💐 Dedication

For my girls out there —

the ones who’ve loved too deeply, trusted too soon, and stayed too long.

You deserved better.

And you still do.

AURORA POV

“I’m afraid… there’s no heartbeat. She should rest, and I’ll prescribe drugs to help her get stronger.” The doctor’s words hit first, hollow and sharp, cutting through the haze

For a moment, my mind floated somewhere far away, a numb fog that swallowed the walls, the beeping machines, even Amy’s worried face. The room existed, but it wasn’t mine anymore.

I pressed the phone tighter to my ear, the plastic hard against my palm. Her voice. Darren's mother, cold, cutting, and precise slithered through, slicing through my drifting thoughts: “You’ll never do anything right. You’ll never be enough.”

My hands shook uncontrollably, chest tight, stomach twisting into knots. Every words dug deeper than the last, anger colliding with grief until I felt hollow inside.

“You should be ashamed of yourself—you’ve been married to Darren for how many years now?” His mother’s voice snapped through the haze like a whip. My throat went dry. My chest throbbed. My heart pounded in a rhythm that didn’t belong to me.

Two miscarriages. Two. And still, not a single word of comfort, a single apology, a single acknowledgment of the pain I’d endured. Only judgment. Only blame. Only the relentless weight of expectations that were never mine to carry.

I shook my head faintly, whispering to myself: Calm down, Aurora. Everything will be fine.

After the insult and shenanigans ended, the phone clicked dead. Silence. But it wasn’t peace—it was the echo of her voice lingering like a shadow across my chest. I exhaled shakily, collapsing back into the hospital bed. My body ached, every limb heavy, muscles knotted with exhaustion and despair.

And then it hit me: I hadn’t seen Darren since Amy had rushed me out of our house. Not once. Not after being discarded, pushed, abandoned in my grief. My best friend, Amy, had stayed by my side— concern and worry written all over her face when she arrived.

“You’re awake!” she murmured softly, her voice cutting through the fog of pain.

I blinked at her, trying to focus, trying to remember how to be human.

“Yeah… thank you for bringing me here, Amy.” My voice was raw, hoarse, a shadow of itself.

She eased herself onto the edge of the bed, taking my hands in hers. “Don’t worry, baby girl. I’ll be with you through everything. You’re not alone.”

Tears burned the backs of my eyes. I pressed my palms to hers, clutching them as if holding on could anchor me in this crumbling world.

“I… I’m not okay,” I admitted finally, my voice trembling. My fingers clutched the empty blanket as sobs tore through my throat.

Amy sighed, a soft, heavy sound, then hugged me without a word. I didn’t resist. I let myself collapse into her, shaking, crying, releasing the grief that had been building for weeks, months, years, it seemed.

After a while, I stopped crying. My eyes were red, my hair a mess, my body stiff and aching—but there was something in the quiet aftermath of sobbing that felt almost… human again. I could breathe. Sort of.

“Did Darren come around? Or anyone from my family?” I asked quietly, voice barely above a whisper. My throat still raw, my hands still trembling.

Amy shook her head, her expression tight with frustration. “I called Darren. He said since you’re fine, you should come home when discharged."

" And the bills he said i should send it to him… your mom and Tessa..I don’t even know what to say.”

I pressed my lips together. Of course. Predictable. Everyone else safe in their lives while I had to pick through the ruins of mine. I let out a shaky sigh and pressed back against the pillow, staring at the ceiling. No one would understand, no one would truly see what this felt like.

Not even me.

The scent of antiseptic filled my nose and I can taste blood in my mouth probably from crying too damn much…

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I was in the living roaming when the front door opened. My eyes darted to the entrance immediately.

Darren stride in putting on a sweatpants and top. He wasn't home when Amy brought me back..

He eyes landed on me and he stopped walking.

"You're home." He stated like just I didn't know that already. I nodded in reply.

"Why didn't you visit?" I asked Calmly and his hands clenched together. Annoyance flickered in his eyes.

"What should I come there for? Not like you were giving birth" he hissed and I clenched my teeth angry my face turning red.

Is he fucking with me right now??

"Not like I'm giving birth?? I was in the hospital Darren, I lost our child and the best thing you could do is be there for me" I snapped and he sucked a breath in..

"Look aurora I paid for the bill okay.. just because I'm not there doesn't make things better beside your friend was with you" he uttered and I just shook my head in shame..

"Did you cook?" He asked,like the last eight hours of my life, the hospital, the grief… didn’t exist.

