The Day I Left Him, I'm Done

The phone rang from an unknown number as I slipped on my coat. I almost let it go to voicemail, but something made me answer.

A flat voice said, Your child didnt die because there was no heart transplant. The heart was given to Lorenzobecause he is Nathans son with your stepsister Amber.

The line went dead. I stood frozen, the words landing like a blow. Lorenzo. Amber. Nathan. My stomach dropped. For a moment I thought it was a cruel prank. Then my hands started to shake.

Nathan texted: Dinners off. Business emergency. Sorry, Em. Well reschedule.

Normally I would have believed him and moved on. This time, I couldnt. The strangers words were a splinter under my skin. The idea that my childs heart had been given to someone elsesomeone with Nathans nameignited something cold and furious inside me.

I told the driver to take me to his office instead of the restaurant. If he really had a business emergency, I would find him there. If he was lying, I would see it on his face.

The company lobby smelled of lemon polish and money. Mr. Santos met me with that careful expression servants wear when they dont know how to lie. Madam, he said quietly, Mr. Nathan left earlier. He went out with Miss Amber. They were seen leaving for the port.

The port. The word landed like a punch. I didnt think. I ran.

The yacht was lit and loud, a pocket of other peoples joy. I stayed in the shadows and watched. Nathan stood close to Ambercloser than he ever had to me in private. Her laugh was sharp; his hand rested on her back the way it should have rested on mine. His voice was low and easy, the kind of voice that kills trust slowly.

Are you sure she wont come? Amber asked, like she was practicing worry. What if she finds out you canceled to be with me?

Nathan smiled as if naming the truth was a joke he alone understood. She wont. She always believes me. Shes gullible because she loves me. The only reason I married her was because of our parents. If only you were the legitimate one, it would have been different.

My breath stopped. Ill make you my wife soon, he said without a tremor. Well wait for the right time todispose of her. During my parents anniversarywe can frame her cheating with someone else. Theyll approve the divorce. You know how my family is when it comes to marriage, so we have to make sure they cant say no, and make her look like the bad one.

Do it soon. Lorenzos growing; he wants you to bring him to Family Day. Dont hide him. Im tired of this.

Footsteps thudded. A small voice called, Daddy! Lorenzo ran to them. Amber caught him; Nathan lifted him into his arms. The boys face was open and trusting. Daddy, he said again, and that one word split the world I thought I knew.

Nathan laughed softly, brushing the boys hair. Be careful, buddy. You know you cant just run around like that

Amber smiled and touched the childs cheek. Let him. After all, his heart is safe nowthanks for giving it to him, and not to your daughter with Emerald.

Nathan chuckled, the sound low and careless. Come on its not like I ever wanted a child with her. Its you, Amber. Its always been you. Forever.

I pressed my hand to my belly. The life inside me kicked. I thought I would be able to surprise my husband, Nathan, with the news of a baby after losing our first child three years ago, but I was the one surprised.

Back then, our daughter, Gem, was only five when she was diagnosed with a congenital heart diseasesomething the doctors said came from Nathans family line. We waited for a donor for months, and when a heart finally came, we thought it was her chance to live. But the transplant failed. They said it wasnt a match. Gem died on the table, and all that time, I believed that was the real reasonjust a tragedy, just bad luck.

Now I know the truth.

I ran until my legs trembled. I drove straight to St. Isidores Hospitalthe place that had taken my daughter. Doctor Morales had been the man who told me there had been nothing more to do. Now I found him, and I did not beg. I did not plead. I threatened.

You tell me everything now, I said. Or my brother Reid will do what he does.

Reids name carries weight in this citywhispers of mafia ties, favors paid in fear. I hadnt seen him in years; life had pushed us into different paths. Still, just saying his name made people hurry and strip their lies away. Doctor Moraless hands shook.

Im sorry, Ms. Emerald, he said at last. Your husband he arranged it. He wanted the heart given to Ambers child. He used his influence. He made sure the transplant went to their boy.

The words hit like an avalanche. The phone call, the yacht lights, the childs voiceeverything snapped into a brutal, clear picture. Nathan had chosen. Nathan had given my childs heart away.

