Adeline’s Pov

The first thing I noticed when I woke up was the cold. I was strapped to a narrow bed in a white room that smelled of bleach.

A man in a doctor’s coat stood beside me, humming softly as he checked a syringe.

“Where am I?” I whispered.

He smiled without looking up. “Your husband said you needed help. Don’t worry, Mrs. Morales. I’m here to fix you.”

The needle slid into my arm before I could speak. My head spun, my tongue heavy from the drug. I tried to speak but couldn’t, my wrists fighting uselessly against the straps.

The doctor glanced at me, “Don’t worry, we’ll make you feel better. Just relax.”

He pressed a button. Pain shot through my body like lightning. I screamed.

“Shh…” he said softly. “It’s part of the treatment.”

For two days, I lost track of time. My body ached from the shocks, my throat burned from crying.

Every time I begged to go home, they injected me again. I heard the nurses whisper when they thought I was asleep.

“Clara said not to leave marks,” one murmured.

“Pity,” the other replied. “She paid so well.”

That was when I realized that Clara had arranged a torture session for me and pretended it was therapy.

By the second evening, I couldn’t even cry anymore. I just lay there, staring at the ceiling, waiting for it to end.

When the door opened, Ethan walked in later that night as I've been discharged.

I thought I’d cry or shout but I didn’t. I just stared at him, unable to say a word.

He frowned. “You look terrible. It’s only been two days.”

Only two days. I didn’t reply. I didn’t have the strength to. I just kept shivering from the cold weather, it was raining heavily outside.

“Let’s go,” he said flatly. “Clara’s waiting at home. She needs me.”

Of course she did. He didn’t even help me stand. I followed him silently, each step burning through my legs.

In the car, the silence was unbearable. The city lights blurred outside my window. I stared at my hands, I was trembling and cold but he didn't spare me any glance.

Then his phone rang. Clara’s voice came through the speaker, trembling and soft.

“Ethan! Please, come home. The baby… something’s wrong. He’s not moving!”

Ethan’s hand tightened on the steering wheel. Without a word, he pulled the car to the side and unlocked my door.

“Get out.”

My head snapped up. “What?”

“I said get out, Adeline. Clara needs me.”

“You’re leaving me here?”

His eyes met mine for a second, flat and cold. “You’ll manage.”

The door slammed, and the car sped off, splashing mud across my skirt.

I stood by the roadside, shaking in the rain, watching the red taillights fade away.

I tried to cross, but my vision blurred as headlights flashed, a horn blared, and then everything went dark.

—

When I woke up again, I was in another hospital bed. My body hurts everywhere. A dull pain pulsed deep in my stomach.

A doctor walked in quietly, his face grim. “Mrs. Morales,” he said, “you’re lucky to be alive. But… we had to perform an emergency surgery. The damage was severe. I’m sorry but you’ve lost your womb.”

My world stopped.

I stared at him, my lips trembling. “What… what did you just say?”

He lowered his eyes. “There was too much internal bleeding. You won’t be able to conceive again.”

My breath came out in shallow gasps. The monitor beside me beeped rapidly as tears slid down my cheeks.

A knock sounded on the door. Clara stepped inside, dressed in soft pink, her hands resting gently on her round belly.

“Oh dear,” she said, feigning sympathy. “I heard you had a little accident. Such a shame about… your womb.” She tilted her head, smiling. “But look on the bright side, now you can focus on helping me raise our child.”

I gripped the blanket. “Why are you everywhere? Are you stalking me?”

Clara laughed wickedly, “I only came to admire my handwork. I’m not happy you survived the accident when I gave them clear instructions but at least now you can't have any child for Ethan.”

My chest tightened and before I could stop myself, I yanked her hair, tears rolling down my cheeks.

“How could you? Isn't it enough you've killed my son, what more do you want?”

“Help!” Clara cried out.

The door opened suddenly as Ethan walked in with the doctor, their eyes going wide in disbelief.

“It’s barely twenty-four hours and you're attacking her again?!” Ethan snapped, pushing me roughly.

I fell from the bed as my back hit the edge of the bed, ripping my stitches open and I started bleeding again.

“Ethan,” I whispered, “she did this to me—she sent the people who ran me down —”

He cut me off. “Stop lying. I'm tired of your antics!”

I froze. “What?”

“I caught the man who hit you,” he said, tossing a file onto my bed. “He confessed. You paid him to hit you. I'm so disgusted by you I can't even look at you right now.”

