Then came the day I went into labor. Kate was the one who stayed by my side in the operating room despite being eight months pregnant herself. It was ironic, really. The same woman who had betrayed me was the one holding my hand as I brought a child into the world. But what choice did I have?
James couldn't attend, he was busy for his upcoming huge project in the company.
The pain was unbearable. The hours blurred together. And then… nothing. When I woke up, the first thing I saw was Kate. Her face was pale, her hands shaking.
My stomach twisted with unease as I struggled to sit up. “W-Where’s my baby?” My voice was barely a whisper.
Kate hesitated. Then, she looked at me with tear-filled eyes. “Zoey… the baby didn’t make it.” I froze.
The words didn’t make sense. They didn’t register.
Gone? Just like that?
A hollow laugh escaped me. It was strange, the mix of emotions swirling inside me. Relief. Guilt. Pain. The child was never James’, but it was still mine. It will really hurt me if I aborted the child. And now, it was gone before I could even decide what to do. Then my phone rang. James’ name flashed on the screen. I hesitated before answering.
“James—"