Fifth Time, Final Goodbye

A wave of searing pain hit Claire, ripping a cry from her throat. "Finley, don't go! My stomach—"He stopped and looked at her, his expression cold and unfeeling. "I don't have time for this. Do you even get what it means if Renee's hand scars? She's a celebrity. Stop being so selfish."He walked off with Renee, never looking back.Claire watched him go, despair crushing her. The pain spiked, tearing through her.She turned to people nearby. "Help me... someone, please help my baby—"A hot rush of liquid spilled down her legs, and the metallic tang of blood hit her nose. She looked down—bright red everywhere."No..." Her voice cracked as tears streamed down her face, sheer terror clawing at her heart.Her baby. She couldn't lose her baby."Miss, are you okay? OMG, someone call 911!" A stranger spotted Claire in the pool of blood and grabbed their phone.By the time she was in the ambulance, the pain was unbearable, her vision swimming. Still, she held on, begging the paramedic

"Nothing." Claire shoved the paper into her pocket and kept walking, refusing to glance back.Behind her, Finley called out, "You've got a checkup in a few days, right? Once I deal with Renee, I'll come with you to the hospital."Her steps faltered, tears slipping down despite her best effort to hold it together."We'll see," she said, turning to face him. "But, Finley? Your five chances are up.""What?" He frowned. "Claire, come on. That was a joke. I never took it seriously—neither should you. Once Renee's hand heals, I'll come back to you. To the baby."A flicker of guilt flashed in his eyes, but it wasn't enough to stop him from turning back to Renee, guiding her carefully as they left.Claire watched him go, her heart hollow but her mind resolute. 'That's it, Finley. Your five chances are gone. You'll never get another one.'Downstairs, she went to pay the hospital bill. While waiting in line, dizziness hit her like a wave, and she stumbled.A nurse rushed over. "Miss, you

"Why didn't you rest there for a while?" Claire asked."It's not my home," Finley said, shrugging off his jacket and handing it to her like it was automatic. "Besides, it's your birthday. I should spend it with you."Claire took the jacket without a word, the sharp, cloying scent of perfume hitting her instantly. She placed it on the couch, keeping some distance between them."When's your next prenatal appointment?" Finley asked, stepping closer. His hand settled on her stomach, heavy and unwelcome. "Baby, do you miss Daddy? Next time, Daddy will go with Mommy to the appointment. We'll see you. Isn't that exciting?"Claire froze, staring at his bright smile, feeling nothing but cold. Exciting? Was he serious? There wasn't even a baby left to see, thanks to him."Next Monday. Will you be free?""I will," he promised, sliding his arms around her from behind. "I'm sorry, Claire. I know I've been distant, but it's not what you think. Renee and I are just friends. You're so jealous so

After a few steps, Finley glanced back. Claire was still standing where he'd left her, her small frame almost swallowed by the space around her. She looked so fragile, so alone.It hit him then—he'd promised her he wouldn't put Renee first anymore, but he'd failed. Every single time. Determined, he swore to himself he'd make it up to Claire.Once Finley and Renee were gone, Claire returned to her seat. A waiter appeared, carrying a two-tiered cake."Miss, happy birthday. This cake was prepared by Mr. Lloyd," the waiter said, glancing around awkwardly when he noticed Finley wasn't there. Claire sat alone."Just leave it, thanks."The waiter lit the candles and handed her a small doll as a gift. Claire closed her eyes, made a wish, and blew out the candles.She didn't wish for herself. She wished for her baby—to be reborn into a family filled with love, where happiness wasn't something fragile and fleeting.She took a bite of the cake. It was sweet, but all she could taste was bit

Emma's words made Finley's face twist, guilt clawing at him until he slapped himself. "It's my fault! I shouldn't have—" His voice broke as he sank to the floor. "I killed our baby. I was wrong. I'm a monster."He struck himself repeatedly.Emma felt a twinge of pity. "Mr. Lloyd, stop it! Blaming yourself won't fix this. Mrs. Lloyd is gone, and you need to focus on finding her."Her words froze him mid-motion. He blinked hard, then dragged himself to his feet. Without another word, he stumbled toward the stairs, his only thought to find Claire.But a knock at the door stopped him cold.Raoul stepped in. "Good morning, Mr. Lloyd.""If you're here for Claire, she's not here. Go back."Finley tried to push past him, but Raoul didn't budge."Actually, I'm not here for Ms. Carlson. I'm here for you."That name made Finley's jaw tighten. "Ms. Carlson? She's my wife! You've always called her Mrs. Lloyd. What's with the name change?"Raoul pulled out a stack of papers. "This will cle