ANMELDENChapter 20Miss! Miss! Charles’s voice cut through the darkness like a lifeline. Sandra’s eyes were shut, her face pale against the rain-soaked seat. Her breathing was shallow, each inhale a struggle. The storm outside had stopped, but the cold had seeped into her bones and wouldn’t let go. Charles’s fingers brushed her wrist, and his eyes widened. Her temperature’s dropping. She’s running out of time. Panic sharpened his voice. Without another word, he scooped her up with careful urgency and slid her into the backseat, wrapping her in his coat. His knuckles whitened on the steering wheel. Hang on, young mistress, he murmured, voice rough with fear and resolve. I won’t let you die on me. Not like this. Not after everything you’ve endured.The tires screamed as he drove recklessly through the empty streets, red lights ignored, the engine roaring like it shared his desperation. The car screeched to a halt in front of St. Mercy’s Hospital. The building was stark white, its
Chapter 19The suitcase clicked shut with a sound that felt final. Sandra smoothed her hand over the leather one last time, making sure the zipper had caught every edge. Three years of her life, folded into one battered case. Three years of swallowing insults, of shrinking herself to fit into a marriage that had never wanted her. Outside, the sky groaned. Clouds rolled in low and heavy, turning the afternoon into something that felt like dusk. The first fat drops of rain hit the window, streaking the glass. Her lips curved, faint and bitter. Even the rain is happy I’m finally leaving this marriage for good.Her eyes drifted to the bed. On the white pillow lay a single sheet of paper, the ink still sharp, the words carefully chosen and re-written four times until her hand stopped shaking. Ryan, I hope this letter finds you well.She folded it once, then again, tucking it carefully beneath the pillow where he couldn’t miss it. Let him find it after she was gone. Let him read
Chapter 18Jasmine’s smile didn’t waver. Someone had to know what you were hiding, Sandra, she said, voice soft but edged with steel. You think you can walk around here for three years, act like nothing’s wrong, and I wouldn’t notice?Sandra’s hands trembled again. This time it wasn’t fear. It was fury, hot and bitter, rising up her throat until her fingers ached from clenching. You had no right.I had every right, Jasmine cut in, her voice dropping to a low, dangerous calm. Because the moment you decided to keep that baby, you decided to ruin my plan. My marriage. My future. She tapped the pregnancy result against her palm, the paper making a soft, taunting sound. So tell me, Sandra. What are you going to do now that I know?The room seemed to shrink. The air grew thin, heavy with the weight of three years of secrets pressing down on Sandra’s chest. Three years of swallowing insults. Three years of sleeping alone while Ryan’s voice came from down the hall with another woman.
Chapter 17Sandra’s fingers trembled as she unfolded the paper, each crease resisting her like it didn’t want the truth to come out. Her breath caught. Her mouth fell open, a silent gasp that stole the air from her lungs. Her eyes darted across the words, scanning, re-scanning, as if reading them slower would make them change. They didn’t. No. No, no, no.She snapped the paper shut, her chest heaving. The room tilted. This can’t be happening, she whispered, shaking her head. How did she find out? How?Panic clawed at her throat. Her hands shook harder. For a second, the walls felt too close, the air too thin. Calm down, Sandra.She pressed her palms against her thighs, grounding herself. You can do this. Breathe. Think.The fear didn’t vanish, but it receded enough for her to move. She was on her feet before she realized it, rushing downstairs. Her eyes scanned the living room, the hallway, the dining area searching. There. At the house bar, a glass of amber liquid cat
Chapter 16Sandra’s heart dropped, but she didn’t panic. Panic was a luxury she couldn’t afford in this house. Three years had taught her that. She turned slowly, her gaze finding Ryan’s and locking onto it steady, sharp, focused. What does he want to know? Her mind raced, but her face stayed calm. No. I can’t let him know. Not about the baby. Not about anything. This child was the only thing she still had power over, the only thing she had to protect. Her lips curved in a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. Facing him, she let her voice come out light, almost indifferent. Actually, I just wanted to know if you had even a little feeling for me. That’s why I asked. She held his stare for a beat too long, searching for something that wasn’t there. But you made it clear. It’s fine. Her eyes slid past him to Jasmine, who stood clinging to his arm like she’d already won. Finally, I’m paving the way for you, Sandra said, her voice calm but edged with steel. I hope you can handle
Chapter Title: The Paper Between Us*Sandra’s eyes widened. Her jaw dropped, just a fraction, but enough for the air to slip out of her lungs. What did he just say?Did he just defend me?The thought was absurd, dangerous. She didn’t let herself believe it. Not fully. But her gaze fixed on Ryan anyway, clinging to him like he was the only solid thing in the room. She is still my wife, he said again, voice flat, final. He didn’t look at her. His eyes were on Mrs. Clara, on the space above Sandra’s head, anywhere but the woman standing three feet away with her heart in her throat. Until the contract ends. A flicker of something hot and treacherous rose in Sandra’s chest. Joy. It was stupid. It was pointless. He hadn’t said it for her. He’d said it for control, for appearances, for the contract. But for three seconds, the word wife had sounded like a shield instead of a cage. Then sadness followed, colder and heavier, dousing it out. Mrs. Clara’s jaw dropped next. Her face t







