CHAPTER 0006

Scarlett

A few days later

I sat on the chair as Zoe was busy fixing my ponytail. She kept making up stories just to keep me entertained but I knew the truth. I knew why she was trying so hard to distract me.

This was it, the day I was supposed to be walking down the aisle but I'm here getting discharged instead. I thought I would be having my husband and sharing the news about the pregnancy on this day, but I've lost both.

“There you are, look at you," Zoe said, making me look at myself in the mirror.

My hair looked neatly tied up yet the pale face I couldn't hide even if I wanted to. The pain was still inside scratching every part of me that wanted to escape reality.

I was about to head to the door when Zoe asked me to wait.

“I know this day would have changed everything for you, but just know that you're loved and appreciated, OK," she said, hugging me.

"Thank you,” I faked a smile and we made our way out of that room. I looked back at its closed door and wondered how I even managed to keep strong.

"Ms. Brown, please take it easy on yourself,” the doctor said before we left.

I didn't want anyone to snap a photo of me or start some social drama so I covered my face. We got to Zoe's car but it wasn't starting.

“Shit," she cursed and then looked at me but I wasn't focusing my mind. Deep in thought, I couldn't get over everything, and tears were what I was trying so hard to hold back.

“Hello," she waved her hand in front of me when I noticed that we were still at the same spot.

“Huh?" I looked at her.

“Baby take it easy on yourself," she said before asking me to stay in the car while she went to check what was wrong.

Zoe got out of the car and opened it to check what was causing it not to start when someone asked her if she needed help.

“Yes please," she responded when a strange man looked into the car and started fixing some wires. I could see Zoe waving at me from outside and I weakly waved back too.

“Thank you," she said to the person before coming to start the car and it started moving.

That moment just reminded me of the first time I met Daniel on campus. I was struggling to figure out what was wrong with my car and he came like a hero.

I felt butterflies and couldn't stop thinking about that day until we met again and started getting to know each other. He wasn't just any rich kid, but one who was understanding and outside of wanting his privilege.

That's what I thought he was before all the things that I've found when his betrayal came to light. It took my child with it and for that I would never forgive him.

“Hello," our maid answered the call after I dialed her number.

“Do me a favor," I said to her before asking her to send me my work bag to Zoe's place.

I didn't want anything else from that house. Just my work bag mattered. We got to Zoe's place and she had cleaned it up just to welcome me.

“You didn't have to move your stuff," I said looking around.

“Forget that right now I just want you to relax and make yourself at home, " she said while heading upstairs.

I looked around before going to take a seat on the sofa. It was soft and welcoming. The smell of strawberries covered the entire house.

“Are you OK?" Zoe asked, looking at me with worry.

I couldn't hide it anymore. I was just tired of acting brave. This was supposed to be my wedding day.

“I feel so horrible Zoe. I just don't know what to tell you. I thought this was my big day but—”

I struggled to even say the next words. It's like I opened wounds.

"Shhhh it's OK, take it easy on yourself."

"I'm going to get your favorite meal, and there's no way I'm going to leave until you take it,” she said, rushing to the kitchen when I turned on the television and realized Daniel was having a live interview.

“Mr. Cross today was supposed to be your wedding day so why isn't your fiancèe with you?" a journalist asked.

"The wedding has been postponed and my fiancèe is home,” he lied.

“What are these rumors about you and Rhea Collins dating? Would you like to say something about it?" another journalist asked.

I didn't have time to wait for his response. I switched off the television immediately and noticed that my dress was wet with tears around the upper part.

“Oh my. I think you should go change," Zoe said as she came back.

I made my way upstairs and walked into the guest room. I walked towards the closet and removed a dress from the closet before changing into it.

I stood in front of the mirror and couldn't believe the amount of weight I've lost in just a week. The woman I was seeing in the mirror was a broken Scarlett. One whose pain became physical.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

“Scarlett, you're taking a long time. Is everything OK?" Zoe asked before she walked in.

"Yes I'm fine would you—"

“Scarlett I know you're in there. I'm not leaving without talking to you, please come out!" A deep voice cut me off, and I pulled out my eyes.

Daniel!

“What the hell?" Zoe whispered before asking me to stay inside as she went downstairs but I followed.

“Who gave you permission to come into my house?!" Zoe asked as she looked at him.

“Agh, Zoe, calm down. I'm just looking for Scarlett, OK."

"Get out!”

"I'm not going anywhere without Scarlett OK. So don't waste your time.”

“Didn't you hear what she said?" I asked as I descended the stairs. I wasn't even sounding broken or anything. Just a Scarlett he was yet to meet.

“Babe please I'm sorry. We…we can fix this let's just go home and—”

"Will that bring back my child the life?” I asked in a serious tone.

"Child?” he asked looking confused before the tears from my eyes said everything words couldn't.