I blinked, stomach tightening. Cook? The word felt like a slap. My hands trembled, but I held my tongue. Best husband. Ever.

“Cook? Oh, honey…” I said, voice tight and trembling with rage. “I left that skill in the hospital along with my dead child. You’re welcome.”

I facepalmed my self and stood up,breathing hard, eyes blazing. How dare he act like my entire world revolved around feeding him while everything I loved had been ripped away?

“Really,” I continued, voice low and cutting, teeth clenched. “I just survived losing what should have been our baby… and you ask me if I cooked? Do you even hear yourself?”

His face twitched, probably trying to mask embarrassment or guilt—or maybe he thought I was overreacting. But no. Not today. Not ever again.

“I didn’t cook,” I spat, stepping closer, hands shaking but refusing to back down. “I didn’t eat, I didn’t sleep, I didn’t even have the chance to breathe because of everything you and your family put me through. So, yes, I left the cooking to fate… and maybe to common sense, which apparently you’ve never had.”

The ringtone of his phone blarred and he picked it up.

He said a couple of yes, yes,

"She's here" he mutters and I stared at him confused. He put the phone on loudspeaker

"Aurora I heard what happened" my mom said fr the other side her voice is the thing that can be heard

"Mother,.." I called

"You should've taken care of your self better. I'm sure it's because you were stressing yourself" she scolded and my mouth open in shock.

Of course she would blame me like I want my own child gone..

"I have a suggestion though.. " She drawled "Why not let Tessa be your Surrogate?!"

AURORA POV

"Why no let tessa be your Surrogate???" She suggested and I looked at Darren who shrugged

"Be my Surrogate?? How do mean?" I asked and she sighs

"You're not dumb Aurora.. she's going to sleep with your husband and get married then the child will be yiurs"she explained making me open my mouth in suprise.

"Why the fuck would I let her sleep with Darren. And why would she do that?" I said " I mean waste her precious today and time to carry my baby.."

Mom chuckled softly " oh Aurora.. I'm sure your sister doesn't mind. Besides she owes you and if you don't want her sleeping with your husband I'm sure there's something else..

"She doesn't owe me mother. She's my sister If I was asked to do it again I'll do it in a heartbeat. I stated "and I'll think about it"

Why does she think because I gave Tessa one of my kidney, she owes me.

"Well think about it.. Time is not on your side and Take care of yourself better, You should’ve been stronger.” " she replied making me furrow my brows

"What do you mean by that??" I asked

"Just think about what I said. Bye" she hanged up.

I sighed and glared at darren before walking to our room and he followed me.

"I'm sorry" he apologised and I snickered

"For what? Not coming to the hospital to check on me after I lose our child.. or for asking me if I've cooked.." I asked my voice low.

"Both.. The Reason I didn't come to the hospital was because I… I was pained.. I feel bitter and coming there will stir up bad feelings." He explained

"Oh of course." I said, My Voice flat.

"And for the food. I'm sorry. I'm tipsy and didn't want to talk about it " He said and pulled me into a hug.. I couldn't hold it and burst into tears..

"I'm fed up darren.." I choked out

"I'm sorry…" he held me tighter..

Second miscarriage after 1 year and 6 month of getting married..

He tucked me into the bed and lay beside me hugging me.. darkness fell over me..

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Darren left before I could wake up… it's be days since the incident

He left a note on the table beside the bed.

Off to work. I'll be home late BTW

Darren…

I sighed before walking to the bathroom.The bathroom door clicked shut behind me, and for the first time all day—hell, all week—there was silence. Just me, the faint hum of the light, and the dull roar of my pulse in my ears.

I leaned against the sink, breathing hard. My reflection stared back at me—hair tangled, cheeks pale, eyes hollow. I looked like someone who had forgotten how to exist.

I turned on the tap. The rush of water filled the space, too loud, too alive. My hands trembled as I splashed my face, but the sting of cold water only made everything worse. The tears came again—hot, angry, relentless.

“Take care of yourself better,” my mother’s voice echoed in my head. “You should’ve been stronger.”

I gripped the counter, knuckles white. “Pull yourself together, Aurora,” I whispered to the mirror, voice shaking. “You can’t keep falling apart.”

But the thing was—I already had.

The sobs came again, this time silent and shaking. I slid down to the floor, cold tile against my knees, clutching my stomach like I could still protect what was gone.

