“You’re finally awake, Sabrina!” Ava sat by my side, gripping my hand tightly.

Ever since I had fainted in the restaurant’s private room, I had been unconscious. When I finally opened my eyes, I found myself lying in a hospital bed. Beside me sat Ava and my mother.

“Daughter, you’re finally awake,” my mother said, her voice filled with worry. “If Ava hadn’t gotten you here in time, your life might have been in danger.”

“Sabrina, why didn’t you tell me you were pregnant?” Ava handed me the medical report. “Luckily, the baby is fine, but you scared me.”

I had planned to keep it a secret and surprise everyone. But instead, it had turned into a fright.

“There’s no need anymore,” I said calmly. “Cooper is determined to divorce me. There’s no point in keeping the child.”

The doctor had already bandaged my hand and ankle. When my mother saw my pale face, her eyes welled up with tears.

“It’s all my fault for letting you marry that bastard Cooper,” she cried, clutching me tightly as tears streamed down her cheeks. “Now he dares to abandon his wife and child.”

“He’s made his choice. Since he’s so determined to marry Dixie, I don’t want anything more to do with him either,” I said, trying to soothe her.

It had been so long since I’d last seen her, and now she looked completely worn down. Her face was gaunt, and a clear slap mark stood out on her cheek. After my repeated questioning, she finally broke down and told me the truth.

“The voice you heard was Demi Collins, Gaten’s lover. He’s set on divorcing me. While you weren’t home, he kept giving me the cold shoulder. He flirted with Demi over the phone inside our house, and even brought her over...”

“Demi heard that I owned a pearl necklace worth a fortune and wanted it for her daughter’s wedding. So she came today to take it. That necklace was the most precious gift your grandmother left me. When I refused, Gaten slapped me hard.”

At that moment, my mother’s sobs finally broke free, raw and uncontrollable.

For my sake, she gave up the necklace. From her tearful account, I learned the truth: Demi and Dixie were mother and daughter.

After losing her husband early, Demi began searching for a new partner. By chance, she and my father had been long-time business associates. She knew exactly how to play him; she saw that he loathed business conflict and admired all things artistic.

To my father, my mother had been nothing but a tool for profit, someone he married to secure wealth and shares. Demi, however, was his so-called “soulmate.”

“Sabrina, if your father and I separate, it’ll affect you too. But I’ll manage,” my mother said gently, shifting the conversation. “Your baby will be born soon… I’m truly looking forward to that.”

As I spoke, my eyes lingered on the scar at the back of her neck.

She had never wanted me to worry. Even when Dad beat and belittled her time and again, she chose silence, enduring everything just so I wouldn’t be burdened.

Tears welled up in her eyes, her emotions finally spilling over. After a long pause, she nodded. “In that case, I’ll make things clear with Gaten and reclaim what’s rightfully mine.”

While I was still recovering in the hospital, the attending physician came in to check on me. His gaze landed on my mother’s tired face, and his voice slowed in surprise. “Annie Simmons ? Is that you? You don’t look well.”

My mother turned around, startled.

“Tanner Timberlake? Is it really you?” A faint light returned to her weary expression. “Thanks to you, my daughter’s safe.”

For the first time in days, there was a trace of warmth on her face.

My mother explained everything about Tanner. He had once been her classmate and later her colleague at the hospital. They both studied medicine, and after graduation, Tanner stayed behind, continuing in the same field alongside her. But after marrying my father, my mother gave up that job.

My grandmother had never approved of her becoming a doctor. With her fragile health, she often fainted during her shifts. It was always Tanner who stepped in and helped her avoid serious accidents.

Even after leaving the hospital, my mother remained in touch with her old colleagues. Every year, Tanner never failed to send her New Year’s greetings.

That day, Tanner called her outside. “You haven’t looked well lately. Are you alright?” he asked gently, concern softening his voice.

“It’s just the old illness acting up again. Nothing serious. My daughter, she’s alright, isn’t she?” Her only worry was me. Once he reassured her, she finally eased a little.

“Let’s meet up sometime. It’s been so long.”

“Definitely next time. I’ve got more pressing matters to take care of now.”

After I recovered, I returned home with my mother. As for Cooper, I had Ava keep an eye on him for me. Having grown up by my side, Ava didn’t even hesitate.

“Don’t worry,” she said with quiet confidence. “Since Cooper was heartless first, he can’t blame me for using drastic measures.”

