved into a faint smile.

This one, I said. Ill take it.

Before my card even reached the counter, the dress was ripped from my fingers. I grabbed the edge of the display table to steady myself.

Ive already decided to buy that, I said, my voice unsteady.

I looked up and there she was.

Seraphina.

She stood tall in front of me, gripping the fabric, her posture arrogant, her eyes blazing. The timid girl I once knew was gone.

The sales assistant leaned toward her nervously.

This is the last piece we have. The lady here selected it first. I can check with another branch

Seraphina laughed scornfully. You must be joking. Then she turned her glare on me. You honestly think youre still in my league? Who gave you the right?

I didnt answer right away. Id known this moment would come. She hated me. She wanted me crushed.

Seraphina, I said carefully, I dont recall ever mistreating you. My mother paid for your education and hired you into the company. What exactly did we do wrong hurt your pride?

She burst out laughing, harsh and bitter.

Your mother threw money at me like leftovers for a beggar and expected gratitude. But why should I be grateful? Why are you always the princess while I crawl in your shadow? You were born with everything, and I was born to suffer. You owe me your whole life.

My chest tightened.

So you destroyed my parents just to bring me down?

Her smile sharpened into something vicious. She leaned close enough for me to feel her breath.

The fraud scandal? I designed it myself. Your parents trusted me and handed over the company seal. Your husband, your wealth, your reputation theyll all belong to me soon. And you? Youll be remembered as the bully, the criminals daughter. Welcome to my world.

I felt my body stiffen, rage and disbelief crashing through me, but I refused to look away. This was the truth behind five years of betrayal. I would not let her see me break.

You will pay for this, I said, my voice low and steady.

She hesitated only for a heartbeat then suddenly flung herself to the floor, screaming.

Stop! I dont want this! Amelia, please dont hit me!

Before I could react, Stephen appeared at the shop entrance. Seraphina immediately curled into a trembling heap, tears streaking her face.

Stephen, I just slipped, okay? It wasnt her fault. She didnt push me. She even brought me here to buy clothes. But people keep saying I hurt her and that her parents died because of me. I didnt do any of that. Please explain for me.

His eyes locked onto me frozen, merciless.

What did you do to her this time? he asked coldly.

I already knew he wouldnt believe me. He never had. I turned away, trying to hide the tears sliding down my face.

A crowd began to gather. Phones were raised. Whispers turned into accusations.

Isnt she the one who forced a pregnant woman to kneel?

She bullied people at school too vicious!

If something happens, thats three lives gone!

Seraphina clutched Stephen and spoke hurriedly, pretending concern.

Shes just having a bad day. When shes calm, Amelia is really kind to me.

A woman suddenly lunged forward from the crowd, pointing at me.

My daughter died because of people like you! Bullies deserve

A drink flew at my face before she could finish. Milk tea splattered across my cheeks, dripping down my chin. I tried to speak, to defend myself, but my voice vanished beneath the shouting.

Objects began to rain down on me. I tensed instinctively, bracing for the blows. Seraphina, of course, was sheltered in Stephens arms.

Come, he said, pulling her away without once looking back at me.

I was left behind.

Hands shoved me down. Feet struck me again and again. Pain exploded through every inch of my body.

Kill her!

Make her pay for bullying!

I curled into myself, covering my head, whispering over and over through broken sobs,

I didnt I didnt

Through the mess of bodies and noise, I spotted the white dress I had fallen in love with lying crushed beneath peoples shoes, the once-clean fabric ground into filth. My vision swam as the beating finally stopped, humiliation burning hotter than the pain in my bones.

At some point, mall security forced their way into the chaos and began scattering the crowd.

Later, I vaguely noticed Stephens car slowing as he passed the scene, his eyes flicking to the destruction in the mirror. He hesitated only briefly.

She has guards. She wont be in danger, he muttered to himself.

Seraphina whimpered beside him, curling inward.

My stomach hurts so badly maybe when I fell earlier

He floored the accelerator, speeding out of the mall parking lot and straight toward the hospital.

I hovered between waking and blacking out, my body soaked in pain, my heart hollowed out by how completely alone I was.

---

I returned to the apartment by myself. Every inch of me throbbed, bruises blooming under torn skin. I didnt report anything. I didnt seek treatment. It all felt meaningless. Before leaving the mall, Id retrieved the ruined white dress, folding it carefully despite the stains.

For two days I lay in bed without moving, counting the hours as though my life had already ended. Stephen never came. No calls. No messages. It was as if Id been erased.

On the third morning, something stirred faintly inside me a fragile flicker of strength. I took the dress from the closet, put on a little makeup, and told myself this was the day I would keep my final promise. No regrets. No turning back.

As I got into the car, my phone vibrated. Stephens voice came through, cold and commanding.

Come to this address now. If you dont, Ill send someone to fetch you.

My chest tightened when I saw the location. But I didnt argue. It was my last day anyway.