For the first time, I didn’t try to stop crying. I just let it come—loud, broken, messy. Let it echo through the empty bathroom until even my voice gave up.

Somewhere between breaths, between the ache and the silence, a thought hit me.

Maybe I should just let Tessa help me with the pregnancy stuff. At least to get Darren's family off my back……

"Yeah that's what I gonna do" I mumbled..

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After the crying session and everything in the bathroom earlier. I'm sitting in a cafe with Amy..

"So let me rephrase this… After you got home that day, Darren asked if you cooked?" She asked her eyes widen and I nodded..

"Yes" I mumbled

"Oh my lord. what type of man is that Aurora and why are you just telling me this." She barked in disbelief ..

"He apologised saying he was drunk… that's not why I'm here tho" I said "My mom suggested Tessa help me with the pregnancy"

She looked at me confused " How is she gonna help you with it?"

"Sleeping with Darren and conceiving.. After the pregnancy the child will be mine." I explained making her stare at me in disbelief

"Your mother wants your sister to fuck your husband and what did you say about it?"

"I told her no… but now, I'm re thinking babe.. the doctor said I don't have the strength to carry a pregnancy for now.." I mumbled.

Amy sighed heavily "I still don't think it's a good idea.. But what did Tessa say about it?" She asked

" I haven't informed her about it.. I just told my mom I'll think about it." I faltered

"Do you want her to help you?"

"Not really but I don't have a choice.. Darren's mom is on my neck.." I whispered, Fingers clutching the hem of my gown.

"Then call your mom and tell her yes but firstly talk to Darren okay?" Amy suggested

I nodded smiling softly "Thank you Amy.. I don't know what I'll have done without you"

"Always Babyyy now check this." She grinned showing me her phone. I took it and sate at am man picture..

damnnnn he looks..

My mouth opened widely and I hear Amy laughing..

In all the years I've been alive this is my first time of seeing someone as breathtaking as his.

Golden eyes. Golden Hair. His abs. body. He is a damn Greek God..

I shook my head immediately

Aurora be calm you're fucking married and going through a lot then to be gawking over a devilish handsome lord… my thighs clenched instinctively

"Earth to Aurora.." Amy snapped back to reality

I hand her phone back to her and she winled at me..

"Elias Stone.. The Billionaire and a bachelor of Syrial Cityyyyy. I mean he's like the richest man on earth.." Amy fawn excitedly

"He's okay." I nodded

"Okay?? You literally opened your mouth Rora" she giggled making me laugh..

Laugh which I haven't in weeks…

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I talked to Darren after I got home and he said he doesn't mind… in fact he didn't sound hesistant.

The image of my husband shagging my sister makes me wanna throw up.. So disgusting.

I breathed softly dialling my mother’s number.

"Aurora. Finally thought about it.?" She asked and I glance at darren who just looked at me and smiled softly.

"YESSS.." I drawled "Darren and I are both ready"

AURORA POV

“Yesss…” I drawled, stretching the word like a sigh that wanted to sound convincing. “Darren and I are both ready.”

“Thought you’d never call. I talked to your sister—she said she’ll help you,” Mom said in that calm, calculating tone that always made my stomach twist.

“Oh, I’ll call her too,” I replied, pretending it didn’t sting that she’d gone ahead and talked to Tessa first.

She hummed. “Okay. Tomorrow then—we’ll talk about it.”

And just like that, she hung up.

The call ended with a soft beep, and I just stared at the phone for a moment. Then I placed it on the small table beside the bed and lay down, my back turned to Darren. I didn’t want to see his face right now—his calm, detached expression that said he didn’t care one way or another.

Why did she agree so easily?

That thought replayed over and over like a broken record.

Still… at least she’s willing to help me, right? That should mean something.

I pulled the covers up, closed my eyes, and pretended the silence between Darren and me wasn’t suffocating.

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“Are you sure you’re okay with that?” I asked, pressing the phone harder to my ear as if that could bring her closer.

“Sis, yes, I’m sure,” Tessa said, her voice soft and airy. “If it’s about helping you, then yesss. Though, it’s gonna be awkward with Darren.”

I smiled faintly. She said it so easily, like it was nothing. Like she wasn’t about to step into my life in a way that could ruin everything.

“I’m sorry,” I whispered, my throat tight. “And thank you for being willing to do this. I promise—you’ll be taken care of, and I’ll compensate you.”

“Aurora, stop please.” Her laugh was gentle, familiar. “You’re my sister. I’ll do anything for your happiness.”

