Chapter 4

The next day, I arrived at the cemetery early.

Two small headstones stood quietly in the corner.

One didn't even have a photo.

I couldn't hold back anymore. My eyes brimmed with tears.

Three years ago, I discovered their so-called brotherly friendship again and again.

Maybe it was pregnancy hormones, or maybe it was resentment.

I became almost like a madwoman, obsessively checking Lucas's phone, interrogating him about his whereabouts.

Whenever he didn't reply to messages, I'd spiral into paranoid thoughts.

My complete breakdown came when Lucas stayed out all night yet again.

I rushed to Veronica's house recklessly and caught them in bed together.

Lucas, reeking of alcohol, held naked Veronica in his arms, their bodies intertwined.

Seeing me burst in, Lucas hastily pushed Veronica away, apologizing incoherently.

"Zara, let me explain. We just drank too much. Nothing happened! Really, you have to believe me!"

I'd heard that bullshit countless times over the past few months.

I didn't want to believe it. I couldn't believe it.

Finally, I completely lost my mind.

I started a livestream, forcing Lucas to make a choice in front of viewers nationwide.

But to protect Veronica, he smashed my phone and locked me in the room.

I still remember his cold eyes.

"Zara, Veronica isn't married yet. What you're doing will ruin her!"

"Stay in Veronica's place and reflect on yourself. When you've come to your senses, you can come out."

Extreme anger and humiliation sent sharp pains through my lower abdomen. Warm liquid trickled down my thighs.

I couldn't care about dignity anymore. I pounded desperately on the door, my fingernails scraping until they bled.

"Lucas, my stomach hurts so much. Let me out! Please, save this baby!"

"I won't interfere with you two anymore. Please, let me out..."

But it was useless.

All I heard from outside was Lucas's gentle coaxing all night long.

It wasn't until they left the next day that a neighbor finally sent me to the hospital.

But the baby couldn't be saved.

Due to massive hemorrhaging, I was forced to have a hysterectomy.

And without cord blood, my son died half a month later.

During all this, Lucas never appeared once.

Not even a phone call.