I stared at him, horrified. “That’s not true! You think I’d do that to myself?”

Ethan scoffed. “Of course you would. You’d do anything for attention.”

I stared at him, my mouth hanging open with shock but before I could speak he continued.

He stepped closer, his voice low and cruel. “How low are you willing to go for attention, Adeline? You’ve lost your mind. Clara has done everything to make you feel better but you keep attacking her! How evil can you be?”

“I lost my child, Ethan!” I cried. “And now—”

He turned away before I could finish. “Enough. Clara’s baby shower is tonight. Try to act like a decent human being for once. Help her get ready.”

Clara leaned close, smiling sweetly. “Don’t worry, Adeline. I’ll make sure Ethan saves you a slice of cake.”

The door slammed behind him as he left with a smirking Clara.

I sat there, staring at the hospital gown that was now stained with blood. My hands trembled as my phone buzzed beside me.

It was a message from Mr. Harris, my lawyer:

“Divorce papers have been delivered.”

A tear slipped down my cheek, the last one I’d ever cry for Ethan Morales.

Adeline’s Pov

A few hours after Ethan stormed out of my hospital room I was discharged. The doctor stared at me with pity shining in his eyes.

“Please, Mrs. Morales, you have to take it easy. Anything else that happens from here your life could be in serious danger,” the doctor said.

I didn't say a word as I signed the divorce papers then I stumbled outside. My legs were shaking and my lower belly was in so much pain.

I half expected Ethan to be waiting outside, especially since he's been blowing up my phone with text messages since reminding me to come home and help Amber.

Ethan wasn’t there to pick me up. Of course, he wasn’t, what was I expecting from a man who had left me for dead twice?

When I got home, the house was alive with laughter and clinking glasses. Blue and gold decorations hung everywhere, balloons tied to the stair rails, and a large banner stretched across the living room:

“Welcome Baby Jared Morales.”

It took me a second to realize today wasn’t just Clara’s baby shower. It was also our second wedding anniversary.

And yet, not a single flower, not a single glance from Ethan, hinted that he even remembered.

Ethan’s friends who had arrived early were staring at me when I walked in, their eyes filled with mock pity as they whispered.

“There she is. I can’t believe she still lives here.”

“She really thought Ethan would forget Clara? They grew up together and he's been in love with her.”

“I heard she lost her child and now she's barren. Poor thing, she's so in love with Ethan she doesn't want to leave him.”

Each word sliced through me like glass, but I kept walking, not sparing them a glance.

When I reached the grand hall, Clara stood in the middle, radiant in a silk blush gown, glowing with the fullness of pregnancy. Ethan stood beside her, adjusting her shawl, his expression soft, almost worshipful.

I had seen him look at me that way once. Now it felt like a lifetime ago.

“Adeline,” Ethan said curtly, barely sparing me a glance. “You’re home. Clara’s shower starts in an hour. Make sure everything is ready.”

My voice came out low and steady. “Of course. I wouldn’t want to ruin your big day.”

He frowned, clearly irritated, but before he could speak further, Clara turned to me with that syrupy smile that hid venom.

“Oh, Adeline, you’re just in time! The cake and gifts are ready, but I’m missing one small detail. Could you please prepare something for me to eat?” she asked.

I frowned, “There are a lot of maids here, get one of them to do it.”

“Oh… it’s just you make really good meals for pregnancy so I just thought… Never mind, I'll get one of the maids,” Clara said, feigning sadness.

Ethan stopped her as he turned to me, “You have nothing else to do, Adeline. Make yourself useful and prepare a meal for her!”

I limped toward the kitchen when Clara’s voice sounded, “Uhm, Adeline please be a darling and help me get the files for Ethan to sign. He promised to give me a new car today and I've arranged the paperwork.”

I went to the desk and saw the paperwork of the car, it was the Lamborghini I've been telling Ethan to buy for me but yet he didn't get it now he's gotten it for Clara with a customized plate number.

I scoffed and slipped the two documents into the car paperwork and took it to Ethan who signed all the documents without reading them.

“At least even if you're barren now you’re still useful in the office,” Ethan said in a cutting tone.

I bit back the tears and took the documents to the kitchen. I removed the divorce papers and the assets transfer he had signed and smiled.

Just a few more days and I’ll be out of this hellhole forever.

—

By the time the guests arrived, the house sparkled like a palace. Music played softly, and laughter bounced off the marble walls. Clara was everywhere, glowing, adored, and surrounded.