I sat down until the world stopped spinning enough to think. There was one thing I could do that didnt wait for time to punish him: call Reid.

My fingers found his number as if theyd practiced the motion. I hadnt seen him in yearsever since Reid got involved with the mafia and our father forced me to cut tiesbut despite everything, wed always been close, and I knew he would come. He answered on the second ring.

Brother, help me, please! Nathan hurt me! Take me home and Ill do everything you want me to do.

The morning light touched the edge of my canvas, turning the wet paint into tiny sparks of gold. Id been painting for almost an hourcolors spilling, soft strokes calming my chest. It felt foreign and familiar all at once, like breathing after being underwater too long.

Then the door burst open.

Where are my clothes, Emerald?! Nathans voice crashed through the room. And my breakfast? My presentation files? Have you forgotten everything?

I froze, brush midair. His face was red, his tie half-done, frustration already curdling into anger.

I dont want to do it anymore, I said quietly, my voice barely leaving my throat.

He blinked. What?

I set the brush down, hands shaking. I said I dont want to do it anymore. The cooking. The preparing. The pretending.

For a heartbeat, there was silence. Only the sound of the ceiling fan and the faint smell of turpentine filled the room.

Since we got married, I had done everything for him. His meals, his clothes, his schedules, his meetingsthings a secretary could do, things a wife shouldnt have to prove love through.

I used to think I was being supportive, but over time, Id become something elsea servant in the shell of a wife. I forgot how to paint, how to live, how to be myself. The canvas in front of me was the first time Id picked up a brush in three years.

Nathans jaw tightened. He looked at the painting, then at me, as if it were an insult. Youre kidding me.

He strode forward, grabbed the edge of the easel, and threw it aside. The canvas hit the floor with a thud, paint splattering across the wall.

What the hell, Emerald? he shouted, his voice shaking with rage. You dare paint again? After I told you how useless that hobby is? You should be focusing on meon your duties as my wife!

I looked at him, my throat tight, my heartbeat loud. Im tired, Nathan, I said, the words trembling out of me. Do you understand that? Im tired.

He laughedsharp, cruel, the kind of laugh that cuts you in half. Tired? From what? Living comfortably? Being my wife? Have you forgotten what you signed up for when you married me? I am your husband! You just dont get tired.

He stepped closer, and before I could even blink, his hand came down hard across my face. The sound cracked in the room like thunder.

I stumbled back, shocked. My cheek burned, my vision blurred. For a moment, I thought I misheardthat it couldnt be real. Nathan had never hit me before. Hed shouted, yes. Controlled, yes. But never this.

We used to be sweet onceso sweet it almost feels like a lie now. He was gentle, protective, the kind of man who would cover me with a blanket when I fell asleep on the couch, or hold my hand while crossing a busy street.

He used to tell me he couldnt stand seeing me hurt, that hed rather take the pain himself. Back then, I believed him. I believed every word, every promise, every soft kiss that told me I was safe.

I still remember one night, long before everything fell apart. We were lying on the couch after dinner, his head resting on my lap, the city lights flickering through the curtains.

Em, he said softly, tracing circles on my wrist, if you ever cry, I want it to be because youre happy. Not because of me.

I laughed then, brushing his hair away from his eyes. You say that now, but someday you might forget.

He sat up, serious for once, his gaze steady. No, he whispered. I could never hurt you. Id rather die than see you in pain.

And I believed him. Completely.

But that version of him was gone.

He hit me again. And again.

The second slap made me taste iron. The third made something inside me snap.

I stared at him, trembling, my face wet with tears I hadnt realized were falling. He stood there breathing hard, like I had offended his existence.

I reached for my ring, pulled it off, and threw it at him. It hit his chest and rolled to the floor. Lets divorce.

For a second, he looked stunned. Then he laugheda low, mocking sound that filled the space. Divorce? You think its that easy?

He took a step toward me, smirking. You signed a prenuptial agreement, remember? You get nothing. And even if you try, my family would never agree to a divorce. They condone it. Theyll side with me, Emeraldthey always do. Even your parents!

I dont care, I whispered. Ill convince them if I have to. I just dont want to see you anymore.

I turned toward the door, ready to leave, to finally walk away. But before I could take another step, Nathan grabbed my arm and pulled me back.