That broke me a little. I pressed my lips together as tears stung my eyes.

“Thank you so much, Tessa,” I murmured, my voice cracking.

“So… how’s it gonna go?” she asked. “When do you need me to come over? What’s the arrangement?”

“I don’t know yet,” I admitted softly. “But I’ll let you know once we figure it out. Thank you again. Really.”

“Always, Love you.”

"Love you too"

I hung up before my emotions could swallow me whole.

My fingers trembled slightly as I dialed Amy’s number. She picked up on the first ring.

“Aurora!” she half-yelled, half-laughed, and for the first time that day, I felt a little lighter.

“Hey, Amy.” I exhaled slowly. “So, I called Tessa. She said she doesn’t mind helping, but I feel nervous. Uneasy. Like something’s off.”

“I get it,” Amy said, her voice dropping. “I don’t feel great about it either, Rora. But maybe it’s for the best, right?”

“Maybe,” I muttered. Silence lingered between us for a beat. “Enough about me. How’s work—and your love life?”

“Hmmm.” I could hear her smirk. “Aside from my boss being an ass and my crush on Elias—wait, not Elias. I mean… I just recently saw his frienddddd.” She dragged the word, playful and dramatic. “And Aurora, I’ve been stalking him. I don’t have a man.”

I laughed despite myself. “You’re insane, Amy. I just want to get drunk and forget about everything—but I can’t. Not now.”

“Darren would flip if he saw your drunk side,” she teased. “You’d probably kill him in his sleep.”

“Tempting,” I whispered.

“God, I miss your sarcasm,” she said.

“Remember when you dragged me to that rooftop bar and swore we were ‘manifesting peace’ but ended up crying to Taylor Swift at 1 a.m.?”

I laughed, really laughed this time. “Don’t remind me. That was my villain origin story.”

Amy snorted. “Girl, it was my downfall too. My boss caught me the next morning looking like I fought a raccoon.”

I smiled, sinking into the comfort of her voice. For a second, it felt like I could breathe again.

That made me chuckle again, a sound that almost felt foreign now. Amy always had that effect — she reminded me of who I used to be. The girl who laughed without guilt. The girl who didn’t flinch every time her phone rang.

“Anyway,” she continued, “when’s Tessa coming over?”

“She said she’ll come tomorrow. I just hope it doesn’t get awkward,” I murmured.

“It’s gonna be weird, no lie,” Amy admitted.

“But you’re doing what you have to. Just… promise me you won’t overthink it tonight."

I hummed. “No promises.”

She sighed. “Okay, go sleep before I drive over there and tuck you in myself.”

“Goodnight, Amy.”

“Night, sis.”

I hung up, exhaling a shaky breath before tossing my phone on the nightstand. The room was silent again — too silent.

Then the door opened.

Darren strolled in, shirt half-unbuttoned, his usual cologne filling the room before he even said a word. His tie hung loose around his neck, his hair a little messy — not from work, but from someone.

His eyes flicked toward the phone still glowing beside me. “Late-night calls?”

“Amy,” I said quietly.

He nodded, unbothered, but the corner of his mouth tugged in that familiar smirk — the one that made it impossible to tell if he believed me or not.

“You’ve been spending a lot of time on the phone lately,” he said, casually undoing the rest of his cuff buttons. “Should I be jealous?”

I ignored the jab. “I talked to Tessa today. She said she’ll help.”

He glanced up briefly, interest flickering in his eyes. “She did?”

I nodded. “Yeah. She didn’t say when she’s coming though.”

He smiled to himself — slow, deliberate.

“Then tell her to come in two days.”

“Two days? Isn’t that a little—”

He cut me off with a lazy grin. “The sooner, the better, baby. You overthink when you wait. It’s annoying.”

I frowned. “You could try being a little more sensitive, you know.”

"Sorry baby I just want is to get it over it.. it's gonna be awkward but we're doing this for us" he said softly and I clenched my jaws.

"It's fine I'll text her to come in two days time"i replied and be nod his head going to the bathroom…

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The next two days felt like waiting for a storm I knew was coming — one I couldn’t dodge, no matter how far I ran.

Darren barely said a word after that night.

Just existed — all cool charm and calm silence, like nothing ever burned between us.

That was his thing. The colder he got, the more you doubted your own warmth.

By the morning of the second day, I woke up to the sound of a car pulling into the driveway.

My stomach dropped.

She’s here.