Chapter 1
On our way to visit his family, my husband Andrew Lewis got a call from Cassie Reed, his childhood sweetheart. She was in premature labor.
He was worried that if something went wrong during her delivery, she'd have to face it alone.
So he abandoned me—six months pregnant—on a dark, deserted highway and told me to find my own way home. Then he turned the car around and sped off to be with Cassie.
Minutes later, a drunk motorcyclist came out of nowhere and hit me.
He didn't even stop.
I called Andrew over and over while waiting for the ambulance. He never picked up.
The impact triggered early labor. My baby suffocated before anyone could save him.
Bruised, broken, and numb, I discharged myself from the hospital. All I wanted was to go home and end this marriage.
When I opened our front door, there they were—Andrew had brought Cassie and her newborn into our house.
He said, "Honey, Cassie just had her baby and has no one to help. Could you take care of her recovery?"
*****
"Andrew, you can't just leave me here! It's pitch black and there's no one around for miles. How am I supposed to get home?
"Isn't Cassie married? Why does it always have to be you rushing to the hospital? What's really going on between you two?"
My voice shook with anger.
Andrew said, "Jane, don't be dramatic. I've told you before—Cassie's like a sister to me. She's delivering early, her parents aren't here, and who knows if her in-laws even care. Someone needs to be there for her.
"Just grab an Uber. It'll cost more but whatever."
He was already slowing down.
His words made my blood boil, but I knew this wasn't the time to fight.
We were in the middle of nowhere—no towns, no houses, nothing for miles. And it was dead winter. If I couldn't get a ride, I'd have nowhere to go for the night.
I tried to compromise.
"Then let me come with you. We'll visit your parents another day..."
"No!" he cut me off. "My parents have been waiting all day. If we cancel now, they'll be really upset. It's barely 12 miles—just grab a ride. I'll come back tonight once Cassie's safe."
With that, he pulled over and stopped.
Fear hit me. I clutched the seatbelt and quickly locked the door.
"I'm not getting out! I'm six months pregnant, Andrew—you can't just dump me here..."
I was begging now, voice breaking.
However, Andrew calmly took out his phone, and with a few taps on the app, he unlocked the door on my side.
He unbuckled my seatbelt and dragged me out. Then he slammed the door.
"Jane, stop it. Cassie needs me. You're in your second trimester—it's the safest time. Just pay extra for a ride, and it won't take long. I'll be back soon."
As he spoke, he jumped in the driver's seat and took off.
I stood there on that empty road, cradling my belly, watching his taillights disappear. I felt completely hollow.
*****
Cassie was practically Andrew's little sister—he'd always treated her like family.
The Lewis and Reed families were close, so Cassie and Andrew grew up together. She followed him everywhere, calling him her big brother. To their parents, they were basically siblings.
Classic childhood sweethearts.
Andrew and I met at work and fell for each other.
Back then, I had no idea Cassie existed.
After we made it official, I joined his family for dinner. Cassie was there, and his parents introduced her as his sister.
She'd heard Andrew was bringing me and couldn't wait to check out his new girlfriend.
Assuming she was just a cousin or some other relative, I greeted her warmly.
After dinner, Andrew suggested we take a walk so he could show me where he grew up.
Cassie immediately asked to come.
Andrew laughed. "This is a date with my girlfriend. Why would you tag along?"
Cassie went pale, then stormed to the couch and sulked.
Andrew's mom coddled her, then gave us a look like we were in the wrong.
"Andrew, why do you always upset Cassie? If she wants to come, let her. I'm sure Jane won't mind."
She turned to me, smiling, "Right, Jane?"
It was my first time meeting his family—I couldn't say no. I forced a smile and nodded.
"See? Jane cares more about Cassie than you do. Take her with you, or she'll throw a fit and give me a headache," said Andrew's mom.
That whole night barely felt like a tour. Andrew and Cassie spent most of it reminiscing, swapping stories and laughing about old times.
Cassie clung to his arm, talking to him in a honeyed voice.
They walked ahead, completely absorbed in each other, while I trailed behind like a third wheel.
I felt left out, and honestly, their relationship seemed too close for comfort.
But I thought I was overthinking it and I kept quiet.
It wasn't until after we married, during a conversation with Andrew's mom, that I learned Cassie was only a family friend with no blood relation.
They'd even dated in high school.
But in college, Cassie dumped Andrew for some rich guy.
Honestly, after hearing that and remembering how they acted, I felt sick.
Still, they hadn't done anything obviously wrong.
No point stirring up old drama, right? Besides, things were good between Andrew and me, so I let it go.
Later, Andrew and I bought a house in Riverside City, over 60 miles from his parents.
We finally had distance from Cassie.
But it didn't last. Six months later, Cassie quit her stable government job for a lower-paying office position in Riverside City.
She was back, haunting us again.