Chapter 2

Tyler swore to my parents that within ten years he would make something of himself, that he loved me more than he loved his own life, that he would rather die than betray what we had.

The brooding boy I grew up with became one of the rising stars in Haventon's business world.

I thought it meant we could finally be happy. But he told me he loved someone else.

In my old life, I clung to him for ten years. In this one, I finally learned to let go.

I wiped my tears and called my mom.

She picked up immediately, her voice bright with surprise. "Hello? Mia?"

I opened my mouth, trying my best to stay calm, but my voice still cracked. "Mom."

She must have heard the tremble. Her tone turned anxious. "Mia, what happened? Why are you crying? Tell me what's going on. Your dad and I are here. There's nothing you can't get through with us."

My tears finally fell.

A few years ago, the Collins family moved abroad. I stayed because of Tyler.

Because of him, I drifted away from my parents.

I thought they resented me. I didn't dare call often, afraid I'd upset them.

But in my old life, when they found out about my divorce from Tyler, they rushed back home without hesitation and stood by me, no questions asked.

Even until the very end, the only thing they ever cared about was whether I was truly okay.

I bit down on my hand until I tasted blood, forcing myself to steady.

Softly, I said, "No… I just missed you and Dad. Dad's birthday is coming up. I'll come home and spend it with you."

After a few more words, I hung up and booked a flight for seven days later.

In seven days, I would leave this place that had buried me once already.

And I would leave Tyler behind.

For good.

After booking my ticket, I took out the pregnancy report from my bag and stared at it.

I'd meant this as a gift for Tyler, for our seventh wedding anniversary.

But he was gone all night, and when he finally came back, the first words out of his mouth were asking for a divorce.

In my old life, this child never even got a chance. Tyler, furious beyond reason, ended everything with one cruel kick.

I never forgave myself for failing to protect my baby.

Right before I died, standing at the edge of that bridge, I saw the shadow of a child falling.

I ran like someone possessed, trying to save the little one, and instead I lost my own life.

When I slipped into that freezing river, I didn't fight. I let myself sink, let the cold close around me, let everything go.

Pulling myself back to the present, I headed straight to the hospital and walked into the psych department.

The doctor ran a whole set of tests. His face tightened as he looked at the results.

"Ms. Collins, did you go through some severe trauma?" he asked. "Your mental state is very unstable. You may be showing signs of schizophrenia."

Exactly what I expected. My body crossed over, but the damage in my mind didn't magically disappear.

At least for now, I wasn't hallucinating.

My nails dug into my palm. My face went pale from the pain.

I gave the doctor my pregnancy test report.

"I'm pregnant," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

He glanced at it and let out a quiet sigh. "Ms. Collins, in your condition, pregnancy isn't ideal. Hallucinations and delusions may affect your ability to care for yourself. They could even put the baby at risk.

"You should start medication as soon as possible and wait until things stabilize."

My hand slid over my flat stomach, a silent touch that made my chest ache. "I'll think about it."

I knew what I was supposed to do, but I just couldn't bring myself to harm the little one growing inside me.

My baby.

Leaving the office, I walked toward the hospital exit.

I hadn't gone far when I heard voices down the OB-GYN hallway. Tyler and Alice.

Alice was beating on her flat belly like she'd lost her mind, crying as she struck herself.

"Seventy percent of the assets! Seventy! And she wants fifty-one percent of the company too!" she wailed.