“Positive”

Sophia’s hands trembled as she held the pregnancy test, her heart racing with hope.

The two bright lines stared back at her, confirmation of the life growing inside her. After years of longing, maybe this was it—the miracle that would mend the cracks in her marriage.

A soft smile played on her lips as she imagined Ryan’s reaction. He’d been distant lately, but this would bring them closer, wouldn’t it? Their child could be the fresh start they needed.

Ryan was at work but it was already past the time they had agreed to meet. It was her birthday but she wasn't feeling well so she texted him to come a bit earlier and take her to the hospital.

It was as she was waiting that she decided to take a pregnancy test. She had already taken over a hundred With their three years of marriage and she was disappointed and heartbroken every time. But this time, it was positive and she couldn't wait to confirm it at the hospital.

Picking up her phone, she dialed his number again but it went straight to voice mail.

Sighing, she sent him a text.

S: [ I'm going to the hospital. Please pick me up in two hours at St.Mary’s. ]

It showed read immediately and her heart skipped a beat. She waited for his response but nothing came and she assumed he was just busy.

After seeing the doctor at the hospital and confirming she was pregnant, Sophia felt a little tired and had cramps as she walked out of the hospital.

But as she turned on the corner, she saw Ryan holding Hannah like she was his lifeline.

“Where is the doctor?” He barked out the order.

“Ryan. My head hurts.” Hannah whimpered as she moved even closer to her.

“We will take care of her sir.” A nurse said as they brought in a stretcher over a headache and the scene tore Sophia to shreds.

She took out her phone and dialed his number. The phone rang in his pocket but he only glanced at it and cut it.

The scene made Sophia's heart twist painfully as she dialed again, tears welling in her eyes.

This time he pulled out his phone and switched it off.

As she was leaning on the corner, a rushing nurse bumped into her and she fell on her knees right in front of the man who was supposed to be her husband.

“Sophia?” Ryan’s brows raised. “What are you doing here?”

“I-”

“Ryan! It hurts, please tell them to make it stop!” Hannah cried inside the room which had the door open so she could see Sophia still on her fours.

“Go home. I’ll see you later.” He was about to walk away when she pulled him back by the sleeve tears in her eyes.

“Ryan? Won't you even ask how I got her” her eyes were pleading.

“Don't be ridiculous, Sophia. Stop throwing a tantrum and go home!” He responded coldly and joined Hannah inside.

Sophia’s heart shattered as she forced herself to stand. But before she could walk away, she heard Hannah ask,

“Wasn't that Sophia? Ohh I don't want to come between you two.”

Ryan’s voice was soft, warm, and reassuring in a way he hadn’t been with her in years as he responded.

“There is nothing to come In between. Focus on getting better!”

Sophia knew she was her sister's replacement but she hoped Ryan would now warm up to her and hopefully, this baby was all they needed. But it was clearly her delusion for thinking that way.

“Oh, Ryan. Don't say that. You married her, remember?”

Her heart pounded hard as she stood and waited to hear his response. But upon hearing what Ryan had to say, she wished she hadn't heard it...

Ryan was silent for a minute before his deep voice echoed in the room,

“ She’s just a wife on paper,” he replied, his tone casual, almost dismissive as if he wasn't speaking about his wife.

Sophia felt her heart dropping into her stomach.

“Why are you still keeping her around then why not divorce her?” Hannah pushed, her eyes darting to the door.

Sophia didn't even wait to hear his response. Her heart couldn't take any more blows.

She was out of earshot when Ryan responded.

“You seem too interested in my marriage. Why would I divorce her? She may be my wife on paper but she's still my wife.”

Hannah’s heart boiled at that response, so she whimpered in pain to get his attention.

Meanwhile, Sophia ran blindly through the city, her tears blurring the lights around her. Her chest heaved with the weight of betrayal, each step pounding the reality deeper into her heart.

Was it all a lie?

All the affection he had shown her bubbled up hope inside her and she worked harder to make him notice her not knowing she was only making a fool of herself.

Before she realized it, she stood atop a towering rooftop, the city sprawling below her like a web of tiny lights and moving cars. The wind whipped through her hair, cold and unforgiving as if it mirrored the storm inside her.