The driver stopped in front of a hotel swarming with cameras. Flashing lights hit me like lightning. I tried to retreat, but Stephen seized my wrist and dragged me inside.

Seraphina sat in the first row of the hall. Behind her were layers of journalists, microphones and lenses pointed at the stage. The screen above blazed with bold red words: Public Apology Conference.

Stephen pushed me forward. The microphone was forced into my hand.

Apologize to Seraphina, he said quietly. In front of everyone.

She wore a pale maternity dress, her expression gentle, victorious. The cameras adored her.

I stood straighter.

I havent done anything that requires an apology.

His eyes hardened. Dont push me, Addy.

Seraphina almost lost her children because of you, he continued. You humiliated her, frightened her, treated her cruelly. Do you seriously think you owe her nothing?

I understood then this was theater. A way to cleanse Seraphinas name and strip me of mine.

I forced the bitterness down.

And why are you always defending her instead of me? I asked. Youre my husband. Did you ever once ask me what really happened? Or are you certain those children arent even yours?

His face drained of color. He grabbed my arm.

This is your final warning. If you refuse, your surgery is over.

I laughed quietly.

His tone turned ironclad.

Amelia Malonzo, apologize.

Cameras blinded me. Seraphinas hands rested lovingly over her belly.

I didnt do anything wrong, I said evenly. She destroyed everything. Seraphina is the murderer.

Stephen looked ready to kill me. I pulled free from him.

My parents were innocent. I was never a bully. The only mistake I made was letting my mother help her.

The room exploded in noise.

Seraphina staggered toward me. Why are you lying? Youll ruin my babies lives!

Before I could respond, she rushed me. I raised my arms too late.

Her stomach slammed into the table edge. Blood bloomed across her skirt.

My babies!

Stephen shoved me aside and carried her away.

If anything happens to her, youll regret being born, he said without looking back.

His guards seized me and hauled me after them.

In the hospital hallway, Seraphina sobbed hysterically.

Then Stephen emerged, colder than ever.

Amelia, he said flatly. Go outside. Kneel. Repent to my children. Thats your punishment.

The guards dragged me out into the cold and forced me onto the stone ground. My knees hit hard.

I didnt fight.

I lifted my head slightly. The years first snow was drifting down in silent flakes, settling on my lashes and soaking into my hair. The world felt unreal, like I had already crossed halfway into another life.

The snowfall thickened until I could barely keep my eyes open. My limbs were heavy, distant, as though they no longer belonged to me. The cold finally dragged me under, and just before everything went dark, I heard a guard shout in alarm.

Sir, shes passed out!

Stephen didnt even glance my way.

Wake her up, he said flatly. Shes not done kneeling.

A bucket of freezing water slammed into my face. I choked violently, coughing until my chest felt like it was tearing apart. My heart was failing, my whole body screaming, yet all I did was count the seconds in my head, unwilling to waste the few I had left before the funeral home came for me.

Inside the ward, Seraphina was wrapped around Stephen, shaking like she might shatter.

Our babies theyre gone, she whispered through sobs.

He stroked her hair tenderly, his voice softer than I had ever heard it.

Dont cry. We can try again. I wont let this pain be for nothing.

She stared down at her now-flat stomach and broke down again.

I have nothing. No family, no child, no standing. Whats left for me? Maybe I should just

Dont say that, he cut in sharply.

She pulled away, eyes red and swollen.

Stephen can I replace Amelia? Can I be your wife in this life?

The room fell silent.

The guard knocked once more. Sir, shes fainted again. We cant wake her this time.

Stephen finally stepped out and stared at me sprawled in the snow. My skin was drained of color, my lips tinged blue, my soaked white dress clinging to me like a shroud.

Call a doctor, he snapped. Just dont let her die.

Even now, punishment came first.

I was jolted awake by an injection, barely conscious before I was hauled onto a small boat. My fingers were frozen, useless, as someone pressed an urn into my hands. Stephen stood nearby, expression glacial. Seraphina, bundled in layers, leaned weakly against him.

When we reached open water, he said only, Begin.

I wobbled to the railing, the wind slicing through my bones. I looked at the urn and gave a hollow laugh. My life had been nothing but wounds now even this final task was forced upon me.

Seraphina crept closer, her tone deceptively gentle.

Amelia how does it feel, scattering our babies by yourself?

I ignored her and lifted the lid. At that moment, she shoved me. The urn slipped free and vanished into the sea.

My children! she screamed, pretending to lunge after it.

Stephen pulled her back at once.

Seraphina, stop!

Then he turned on me, eyes blazing.

You did that deliberately!

Yes, I said quietly. Just like she pushed me deliberately.

Seraphina clung to him, sobbing. He wrapped her in his arms as though she were porcelain.

Retrieve it, he ordered me.

Its gone, I replied.

Then jump in and find it.