Seriously? he hissed, his grip tightening. You think you can just walk out on me like that?

Nathan

Before I could finish, another voice cut through the room.

Whats happening here?

Amber. She stood at the door, eyes wide with fake concern. Hey, are you hurting my stepsister? she said, rushing forward, her tone too dramatic, too sweet.

Id been a fool not to see through her before. She crouched beside me, pretending to check my bruised face, her hand brushing my arm in a mock gesture of care. Emerald, are you okay? Please, stop fighting. You two shouldnt

Dont, I said sharply, pushing her hand away.

Amber stumbled back, slipping on the paint smeared across the floor. She fell with a thud, gasping as if shed been shot.

Amber! Nathan shouted, rushing to her side. What the hell is wrong with you, Emerald? Look what youve done!

Amber whimpered, clutching her ankle. I think its fractured, she cried, tears glistening perfectly in her eyes.

Nathan turned to me, furious. Apologize to her!

I shook my head, my voice cold. No. I will not apologize.

I turned to leave, every step feeling heavier than the last. But before I could reach the door, Ambers expression changed. Her eyes flicked upcold, calculatingand in a sudden motion, she pushed me hard.

I didnt even have time to scream.

My foot slipped against the edge of the top stair. The world tilted, spinning, crashingpaint, floor, air, light, everything blending into a blur.

Thendarkness.

The white walls of the hospital felt colder than usual, almost suffocating. When I woke up, my leg was in a cast, and my heart felt just as broken.

I thought Id have time to breathe, to heal. But peace never lasts long in this family.

The door burst open, and my father stormed in, his voice like thunder. What the hell is happening to you, Emerald?

I tried to sit up, but pain shot through my leg. Dad

Did you just send the police to our house to arrest your stepsister? he barked. His glare was heavy enough to crush me. Do you have any idea what youve done?

She tried to kill me, I said, voice trembling but firm. She pushed me down the stairs, Dad. I could have died.

Amber appeared behind him, her arm in a sling, tears pooling in her eyes. Thats not true! I was trying to talk to you, Emerald. Youre the one who slipped! You pushed yourself and now youre framing me for it!

I stared at her in disbelief. You liar! You

Enough! my father shouted, cutting through both our voices. Do you hear yourselves? This is a disgrace! Fighting like this in public, dragging our familys name through the mud!

Dad, please

Before I could finish, his hand cracked across my cheek. The slap echoed in the quiet room, sharper than the machines around me.

You will not shame this family again, he said coldly. Do you understand me?

Tears filled my eyes, but my voice came out steady. I want a divorce.

He froze. For a second, he looked at me like I had cursed his bloodline. What did you just say?

I said I want a divorce, I repeated.

His eyes blazed. Divorce? You think I will allow that in this family? Are you serious, Emerald? Do you want to ruin us completely?

He raised his hand again, but before it could reach me, my mother rushed in and caught his arm. Stop it! she shouted. Shes hurt! Cant you see that? Stop hurting her!

Shes destroying everything we built! my father snapped.

Shes our daughter! my mother cried, pulling me into her arms. Shes not even healed yet. Please, just let me talk to her.

He glared at both of us, his chest rising with restrained fury. Fix this, he said finally. Make her apologize. I wont allow our name to be tainted by a family scandal. And dont you dare mention divorce again.

When he left, the room fell silent except for the steady rhythm of the heart monitor. I couldnt hold it anymoreI broke down.

Mom I whispered through tears.

She wrapped her arms tighter around me, trembling herself. Im sorry, she said softly. Im sorry for being weak. For never leaving your father when I should have. For letting you grow up thinking this kind of pain was normal.

I cried harder, gripping her hand. Please, help me. I dont want to live like this anymore. Nathanhes been lying to me. Amber shes not innocent. Lorenzohes Nathans son. She lied to everyone.

My mother stiffened. She looked at me, eyes wide, shocked, then whispered, If thats true then ask for help from your brother. Reid will know what to do.

She cupped my face gently. I cant divorce your father, Emerald. But you can. Its not too late for you. You can still save yourself.

Her words clung to me long after she left.

