Chapter 4

Jacob ran to Lillian, hands shaking as they touched her blood.

"The baby's already gone. Why are you still so obsessed? Lillian is your best friend. This was just a misunderstanding, and she already apologized. Why do you have to be so aggressive—even violent?"

My arms dropped. Cold washed over me. 'Obsessed? Best friend?'

I let out a bitter laugh.

Jacob didn't even look back. Just shoved me aside and rushed Lillian into the stretch Lincoln.

He didn't bother faking it anymore.

Seconds later, a sports car roared to life downstairs, leaving a trail of thick smoke behind.

I glanced down. Blood slid down my thigh, drop by drop, soaking into the shredded paper on the floor—blurring the image of my son.

I dragged myself into a cab and headed to the hospital.

The doctor confirmed it—baby's gone.

All I felt was relief.

At least I didn't have to cough up cash for the abortion.

I wandered through the halls like a ghost, barely there, until I caught voices coming from one of the rooms.

"Lillian, you seriously crossed a line this time. We can't keep pulling crap like this," Jacob snapped. "Zoe's already been through hell. My guys said she got harassed at the bar yesterday.

"I can't just sit back and watch her get wrecked for my mess. No guy who actually loves someone would let that slide."

Lillian's eyes were puffy and red. "I was just trying to help you see who's real and who's fake. Did you already forget all your exes were after your money?

"Remember that fiancée you dated for three years? You joked about being broke and bam—next day she bailed with some rich dude. Took your watch and your bag, too."

She was starting to lose it, but Jacob shut her down, voice steady. "Zoe's not like them. She actually loves me—I know she does. Did you see her just now?

"She was wrecked over the baby. You can't fake that.

"I'm done hiding. I'm telling her everything. It's time I fix what I broke."

He turned and headed for the door, brushing past me as I leaned against the wall, cap pulled low.

Inside, Lillian ripped out her IV and screamed like she'd lost her damn mind. "Zoe Hart, I won't let you win!"

I smiled a little.

'That's fine. I'll let you.'

***

I didn't go back.

Used the abortion money to grab the next flight out.

No bags—just three painkillers in my pocket and some bloodstained paper scraps.

Right before boarding, messages lit up from Jacob.

[Zoe, wait for me. I have something important to tell you.]

[Is there anything you're craving? I'll bring whatever you want. No matter the price.]

...

I popped out the SIM card and dumped it in the trash.

'Jacob, I don't care how pricey it is—I'm done swallowing it.'