I stood at the back, half-invisible.

Ethan’s mother, Mrs. Morales, swept into the room in a flowing gown, her pearls gleaming.

“Clara, my dear!” she exclaimed, kissing her cheek. “You look stunning. Look at that belly. Finally, a grandchild!”

Her sharp eyes landed on me. “Adeline. You’re back.”

“Yes, Mother,” I said quietly.

She sniffed, her lip curling. “You should’ve stayed in the hospital. You’ll only bring bad luck here. You couldn’t even keep a child alive, yet you want to stay in this family?”

Clara placed a gentle hand on Mrs. Morales’s arm. “Don’t say that. Adeline didn’t mean for the accident to happen.”

Mrs. Morales sighed dramatically. “You’re too kind, Clara. A barren woman like her should learn humility. It’s no surprise Ethan lost interest. Men need heirs, not bad omens.”

Laughter rippled through the crowd.

I clenched my fists so tightly my nails bit into my palms. “My son didn’t die because I’m barren,” I said, my voice trembling. “He died because your son killed him.”

The room fell silent.

Ethan’s jaw tightened. “Adeline!”

“She did it!” I shouted, pointing at Clara. “She told you to take my stem cells for her. You killed our child to save her!”

Gasps echoed through the hall.

For a moment, Ethan looked uncertain. Then Clara flinched, covering her mouth, her eyes wide with fake tears.

“I… I can’t believe you’d say that,” she whispered. “I never wanted this. Ethan, please, don’t let her ruin today.”

“Enough, Adeline,” Ethan said coldly. “You’re embarrassing yourself. This is Clara’s day, not your pity show.”

I took a step back, tears burning my eyes. “Do you even remember what today is?”

He blinked, confused. “What are you talking about?”

“Our anniversary.”

There was silence then laughter followed as Mrs Morales and some of the guests snickered including Clara’s friends.

Clara smiled faintly. “Oh, I didn’t know. You poor thing. I guess the dates got mixed up.”

Mrs. Morales chuckled. “Don’t start drama, Adeline. This is a celebration of life, not of your mistakes.”

I felt my throat close.

Before I could say another word, Clara suddenly gasped, clutching her stomach. “Ethan… my baby!”

Ethan rushed to her side immediately. “Clara! What happened?”

Between sobs, she whispered, “It’s… it’s Adeline. She… she served me food earlier. I think it had peanuts… I told her I’m allergic!”

The room erupted in chaos. Guests murmured, eyes turning toward me with disgust.

“What kind of woman does that?”

“She’s jealous!”

“She wants to harm the baby!”

“Adeline!” Ethan shouted, fury flashing across his face. “What did you do?! If anything happens to Clara or my child, you’ll regret it for the rest of your life!”

My lips parted, but no sound came out. I wanted to scream that it was all a lie, but no one would listen.

He scooped Clara into his arms and turned away without another glance. “I’m taking her to the hospital. Don’t follow us.”

The door slammed behind him.

I stood alone in the hall, surrounded by their laughter fading down the driveway.

The guests avoided my gaze, whispering like vultures as they filed out of the house.

I looked at the cake, the decorations, the roses, all celebrating the woman who had taken everything from me.

My hands shook as I touched the envelope on the table, the one holding his signed papers.

A bitter smile curved my lips.

“Happy anniversary, Ethan,” I whispered. “You just signed your empire away.”

Adeline’s Pov

The next morning, I woke up to the sound of footsteps. Heavy, angry ones.

The door slammed open. Ethan stepped in, his expression cold, followed by two of his guards.

“Take her,” he said flatly.

My heart raced. “Ethan, what are you doing?”

He didn’t answer. The guards grabbed me, dragging me out of the room. I struggled, crying out his name, but he only stared ahead.

They shoved me into the old storage room at the far end of the house. Dust filled the air. My knees hit the floor.

“This is punishment,” Ethan said, standing in the doorway. “For what you did to Clara last night.”

“I didn’t do anything!” I shouted. “She’s lying—”

“Enough!” His voice cut through me like glass. “You’ll stay here until you learn to control yourself.”

He threw something into the room. It was a bouquet of lilies. My throat tightened immediately. He knew I was allergic.

“Ethan, please,” I gasped. “Not this… you know I can’t—”

“You should’ve thought about that before hurting Clara.” His tone was cold. “Maybe this will teach you to behave.”

Then the door slammed shut.