Days passed. My leg began to heal, but my heart didnt. Nathan never camenot a single visit, not even a message. The only thing that came was a blow I didnt expect.

Scrolling through my phone, I saw his face on social media. Nathan. Smiling. Standing beside Amber and Lorenzo at a restaurant. Their hands intertwined, their smiles perfect. The caption read: Family lunch after a long week.

My blood ran cold. Family. That word was mine once.

How dare they?

That night, I received a message from Reid.

Reid: I heard what happened. Rest for now. Ill take care of the divorce. Three days. Just hold on, Emerald. After that, everything changes.

For the first time in years, I let myself believe him.

When I was discharged, I returned home. The house felt unfamiliartoo quiet, too empty. I started packing my things, one by one, carefully folding away the pieces of a life that had already ended.

I was almost done when the front door opened. Nathan walked in, the sound of his footsteps sharp and impatient.

What are you doing? he asked, voice cold.

Im going on a vacation, I said simply, not bothering to look at him.

Vacation? He let out a humorless laugh. After what you did to Amber? You think Id let you go anywhere?

I turned to him, frowning. What are you talking about? I just got back from the hospital.

He slapped me, sudden and hard. The shock made me stumble backward, my hand gripping the edge of the bed.

She was kidnapped! he shouted. Amberand Lorenzo! Theyre gone! And the men who did it said it was your brother Reid!

For a moment, the world tilted. I froze, processing his words. Then, slowly, a strange laugh escaped mesoft at first, then louder, until it filled the room.

Well, I said, wiping a tear from my cheek, are they alive?

Nathans face twisted in disbelief. What the hell is wrong with you? So, you dare hurt her? he shouted, pacing furiously. Even asking your bastard brother just to get revenge because youre mad? Youre the one who fall down

I looked at him calmly, my voice steady now. So what? Who cares about them?

He grabbed my arm, furious. Youll pay for this!

Why would I? I said, meeting his eyes. Im your wife Or was it because all this time, youve been having an affair with my stepsister?

Why would I? I said, meeting his eyes. Im your wife or was it because all this time, youve been having an affair with my stepsister?

For a second, Nathan froze. His eyes narrowed, the fury in them dulling into something colder, something I couldnt read. What are you talking about? he said flatly, though the flicker of guilt in his gaze was enough of an answer.

He exhaled, as if the argument had drained him. Before he could say another word, the door opened quietly. Mr. Santos, our butler, stepped in, his expression nervous.

Sir, he said carefully, glancing at both of us. Miss Amber and young Lorenzo are finally fine. Theyve been taken to the hospital, and they are asking for you.

Nathans eyes shifted back to me, sharp again. Were not done, Emerald. Got it?

Before I could respond, he gestured to the guards standing by the door. Lock her up. She doesnt leave this room until I say so.

My body tensed. Nathan

But the men didnt hesitate. The door slammed shut, and the sound of the lock sliding into place echoed like a sentence.

For a long while, I just sat there. The silence pressed in, thick and heavy, broken only by the faint hum of the air conditioner and my own heartbeat.

My leg still ached from the fracture, and the bruise on my cheek burned where his hand had struck me earlier. Thankfully, my baby is still alive. Though, I dont know how long I should keep the baby. Should I?

My mind driftedback to where it all started.

I met Nathan because of our families. He was handsome, composed, the perfect image of a man any father would want for his daughter. I fell for him first, even when something in me felt he was too guarded, too unreadable. He wasnt cruel thenjust distant. But when he smiled, he could make the whole world fade. Eventually, he fell tooor so I thought.

Now, sitting here with the taste of betrayal still bitter on my tongue, I knew better. The man I loved never existed. The one he truly loved was Amber. My stepsister. The woman my father adored as if she were his own blood.

Maybe I should have listened to Reid. He warned me before the wedding. He said Nathan only married me to please our families. I didnt want to believe him. I told myself he was just being protective.

But now, I wished I had listened. I wished I had gone with him the day he left. Maybe I wouldnt be trapped here, in this gilded cage of a life that never really belonged to me.

The sound of the door unlocking pulled me back. I looked up sharply as Amber stepped inside, her eyes red and wild.

Before I could speak, her hand lashed across my face.

