Hearing Stella's words only made Luther more resolute.
He stepped forward and shoved me hard.
The steel bar drove deeper into my stomach. A wave of searing pain surged through me and I nearly blacked out.
"I’m warning you. Stop playing tricks! I’ll take care of your mother’s funeral after Stella’s birthday."
"Stella, let’s go make a wish. I’ll take you back to your apartment later."
With that, he took Stella’s hand and walked into the ancestral home without looking back.
Moments later, the music of a birthday song filled the air. Luther took the microphone, leading the chorus as laughter and music echoed inside the house.
Outside, my mother’s lifeless body lay there, miserable and torn apart.
Tears streamed down my face. "Mom, I’m sorry…"
"Wait for me. I’ll bring the baby to keep you company…"
Just as I was about to be swallowed by darkness, hurried footsteps approached.
"Quick! Call an ambulance! Someone is injured!"
At the hospital, the doctor frowned when he heard my decision to not keep the baby.
"There’s still a chance to save the baby. Are you sure you don’t want to keep it? Does your husband know?"
"My husband is dead." My voice was cold, emotionless.