Tears rolled down her cheeks and her heart felt like an iron fist had reached inside her chest and was squeezing her painfully.

Sophia stepped closer to the edge, the toes of her shoes hovering over nothingness. Her heart thundered in her ears, but she felt nothing. No fear, no pain—just an empty void swallowing her whole.

Tears continued to spill freely down her face as she glanced down at the world beneath her. People moved on with their lives, oblivious to her existence, her struggles, and her heartbreak.

Her sham of a marriage.

She was all alone in this world with no one who loved her.

Closing her eyes, she whispered, “I’m sorry,” as her hand cradled her stomach hoping her unborn baby would forgive her for what she was about to do.

Taking a shaky breath, she lifted one leg, her foot teetering in the air.

Sophia froze, her body trembling as the cold wind lashed against her. Just as she was about to let herself go, a faint flutter inside her stopped her.

She gasped, her hand instinctively moving to her stomach.

The baby.

Her baby.

Her knees buckled, and she collapsed onto the rooftop, sobbing uncontrollably. The life inside her—the tiny heartbeat that she was now responsible for—brought her back to reality. How could she even think of taking not just her life but this innocent one too?

"I'm so sorry," she whispered through her tears, clutching her stomach as if to shield the fragile life growing within her. "I'm so sorry."

For what felt like an eternity, Sophia sat there, the city lights blurring through her tears. The realization hit her like a tidal wave.

She had spent years living for Ryan, pouring every ounce of herself into a marriage that was built on lies. She had allowed herself to be a shadow, forgotten, unloved. But now, it wasn’t just about her anymore.

Wiping her tears, Sophia forced herself to stand. Her legs wobbled, but she steadied herself, breathing deeply as the cold air filled her lungs. She couldn’t give up—not now. If no one else cared for her, she would care for herself and her baby.

As she made her way back home, her heart still ached, but a small spark of resolve began to flicker within her. By the time she reached her house, the lights were on, and Ryan’s voice drifted from the living room, mingled with soft laughter.

Sophia hesitated at the door, her hand hovering over the handle. She could hear him talking on the phone.

"Yeah, it was great catching up with everyone. Oh, Hannah? I just dropped her home. She's much better and is hosting a party tomorrow. Sophia? I’ll bring her along—might as well make her see the outside world for once."

The words, though cutting, didn’t have the same power to break her this time. She pushed the door open and stepped inside.

Ryan glanced up, his eyes dilating slightly like he had seen a ghost at her disheveled appearance.

"Where have you been? And what’s with the mess? You couldn’t bother preparing me dinner?"

“How was work? I thought you already had dinner.” Sophia asked instead.

"You saw me busy at the hospital taking care of your sister. I didn't eat besides, you know how much I love your cooking.”

“You've never told me that so I wouldn't know,” Sofia responded.

Ryan walked over and Sofia walked backwards. When he saw her reaction he paused, concern etched on his face.

“Are you feeling sick?” He asked but it only felt like mockery to Sofia.

How could he be sweet and kind in private while he talked ill about her to her sister?

Pathetic!

Sophia’s hands clenched into fists as anger bubbled up inside her. But she remained quiet.

Seeing her lack of interest in what he was saying, Ryan went on.

"Also, Hannah fell sick make sure you check on her.” He followed her as she entered their bedroom. “Your parents are throwing her a welcome party tomorrow and they called saying we need to be there.”

Of course!

Hannah was Sophia’s talented step-sister whom her father brought in after the death of her mother. He remarried a few months later and has paid attention to only Hannah since then. It's been like she isn't even their real daughter.

After having felt neglected, she went to stay with her grandmother but she fell sick and now Sophia had to return to her father's house, and let's just say no one has been thrilled with her return.

Getting married to Ryan felt like an escape for her. Until she realized she had just been warming Hannah’s bed.

Sophia didn’t respond, her hand resting protectively over her stomach as she walked past him.

"Did you hear me, Sophia?" Ryan called out, his tone sharp.

She paused at the foot of the bathroom door and turned to look at him. For the first time in years, her gaze was steady.

"I’m tired, Ryan."

He frowned, clearly not expecting the calm indifference in her voice.

"You’re always tired. Tomorrow, make sure you’re ready for the party. Hannah invited you, and it’s important to her. It will be a great chance for you to show everyone you two get along.”