This is your fault! she screamed, her voice breaking. She hit me again, hard enough to make me stagger back. Because of your bastard brother! Lorenzo is hurthes in the operating room because of him!

I held my cheek, tasting blood. Its not my fault, I said hoarsely. Maybe my brother is just doing what you all deserve.

Ambers eyes darkened. Youre insane! she shouted. You ruined everything! Nathan is furious, my son is fighting for his life, and its all because of you!

The door opened again, and this time my father walked in. His face was stone. Youre contacting your brother again? he thundered. After everything Ive said? How dare you!

Dad, listen

Enough! he barked. Youve humiliated this family enough! Because of you, the media are talking, and Nathans company is under fire! Do you have any idea what youve done to our business by siding to your mafia brother?

I looked at him, defeated. I didnt do anything wrong. I just wanted to leave. Thats all.

You will not leave! he shouted, slamming his hand against the wall. You will stay here until everything is fixed. You will apologize to your husband and your stepsister. And you will forget this nonsense about divorce! Dont dare call your brother again!

I wanted to scream, to fight back, but I was too tired. My father stormed out, ordering the guards to lock the door again.

Hours passed before Nathan returned. His face was blank, but his eyesthose eyes I once thought were kindwere dark with contempt.

I want a divorce, I said, my voice steady even as my hands shook.

Nathan laughed under his breath. No, he said simply. Youre not getting a divorce. Youre going to sufferas much as I want you to suffer.

I swallowed hard, forcing the words out. Why are you doing this to me? Havent you done enough?

He stepped closer until I could feel his breath. You said your stepsister is my mistress, right? he said quietly, a dangerous smirk curling on his lips. Well, youre right.

Before I could react, the door openedand Amber walked in. Nathan turned toward her, his eyes softening in a way they never did for me. Then, right in front of me, he pulled her close and kissed her.

It wasnt a moment of guilt or hesitationit was deliberate, cruel, a declaration.

Amber smiled against his lips, then turned to me with triumph flashing in her eyes. Youre such a loser, Emerald, she said, her voice dripping with satisfaction. A pathetic little bitch who thought she could win.

They both laughed, the sound slicing through me like a blade.

When I opened my eyes, the world was white. The steady beep of the monitor beside me echoed faintly in my ears. My whole body ached, as though Id been crushed and stitched back together. The ceiling light blurred, the smell of antiseptic sharp in the air.

Emerald.

My mothers voice broke softly through the fog. She was sitting beside me, her eyes swollen and tired. Dont move yet. Just rest for now.

I tried to speak, but my throat burned. Mom what happened?

She reached for my hand, holding it gently. I felt her tremble before I even saw the tears. Im sorry, she whispered, her voice cracking. The baby you lost it.

The words sank in slowly, like stones in water. My breath caught; my heart clenched, but no sound came out. I stared at her, hoping shed take it back, that maybe she meant something else.

But her eyes said everything. The babymy last small hopewas gone.

I felt the tears slide down my face before I even realized I was crying. The pain spread through me, sharp and hollow, until it was too much to breathe. I wanted to scream, to curse the world, to ask why it kept taking everything from mebut no words would come.

My mother leaned forward, pressing my hand to her cheek. Im sorry, my daughter. Youve been through too much. The trauma, the stressit was too much for your body.

I swallowed hard, staring at the ceiling. So its gone?

She nodded.

Something inside me cracked, but at the same time, I felt lighteremptier, yes, but free in a strange, cruel way. The weight that had chained me to that house, to that man, to that lie, was gone. At least now, I wouldnt have to raise another piece of Nathan.

I wiped my tears, voice trembling. Maybe its better this way.

My mothers eyes widened. Emerald

No, Mom, I said softly. It hurts, but I cant cry for it anymore. I have nothing left to lose. I met her eyes, steady now. But I will make them pay. All of them.

She brushed my hair from my face, her touch trembling. I talked to your brother, she said after a moment. Hes waiting. Hell help us.

Us?

She smiled faintly through her tears. Yes. Im coming with you. Im leaving your father.

For a moment, I didnt believe her. My motherwho had endured years of silence and humiliationfinally choosing herself.

Hes been with that woman for years, she continued quietly. I told him I wont live like that anymore. Let him have her. Im done pretending.