But when we stepped into the house, I froze. The entire place had been turned upside down. The living room was in shambles, our family portrait shattered, the paintings of my mother and me ripped apart, and our clothes strewn all across the floor.

Standing in the center of the chaos, dressed in something skimpy and loud, was a woman I immediately recognized as Demi. She nestled in my father’s arms, her voice sweet as poison, fingers toying with what used to be my diamond ring and my mother’s necklace.

“This is lovely,” she cooed with a satisfied smile. “My daughter will look so pretty wearing it.”

“Don’t think about your daughter, you’ll look even better wearing it, Demi. At a recent auction in the capital, there was a set of emerald-green jewelry. I think it would look perfect on you.”

“After Dixie’s wedding, when we have ours, I’ll get it for you as your wedding gift,” my father said, tapping Demi’s nose with affection.

My mother stood frozen beside me, the already-signed divorce papers trembling in her hand. Anger and heartbreak made her shake.

When she married him, she didn’t even receive a diamond ring. My grandmother had only agreed to the marriage because she believed he had good character and the will to work hard.

“Annie, don’t worry. Once I have money, I’ll make it up to you with a diamond ring!” he had once promised, kneeling on one knee before her, his voice full of solemn sincerity.

But the truth was, my mother’s family had never cared about the cost of a ring; she only wanted honesty and love.

All these years, that promised ring never touched her finger.

Yet now, for Demi, my father was willing to spend without hesitation.

I couldn’t hold back my anger any longer and stepped forward to snatch the necklace back. Demi finally noticed me, and instead of being upset, she seemed delighted by my outburst. Pretending to be startled, she shrank behind Gaten.

“Give the necklace back to my mother!” I shouted.

Demi clung to Gaten with a pitiful expression, clutching her belly as if I had frightened her.

“Gaten, it seems they don’t welcome me or the child. I’ll just return the necklace and leave.”

My father, looking distressed, held her protectively. “Sabrina, go back. This is an adult matter.”

I refused to retreat, but he stepped in front of me again, shielding her.

“Is that how you speak to your elders? You’re married now, stop meddling in family affairs.”

Just then, a ringing phone cut through the tension. It was Dixie calling.

“Good daughter, don’t worry. I’ve already prepared everything. Just focus on your wedding with Cooper,” Demi said sweetly before hanging up, her gaze landing on my mother and me with a triumphant smile.

"Your daughter is about to get married, and you're still holding on to someone else's jewelry? That's pathetic," I said coldly.

Demi’s face turned red with anger, but she quickly looked at Gaten with a fake, sad expression.

He was already furious. Ever since he married my mom, people had said he was just a poor man living off her money.

Suddenly, my dad slapped me hard.

"How dare you talk to Demi like that! Her daughter’s getting married and I’ll be there with her!"

I looked at him in shock. The slap knocked me down, and I felt blood at the corner of my mouth. My mom rushed over and held me, her face full of pain.

Then, with shaking hands, she threw the divorce papers on the floor.

"Happy now? Gaten, I’m divorcing you!"

My mother had long seen through Demi’s act, playing the victim just to win my father’s sympathy. She let out a cold, bitter laugh.

My father picked up the divorce papers, gave a satisfied nod, and exchanged a knowing smile with Demi.

In an instant, Demi’s tone turned sharp. “Now that you’re divorced, pack up your things and get out. Don’t interfere with me and Gaten again.”

She made sure to tilt her head slightly, revealing the hickey on her neck like a badge of pride. My mother’s breath caught in her throat. That’s when she noticed the oil paintings, freshly hung, every one painted by my father for Demi, replacing the family portrait and wedding photos that once defined their life together.

Her asthma flared again. She fumbled for the inhaler in her bag, took the medicine, and swallowed it quickly.

Once she steadied herself, she gently wiped the blood from the corner of my mouth and tried to help me up so we could leave.

My eyes burned with refusal, my heart unwilling to let go. But for my sake, my mother still chose to walk away.

“It’s alright. It’s just a necklace. Having you is enough for me.”

“Mom, are you okay? Sabrina didn’t bully you, did she?”

“Don’t worry, I’ll protect Demi.”

“Dad, you’re the best. Everything’s set for the wedding. Just one more day…”

On Demi’s phone, their voices were filled with joy, sounding like a perfect little family.