Sophia nodded once before walking into the shower. She didn’t argue, didn’t defend herself. Ryan knew she hated meeting her family because they always treated her like an outcast but he insisted anyway.

It was obvious he would do anything to please Hannah.

Including sacrificing Sophia’s peace.

Once she was done bathing, she entered the blankets but was shortly joined by Ryan.

A habit that used to melt her heart now felt like chains dragging her to sink.

“I missed you.” He reached down to kiss her but she turned her face away making his lips touch her cheeks.

“I am tired,” Sophia said.

Ryan hesitated for a moment but only sighed. “Alright, go to sleep,"

Sophia turned around, feeling a weight settle beside her as Ryan pulled her in his arms with her back touching his chest.

“You need to learn a lot Sophia, but don't worry Hannah is willing to teach you.” He said proudly.

Sophia closed her mouth tightly to not let the sobs echo in the entire room.

She knew the party would be hell for her.

“I don’t think I should be here.” Sofia hesitated as they reached the front door.

“What are you talking about? This is your sister's party, Sophia.” Ryan responded with his arm wrapped possessively around her waist as they entered the hotel for Hannah’s homecoming party.

The hotel was beautifully decorated with glittering lights and expensive artistic portraits on the wall.

Sophia grabbed her dress in a fist like it was her lifeline as Ryan walked forward with her. The lively chatter felt suffocating.

Sophia’s stomach twisted as she spotted familiar faces among Ryan’s friends, their mocking smirks and quiet laughter only amplifying her discomfort.

Ryan leaned down, his lips brushing against her forehead as he murmured,

“You’ll be polite tonight, Sophia. Don’t disappoint me.”

The warning in his tone was clear, but before she could respond, a familiar voice rang out.

“My beloved Sophia! Oh how much I missed you!”

Hannah’s voice was bright and airy, a direct contrast to the sharpness in her eyes as she approached.

She looked breathtaking in her off-shoulder green dress that clung to her like a second skin, her radiant beauty making Sophia feel plain in comparison.

She clasped Sophia's hands with feigned warmth, though her gaze slid past her lingering on Ryan with an intensity that made Sophia's skin crawl.

“Do you hate me, Sophia?” she asked, her voice trembling with fake emotion.

“You never called me once after you left. Not even a text. Have I done something so unforgivable?”

Sophia stood frozen, unsure of how to respond, but Hannah didn’t wait for an answer.

“I suppose I can’t blame you for being upset,” she continued, her voice dropping into an exaggerated whisper as her eyes shone with what Sophia knew were crocodile tears. “I did take all of Mom and Dad’s attention growing up. You must’ve felt so… unloved. But surely you understand, don’t you? Love isn’t something you can force.”

Her words stung, each one carefully designed to cut deep. And yet she wasn’t finished.

“Mom fell ill with cancer disease, you know,” she added, her gaze sharp and accusing. “You didn’t even visit her. Do you know how much that broke her heart? How can I fix our family when you make no effort to mend it, Sophia?”

Sophia's mouth opened to defend herself, to call Hannah out on her hypocrisy, to say something—anything—but nothing came out.

“Sophia still has a lot to learn about relationships,” Ryan interjected smoothly, his hand tightening on her waist. His voice was light, but the edge was unmistakable.

“When I have time, I’ll bring her back to apologize properly.”

His words felt like a slap. He knew what she had endured at the hands of her family—the neglect, the insults—and yet he spoke as though she was the one at fault. Sophia’s heart ached as she realized how little he truly cared.

“I need a drink.” Sophia excused herself from the suffocating crowd, needing air, needing space.

The hallway leading to the bathroom stretched before her and luckily, it was empty. For a moment, she felt like she could finally breathe.

But the breath of fresh air was short-lived.

“Well, if it isn’t the prodigal sister,” Hannah’s voice rang out behind her dripping with mockery.

Sophia groaned internally as she turned to see the last person she wanted to see approaching, a glass of red wine in hand and a cruel smirk on her lips.

Her heels clicked against the polished floor as she stopped in front of Sophia, her eyes scanning her dress with open disdain.

“Is that… vintage?” she sneered, tilting her head. “Or did you raid Grandma’s closet for something appropriately depressing?”