The words hit me harder than I expected. I felt the tears return, but this time, they were warmnot from pain, but relief. Thank you, Mom, I whispered, clutching her hand. For finally choosing yourself.

She smiled sadly. No, Emerald. For once, Im choosing you.

For a while, we sat in silence, just holding hands. The hum of the machines and the faint rhythm of my heartbeat were the only sounds in the room.

But peace never lasted long in our family.

The door opened, and my father stepped inhis suit perfect, his expression sharp. Youre awake, he said curtly.

Honey, my mother said, standing up quickly.

He ignored her, his gaze fixed on me. I want you to address the media tomorrow. Youll deny any connection to your brother and also the affair between Amber and Nathan saying it is just a misunderstanding and you have a happy family. Do you understand?

I hesitated. Dad, I

You will do it, he said firmly. Our name is already being dragged through every headline. Fix this mess, Emerald. Tomorrow morning. And while youre at itapologize to your stepsister and to your husband. Publicly.

I clenched my fists under the blanket but nodded. Alright, I said quietly. I didnt want to argue anymore.

Satisfied, he straightened his coat. Good. Nathan and Amber will come by later. Youll apologize in person before the press conference.

When he left, my mother exhaled shakily. Dont let him see you break, she murmured. Well be gone soon.

And so I waited.

When Nathan and Amber arrived, their faces wore the same masks Id seen for yearssmooth, practiced, false.

Amber approached first, her arm in a sling, crocodile tears ready in her eyes. Emerald, she said softly, Im glad youre feeling better. I never wanted things to get this bad between us.

I looked at her, forcing a small smile. Me too. Im sorry for everything.

Nathan placed a hand on her shoulder, feigning concern. Were family, Emerald, he said, his tone almost tender. Lets not make this worse than it already is.

They played their part welltwo perfect victims, all sympathy and sweetness. I mirrored their act, smiling faintly, nodding in all the right places.

When they finally left, I exhaled, the smile falling off my face like a mask I no longer needed.

That night, the hospital felt too quiet. The clock on the wall ticked endlessly as I stared at the dark window. My mother sat by the edge of the bed, her coat folded over her arm.

Then, just past midnight, the door opened againsoftly this time.

Ms. Emerald? a man whispered. Its time.

My mother stood, glancing at me. Are you ready?

I nodded.

We followed him through the back corridor, where the lights were dim and the halls were empty. The air outside was cool against my skin as we stepped into the night. A black car waited for us, its windows tinted.

The drive was silent. My mother held my hand tightly, and for once, neither of us looked back.

When the car stopped, I looked up to see the faint outline of a private helicopter waiting at the edge of an empty airfield. As the helicopter lifted off, the lights of the city below blurred into gold and white.

The noise, the lies, the painit all began to fade with every meter we climbed.

I leaned back against the seat, closing my eyes. My body was still weak, my heart still raw, but for the first time in years, I could breathe.

Nathans POV

Amber stood beside me in front of the full-length mirrorher lips painted a soft rose, her curls falling over her shoulders, her sling neatly wrapped so it looked more like an accessory than an injury. She adjusted her earrings while beaming, eyes sparkling with a kind of triumph she no longer bothered to hide.

I watched her reflection.

The way she leaned close to me.

The way she smiled as if today was her coronation.

Because in her mindit was.

Todays the day, Amber whispered, resting her hand on my chest. After this press conference shes done. Her lips curved into a satisfied smile. Finally.

She didnt need to say who. Emerald.

I nodded slightly, brushing lint off my suit jacket. There wont be a comeback for her this time.

The press conference at eleven would be the final blowpublic humiliation, forced apology, denial of the affair she claimed existed. All recorded, televised, and sent straight to both families boards to restore our reputation. After that, Emeralds life would crumble so completely shed never find her way out again.

Amber giggled softly, then traced the line of my tie with her good hand. After today we can finally talk to your father again. She looked up, eyes sparkling with the kind of hope she only showed me. Can you imagine, Nat? Our wedding? Me walking down the aisle, your mother welcoming me like a daughter?

I smiled faintly. Theyll approve it. Once Emerald is gone, therell be nothing to stop us.