I pounded on it until my hands hurt, tears blurring my vision. My chest burned as the air thinned. I could barely breathe.

I fell to the floor, clawing weakly at the door, my lungs screaming for air.

After what felt like forever, the door opened. I collapsed onto the hallway floor, coughing violently.

Ethan stood over me, his expression unreadable. “If you ever touch Clara again, Adeline,” he said slowly, “I swear, you’ll regret it.”

He turned and walked away.

I lay there for a long time, shaking. Then my phone buzzed beside me. I fumbled to answer.

“Sweetheart,” my mother’s voice came through, soft and worried. “Your father booked your flight. Two days from now. Come home, Adeline. Please.”

My lips trembled. “I’ll come,” I whispered. “I promise.”

When the call ended, I sat there staring at the wall. Something inside me broke completely.

I dragged myself up, went to my room, and pulled out the box from under my bed. Inside were the memories of a life that no longer existed: wedding photos, love notes, Ethan’s first gift to me, the tiny blue blanket I’d bought for our son.

One by one, I threw them into the fireplace.

The photos curled and blackened. The smell of burnt paper filled the air.

I watched until nothing remained but ash.

I went back to the bedroom and started packing my clothes and documents into my box.

When I turned around, Ethan was standing by the door. His face was hard, his eyes cold.

“So, you’re packing already,” he said. “Good. When Clara comes back, she’ll move into the master bedroom. The guest room makes her uncomfortable. You can stay there.”

I said nothing.

He frowned. “I’m glad you’re finally seeing things my way. Maybe you’re not as useless as I thought.”

I turned back to my suitcase. “Is that all, Ethan?”

He ignored me and continued, “Clara’s in the hospital. She needs a blood transfusion. You’ll come with me.”

I froze. “No. I’m not donating anything to her.”

His jaw tightened. “You’ll do as I say.”

When I didn’t move, he grabbed my arm and pulled me along. “You owe her for everything she’s endured because of you.”

—

When we arrived, the doctor hesitated the moment he saw me. His eyes flicked from my pale face to the needle tray on the table.

“Mr. Morales,” he began carefully, “your wife isn’t in any condition for this. Her blood levels are critically low, and she’s still recovering from—”

Ethan’s glare cut him off. “Do I look like I care? Clara’s life is on the line. Do it.”

The doctor shifted uncomfortably. “If I take more blood from her, she might—”

“DO IT!” Ethan snapped, his voice echoing across the sterile white room.

The doctor’s hands shook slightly as he inserted the needle into my arm. The cold sting of metal pierced my skin, and crimson began to flow into the transparent bag.

The sound of the drip was too loud.

Ethan stood by the wall, his arms crossed. “Hurry it up,” he said flatly.

Minutes passed. My vision started to blur. The room tilted slightly, and the doctor’s voice sounded distant. “That’s enough. She’s at her limit—”

Clara’s shrill voice cut through the air, “Ethan, help, it hurts!”

“There’s nothing—” the doctor started to say but Ethan interrupted him.

“Take more!” he barked at the doctor.

The doctor froze. “Sir, if we take more blood, she could—”

“I said TAKE MORE!” Ethan thundered.

The doctor’s face was pale as he obeyed. The needle dug deeper, and I gasped. My chest hurt, my skin was clammy, but the worst pain was watching Ethan hold Clara’s hand as I bled for her.

“Ethan…” I whispered weakly. “Please… stop…”

He didn’t even turn. He stroked Clara’s hair and murmured, “It’s okay. You’ll be fine. Don’t cry.”

Each drop of blood felt like a piece of me leaving forever.

My lips turned numb, my body trembling violently.

The doctor tried once more, “Mr. Morales, she’s going into shock—”

“She’s faking it,” Ethan snapped coldly. “She always does this when she wants attention.”

My vision darkened. The beeping from the monitor became frantic. I could barely breathe.

Suddenly, the doctor shoved Ethan aside and pulled the tube out of my arm. “That’s ENOUGH!” he shouted. “You’ll kill her!”

Blood splattered across the sheet. I slumped back, my body shaking uncontrollably.

“Get her stabilized!” the doctor barked at the nurses.

The last thing I saw before the world went black was Ethan holding Clara close as she whimpered,

“I’m sorry, Ethan… this is all my fault,” she cried.

“It’s not your fault, Adeline is just being dramatic as always,” Ethan said coldly.

I stared at the man who had once promised to protect me as he glared at me like I was a stranger then I gave in to the darkness.