I let out a cold laugh, finding it all painfully ironic. The promises Gaten once made to my mother had now been tossed aside like garbage.

After we left the house, a thought suddenly struck me. I suggested we go to the Armitage home.

When we arrived, it was empty. Looking around at the cozy space Cooper and I had once designed together, I felt nothing but distance. Everything had changed beyond recognition.

I sighed and walked into the room to retrieve my things.

Inside the cabinet was an iron box, heavy with the weight of memories, every piece a fragment of my love with Cooper. I had met him by chance, through an accident. Back then, I was young and reckless, infatuated with racing. My parents had strictly forbidden it, so I could only practice in secret.

I had always loved the thrill of speed, though no one around me ever understood; only Ava supported me.

During the annual racing competition, I secretly signed up without telling my parents. I believed that with my skills, I could at least place third. Everything had gone smoothly until the final stretch.

Out of nowhere, my car malfunctioned and slammed into the guardrail, sparks bursting in every direction. Lacking experience, I panicked.

Just then, the driver ahead slowed down and blocked me in time, preventing what could’ve been a far worse disaster.

When the car caught fire, it was that driver who rushed back to pull me out. He had been heading straight for the championship, yet he chose to stop, risking injury just to save me.

As my consciousness faded, I heard voices in the chaos around me murmuring about his nickname: “Kevy”.

When I woke up, I was covered in injuries, lying in a hospital bed. The first person I saw was Cooper, standing quietly at my side.

My family and I thanked him sincerely. Over time, I found my feelings for him slowly growing. Two years later, we got married.

After being with him, I never raced again. He always said it was too dangerous, that he didn’t want me getting hurt ever again. So I stayed home, cooking, cleaning, taking care of everything for him.

I picked up that familiar set of car keys; the keychain still bore faint stains of blood from that day. Since I was leaving now, it felt like time to start over—a new beginning.

Just then, my eyes landed on a music score lying on the table. I paused.

It had been a gift from Cooper. I remembered how surprised I’d been when I first discovered it. I never expected him to be so talented.

I picked up the score, only to discover several additional pages tucked behind it. When I laid them out, they formed a complete piece. But the small handwriting on the back sent a chill through my chest; it was composed to commemorate Cooper’s ten-year bond with Dixie. It had nothing to do with me.

I had heard the name before, Dixie, his childhood friend. Years ago, her family had arranged for her to marry abroad. And now, I realized it all, I had merely been her stand-in from the very beginning.

I stood frozen, a bitter laugh escaping my lips, just as Ava’s call came through.

“I looked into it. Dixie returned to the country half a year ago. She divorced her husband… and Cooper rushed to her side. I heard they’re probably getting married.”

I wasn’t surprised. Ava, clearly disgusted with Cooper, quickly changed the subject.

“Stop crying over that jerk. Kevin’s back in town. Don’t be sad, come out with me.”

The Kevin she mentioned was Kevin Timberlake, the one who grew up with us, always like a gentle older brother in our eyes. I nodded, ready to walk away from this place.

But just as I turned, I crashed straight into Cooper, and behind him stood Dixie, her arms filled with large bags of gifts.

“Where are you going?” Cooper asked, his tone cold. “Dixie hasn’t eaten yet. Cook for her before you leave.”

He knelt, removing Dixie’s heels with care, and wrapped a bandage gently around her heel, a gesture that once belonged to me.

I stayed silent. Soon, Dixie took out her phone and held it up.

“This is from my mom. Isn’t it beautiful?”

On her screen was a photo, not just of my mother’s pearl necklace, but the rest of her jewelry too.

“At the wedding in a couple of days, I’ll look stunning wearing them. They’ll surely bring fortune to my baby,” Dixie said smugly, gently stroking her pregnant belly.

I didn’t even want to acknowledge her. My hand tightened around the car keys, ready to leave.

“I told you to stay. What more do you want?” Cooper snapped, grabbing my wrist in frustration.

“Since you had me sign the divorce papers half a year ago, where I go has nothing to do with you.”

From the side, Dixie added fuel to the fire with a mocking tone. “If you’re leaving, then don’t bother coming back.”

I shook off Cooper’s hand, yanked the door open, and walked out without a word. As I left, I deleted my fingerprints from the passcode lock, one final gesture of severance.

With that, I left and did not look back.