Mistaken Identity: Dream and Love Consumed by Fire

...

I staggered out of the house, my mind clouded with shock and grief.

After an internal struggle, I called my best friend and terminated my pregnancy in the hospital.

Valerie Clark fumed, gritting her teeth. "That blind, heartless fool! Seven years ago, you threw yourself into that inferno to save his sorry life, burning your arm so badly you gave up your dream of being a pianist. You sacrificed your future, and for what? So, he could fawn over Harriet, treating her like his savior?"

Her voice grew sharper, slicing through my haze. "And he tricked you into getting pregnant, making you believe it was love, when all he wanted was a child to claim his inheritance and marry her. Ugh, it infuriates me! He'd better never learn the truth, or regret will consume him!"

She paused, her tone softening with pity. "I've taken care of your discharge and booked your flight out of this nightmare. The Pattons are powerful, and Damian is no slouch. Are you sure you don't want me by your side for the divorce?"

I forced a pale, bitter smile. "It's fine. You've been my anchor through this storm. I need to handle the divorce alone. The child is gone, and nothing can hold me back now. I can do this."

She pulled me into a tight hug. "Call me anytime. I'll always be your rock."

After she left the room, I pressed a shaking hand to my now-flat abdomen.

Gathering my belongings, I headed out but ran into Damian Patton in the lobby.

In the black coat I had bought him, he looked as sharp as ever.

His hand rested lightly on Harriet Patton's shoulder as he looked at her with such tenderness.

My heart sank. I slowed my pace, struggling to breathe.

Harriet spotted me, her eyes flickering. "Serena? Didn't expect to see you here."

Damian's brow creased. "What are you doing at the hospital?"

"A friend is sick. I paid her a visit," I replied quietly.

"Oh, I thought you were unwell," Harriet crooned, "I had an allergic reaction to mangoes. It's not a big deal, but Damian insisted on bringing me here."

She reached out to pinch his cheek, but he caught her hand. "Stop fooling around."

"Boring." Harriet pouted, stretching her neck like a spoiled child.

That was when I noticed her necklace.

Catching my stare, she smirked. "Admiring my necklace? Damian designed it. Seven years ago, he promised me a gift after I saved him from the fire. Beautiful? I like it so much."

Beautiful was an understatement. Each diamond was meticulously crafted, a testament to true care.

Last year, I'd seen it and assumed it was for me.