3

Sarah

Deep-set brown eyes, an angular face with hollow cheeks, prominent cheekbones, and a sharp jaw. He was tall and lean with muscled biceps and tan skin. His dirty blonde hair was the one thing that stood out from his harmonious look that blended all well. 

“A person who has your will at heart.” I muttered his exact words. 

How can a stranger wish well for me? The diamond in the center of the ring twinkled and scattered the ray of sunlight that hit it. It was an exact replica of my engagement ring. The one Desmond gave me. 

I kept wearing it after our marriage. 

“Keep it on you at all times.”   Before I could ask him why he left hurriedly.

I don’t know him, but I had an overwhelming feeling to trust him. I stared at the ring I'd worn for over five years, my heart aching at how it had all gone to waste, the happiness and love I once thought would last forever. There was no need to continue deceiving myself. 

Desmond's relationship with Rachel will only hinder me from revealing Rachel's lies. I need to find evidence she was responsible for Liam’s death before she erases it all. 

I need to process my divorce. Without a second thought, I peeled off the engagement ring and wore the ring the handsome stranger gave me. 

My family abandoned me in my lowest; everyone blamed me for my son’s death. Maybe a stranger holding an umbrella over my head and supporting me before I fell was how badly I needed some reassurance, even if it was from someone I didn't know. 

A tear landed on my ring finger. 

The next morning, I woke up resolute to find Desmond in his study, as it was the weekend. Since I found out about the affair, he pretty much kept his distance, as it became too much of a guilt for him to bear around me. 

I was about to knock on his door when I stopped, surprised he was not the only one in the room. 

“Rachel, I don’t care if she’s crazy or not, huh? It doesn’t concern us; we can live our best lives without her.” He said exasperatedly. 

“Mother might act like she doesn’t care about Sarah, but she was beyond devastated when she found out about her diagnosis. Sarah is going crazy; besides, it won’t help your reputation. You abandoned your broken ex-wife after the death of your son, slammed her with a divorce, and let the psychological pressure of it all crush her. People are talking behind my back; they’re calling me the bad sister.” She started crying; I was certain it was fake. 

Since when has Rachel cared this much for me?

“Sarah would never appreciate your care for her. She only slanders your name.”

“It doesn’t matter how much we fight; I can’t abandon my crazy sister.”

My ears had had enough of it; I pushed the door open forcefully. Surprised to see Dr. Kate and two men.

"Who is crazy? Me? Because I said truthfully I saw you the night Liam died.”

Desmond stood to his feet. “You have indeed run insane.” 

I turned to them, infuriated. “You can’t decide my fate, Desmond. I’m here for the divorce. I hesitated because I thought you’d finally come to your senses, but not even Liam’s death finally slapped some sense into you.” 

Rachel, with her fake tears, held me. “Sarah, you were diagnosed with psychosis, depression, and derealization. I know it’s hard for you to take, but believe me. You need to be treated.”

II shrugged her off violently. “My divorce papers, hand them to me!”

Rachel hurried to Desmond. “You are currently her guardian, not until you ensure she’s treated. I won’t get married to you if you treat my sister with such disrespect.” 

I scoffed. “Cheating with my husband wasn’t disrespectful enough.” 

Desmond sent a tight stare at me, his eyes resolute. He picked up his pen; my heart skipped. 

“What the fuck are you doing?!” I yelled, distraught. 

“Signing the consent form needed for your hospitalization. Consider it my farewell to you, Sarah.” 

Racehl took the form before I could reach it. I scoffed in disbelief at what was happening in front of me. 

“My hospitalization?”

Dr. Kate walked forward. “Her symptoms are much worse than the last time I saw her.” 

“You are working with Rachel as well.” I scoffed at how ill-fated I was.

“We have gotten the consent for your hospitalization, Mrs. Hariet.” 

“Sarah Alven! My name is Sarah fucking Alven! I trusted you for five years. You are so easily manipulated by her.” 

Rachel faked a tear. “You can’t see how bad you have gotten; that’s the saddest part.” 

“When have you fucking cared about me?”

“Get her out of here.” 

I glared at him, my eyes burning. “I hate you, Desmond. I curse the day I fell in love with you. I wish it never happened.”

“Finally we are on the same page.” 

“The patient is resistant and violent. Keep her down for the shot.” 

“Thank goodness you saw this coming.” Rachel muttered, this was her plan all along. 

The two men hurried to me, while I tried to run. “What are you doing?” I yelled; I was pinned against a wall, and Dr. Kate prepared an injection. The mask Rachel wore slipped; she smiled as the needle pierced through my neck veins despite my resistance. I was let to fall to the floor as I struggled to keep awake. 

“I need to get out…" I mumbled and gathered some strength to stand, but my legs were too weak. I fell hard to the floor, my tears falling rather fast. 

I was foolish; I underestimated Rachel. I let myself be caught in the trap she laid for me. It was a chore to keep awake. 

She leaned in close. “Nighty night.”