I met his gaze, strangely peaceful.

Alright.

I stepped off the boat.

The water swallowed me whole, my white dress floating briefly before sinking into blackness. Stephen shouted something behind me, but it was distant, fading.

Seraphina cried out weakly, clutching her chest.

Stephen, I dont feel well

He stared at the sea for a moment, then said, Send another boat. She can swim. Head back and call an ambulance.

The water numbed everything. I stopped struggling. My thoughts blurred, darkness closing in.

The burial, the punishment, the pain it was finally over.

At last, I was free.

Stephen POV

Seraphina was asleep when I got her back to the hospital. Her face looked pale, so fragile, like she might break if I looked at her too hard. I sat beside her bed and held her hand gently, feeling the warmth that was mine to protect. Her tears slid down her cheeks even in her sleep, and she murmured weakly.

Stephen dont leave me, okay? Im so scared.

I lowered my voice, trying to soothe her, but there was this gnawing panic deep in my chest that I couldnt shake. The waves outside crashed against the shore, a constant reminder of last night. My mind kept replaying Amelias face just before she jumpedthe calm, cold certainty in her eyes.

Seraphina, rest. Ill make a call.

I slipped my hand from hers and stepped into the hallway. My fingers trembled slightly as I dialed my assistant.

Did you find her yet?

There was hesitation on the other end. The wind and the waves made it hard to hear.

Still looking, sir. The seas too dark. We sent ten more boats, but

I cut him off, my voice tight. Keep looking. Shes a champion swimmer. Nothing can happen to her.

I rubbed my forehead. I knew she wasnt careless. Amelia had once taken the provincial swimming championship. That stretch of sea was nothing to her. She had done this on purpose. She wanted to make me panic, make me sweat. Heart surgery is in two days, she cant afford to disappear.

I muttered to myself, trying to convince myself it was just worry, but my gut twisted with unease. My gaze went to the snow piling outside the window. Inside my mind, her last smile kept haunting me. That smile wasnt hers. Not completely. It was sharp, knowing, untouchable.

No, I told myself. Thats not Amelia. She loved me before. She threw herself at me when my family went bankrupt, offered everything she had to help me pick up the pieces. She had fought for me like a warrior. She never would leave.

The next morning, I made sure Seraphina was in good hands with the nurse and drove home alone. The silence hit me the moment I pushed open the door.

Addy? I called out. Twice. Nothing.

I walked into the bedroom and froze. The wedding photosthe wall that used to shine with our happinesswas empty. The coffee table, the display cabinet in the living room, stripped clean. I called the servant, my chest tightening.

A few days ago, after Miss Amelia returned from outside, she ordered all photos with you burned. Nothing left, they said.

Impossible. She had treated those photos like treasures. She stared at them for hours, dragged me into the memories over and over. She could not have just let them go.

The phone rang. Seraphinas voice, trembling, came through the speaker.

Stephen, where are you? I I had a nightmare about our babies. Can you come back?

I looked around the empty room, every corner scanned like a hawk. No trace of her anywhere. My reply was automatic, but my heart raced anyway.

Im coming. Stay there.

Even when I sounded calm, I felt every inch of my chest tighten. Amelia had disappeared, and I had no idea if shed show up for her own heart surgery. But I would find her. I had to.

---

Seraphina threw herself into my arms the second we got back to the hospital. She was crying like her heart was breaking, and I held her tight, patting her back, trying to calm her down. But my mind wasnt really there.

She tilted her head up, tears streaking her face, and asked softly, Stephen are you thinking about something?

I could feel her trembling against me. You cant find Amelia? Is she okay?

I shook my head, the tension tightening my jaw. No word from my men yet, I said, thinking of the calls Id just made. Still nothing.

Her face crumpled, and she whispered, Im so sorry. If it wasnt for me none of this would have happened. Its because of me she she jumped.

I squeezed her tighter. Hey. None of this is your fault. We just lost our twins thats enough. You rest now.

She sniffled, still burying herself in my chest, and I felt her eyes flicker with something she tried to hide. I forced a slow exhale.

Shell be fine. Amelias a swimming genius. She almost made the national team. She probably swam ashore and hid because she doesnt want to see me. Thats why she hasnt called.

And the heart surgery she cant miss it. She wont.

I forced a smile for Seraphina, but inside, I was still twisting over every second she was out there.

The next two days, I focused on Seraphina, making sure she ate, rested, and stayed warm. But the moment it got quiet at night, my mind betrayed me, replaying Amelias face, her calm, steady look just before she jumped.

I told myself over and over she would come back for the surgery. Shes not reckless enough to risk that. Shes just acting out. Trying to scare me. But damn, it worked. I cant shake it.

I got to the hospital early, sitting on a bench outside the operating room, tapping my fingers on my knees without even realizing it.

The nurse came by again, looking a little nervous. Mr. Holt, has Mrs. Holt shown up yet?