In an instant, everyone rushed toward the balcony, their excitement palpable.
Sitting in my wheelchair, I was jostled by the sudden rush of the crowd. In the chaos, my wheelchair tipped, and I crashed to the ground.
As I fell, my foot caught the ribbon that held the banner in place.
With a sudden, sharp pull, the banner came tumbling down, revealing another layer beneath it.
I stared at the banner that had just been uncovered, my body frozen in place.
The words were clear and unmistakable. "Celebrating the Wyatt family's child’s arrival!"
The cold truth hit me: this entire celebration had never been for me.
It had always been for the child growing in Thea’s belly.
Despite the small signs of recovery in my legs, the panicked crowd trampled over me, sending waves of pain through my body. I couldn’t move, couldn’t get up.
Just before everything went dark, I saw Thea on the balcony; her eyes closed in silent prayer as she made a wish upon the shooting star. Ruslan stood beside her, his gaze soft, filled with an affection that was never meant for me.
When I awoke, I found myself in a sterile hospital bed.
I tried to move my legs, only to be greeted with sharp, biting pain.