Mm-hm. She leaned closer, whispering against my ear. I cant wait. Its been years, Nathan. We deserve this.

Years.

Years of hiding.

Years of pretending.

Years of being with the wrong woman because it was easier politically.

Amber and I were tired of waiting.

She turned in the mirror, checking her dress from every angle. Do you think the press will believe her apology today?

Yes, I answered, tightening my cufflinks. What choice does she have? Shell say exactly what Father wants her to say. And then after the conference I shrugged. Well. She wont be our problem anymore.

Ambers smile widened.

She liked the idea of finality.

Of erasing Emerald completely.

She stepped beside me again and said lightly, Lets go now. We should greet Dad before she gets escorted in. I want to see his face when Emerald breaks down. I want him to see I was worth choosing.

I took her hand. Come on.

We reached the elevator. Amber held her phone, scrolling through articles with a grin. After this, we can go public. You and me. Finally.

The doors opened. We stepped inside.

Halfway down, Ambers phone rang.

She frowned at the number. Who is? She answered anyway. Yes? Hello?

Her smile froze. I watched her expression shiftcuriosity, confusion, then sharp, sudden fear.

What do you mean theres a problem? she demanded. What problem?

I straightened. Amber?

She held up a hand, listening hard. What do you mean the woman inside the car isnt her? Thats impossibleshes supposed to be in the SUV that brings her to the press conference, she snapped.

More silence. Ambers mouth fell open slowly.

NCNo. That cant be right, she whispered.

My jaw tightened. Amber, what is it?

She hung up, staring at me like she couldnt understand her own breath.

The hospital, she said shakily. They saidEmerald is not there.

My brows knitted. What do you mean shes not there? She was discharged today. She should be in her room waiting for the car.

Amber shook her head harder. They said she left. She left hours ago before they even discharged her.

Thats not possible. I felt my voice sharpen. She cant leave. She was supposed to be escorted. What about the guards and all? Shes

Shes gone, Amber whispered. Nathan the nurse said she left with someone.

Who?

Amber looked sick. Her mother.

My stomach tightened. Her mother? She hasnt left her husband in years.

I know! Amber cried, stepping back. But they left together. After she learned She swallowed. after she learned she lost the baby.

The world stopped.

I blinked slowly. Baby? What baby?

Amber stared at me. You didnt know?

My mouth went dry.

She was pregnant, Nat, Amber whispered. She was pregnant with your child.

For a moment, I forgot how to breathe. My child?

She I started, but my voice cracked. She was pregnant?

Amber nodded weakly. She lost it last night.

That that doesnt make sense. My voice was unsteady, almost foreign to my own ears. She couldnt have been. She wouldve said something. Sheshe cant hide something like that from me.

But she had.

A sharp pressure pressed into my chestconfusion first, then disbelief, then something sour and burning that I couldnt name.

How? I demanded hoarsely, more to myself than to Amber. How could she be pregnant and I didnt see it? I lived with her. I slept beside her. I

The words tangled in my throat. How is that possible?

My hand unconsciously pressed to my forehead. Why didnt the doctors tell me? Why didnt anyone

Ambers voice softened. You werent at the hospital, Nat you never stayed. You always left before the doctors could update you.

Her words struck deeper than I expected, twisting something inside me.

I didnt know. Because I wasnt there.

My mind reeledimages clashing together:

Emerald clutching her stomach the night I hit her.

Her pale face in the hospital bed.

Her trembling hands.

Her silence.

And then

The baby she lost. A baby I never knew existed.

My throat tightened painfully. She she lost it? I whispered. She lost my child?

I didnt know what to do until the elevator dinged open. But neither of us moved. I felt something cold settle into my bonessomething heavy and choking and wrong.

My pulse hammered in my ears.

Before I could speak, footsteps rushed toward us. Mr. Santos appearedpale, sweating, out of breath.

Sir! Miss Amber! he gasped. Theres another problem!

Amber snapped, What now?!

The butler looked ready to faint.

Its its young Lorenzo.

Amber froze.

My stomach dropped.

What about my son? she whispered.

Lorenzo is missing, Mr. Santos said, voice trembling. Hes not in his hospital room. The nurses saidsomeone took him.