Hannah’s eyes followed the man as he walked out of the room; the sudden shift in his demeanour had shaken her. He had been cold, commanding, and completely in control.If she didn’t already know Matthew Delacruz from pictures, she might have believed it was truly him.But the way the doctor bowed his head like an obedient dog made her question her instincts.Still, she frowned.Why would a man be so obsessed with someone else’s life — enough to live under their identity?It didn’t add up. She was certain Matthew didn’t even live in Ohio. That fact alone solidified her belief: this man was an impostor.“Maybe he bribed the doctor to act submissive,” she thought, turning her face to the wall. “But why? What does he gain from pretending to be Matthew Delacruz? I’m not even important.”Hannah couldn’t understand it. Why would anyone go to such lengths — for her?She didn’t see herself as someone worth deceiving or impressing. Not enough to impersonate a man like Matthew Delacruz.The door
Hannah’s eyes widened. Disbelief clutched her chest as she stared at the man before her, a stranger, really. He barely knew anything about her. Just the surface. Just the broken edges she'd let slip.And yet… he was ready to stand in for her.Why?She clenched her fists at her sides. No. She wouldn’t drag anyone else into her mess. Especially not someone she didn't know.Her gaze flicked to his wristwatch: sleek, heavy, expensive. She thought the man had power, clearly. Maybe he had connections. Getting her a job and accommodations wouldn't be difficult for him; that would be enough. “If you want to help, just get me a shelter and a job,” she said quietly, almost testing him.Without blinking, he said, “Shelter done. As for the job, you won’t need it.”She frowned, Why?”A slow smirk crept across his face. “Because I create jobs.”A sneer escaped Hannah's lips, causing the pain she was feeling to intensify.She wanted to talk to the man she considered a clown before her, but the word
The doctor didn’t meet her eyes as he spoke, just kept scribbling on the clipboard like she was an afterthought.“I said,” Hannah repeated, her voice quieter now, but colder. “I just lost my baby. I’m in pain. And you’re saying I should go to a government hospital like I’m some stray animal?”“I’m only following instructions. Your ex-husband said there’s no point keeping you here on his tab.”Her fingers curled into the blanket beneath her. Anger, grief, and humiliation all swirled in her chest like a rising storm. Of course James would do this. He discarded her like she was the problem. After what he and Lyra did?She forced herself to sit up despite the ache in her bones. Every movement hurt. But not as much as staying here would.The doctor placed a small paper bag on the table beside her. “Painkillers. A referral to the general hospital. That’s all I can offer.”Hannah didn’t answer. She didn’t cry.She simply took the clothes and began to dress.Few minutes later.Hannah stepped
Hearing that, she wiped away a tear with the back of her hand, as if scrubbing out weakness. She’d told herself she could hold it together that not even losing the child would break her. But this? Letting James believe the lie? That was the real wound.Without a word, she snatched the divorce paper from the bed. Her fingers trembled as she gripped the pen, but she forced her name onto the line.Then she flung the document at him. It slapped against his chest and slid to the floor.“There!” she screamed, her voice hoarse, trembling. “You got the revenge you wanted.. I hope it keeps you up at night. I hope it rots in your chest.”James didn’t move.“Get out!” she shrieked, her chest heaving with fury.“Get out, James! Take your lies, your disgust, and your guilt—because I never cheated on you! And one day, when the truth hits you, I hope it destroys you like you destroyed me.”Tears blurred her vision, but she didn’t let them fall this time. She wouldn’t cry in front of him anymore.Ja
Lyra hesitated for a while; fear of the unknown clung to her heart. She didn't want to go on while she was awake but James kept encouraging her that she would do nothing to harm her. When James noticed her reluctance, he touched her weak point, and she giggled unknowingly. The duo continued and Lyra showed what she got. Tears were streaming down Hannah’s face as she watched her friend, banging her husband. She thought of what she would have done to Lyra to deserve this from her. She tried carrying herself, but she was too weak to do that; suddenly, she felt a sharp pain in her pelvis. She moved her heavy hand and held onto her stomach, her stomach was hurting. She felt as if something was pulling her stomach away from her body. “James, please, my stomach… it is painful,” she muttered, her voice above a whisper. “Shit,” James cursed under his breath as he heard her voice; he was clearly disturbed by his sinful fantasy. Suddenly, the stench of blood filled the room. James
“Congratulations, Hannah, happy wedding anniversary,” Lyra's excited voice split as she helped adjust the lingerie on her friend's body. “Oh! My goodness, I can't imagine how tonight is going to be; you look heavily gorgeous underneath.” “Thank you; we couldn't have had today without you. You uphold my home. Can't wait to see the hidden lucky guy that put the ring on your finger,” she giggled. Lyra stared at the 10-carat diamond ring on her finger, and a sly smile curled up her lips. “This is nothing compared to you being under a man; you have everything in your care—sex, love, and all. As for the mysterious man, you will know him soon; it's a surprise,” she whispered. Hannah's smile dropped as she mentioned that she knew what she was going through in her marital home. Her marriage was nothing to write home about. “Can we head to the dining room and see the surprise I made for you?” Lyra said, distracting her from the grief. Lyra and Hannah had been best friends since diapers.