Chapter 2

Edward walked out the door without another word.

Staring at the cold pastries on the table, I felt a violent wave of nausea surged in my stomach.

I sprinted to the bathroom and threw up until my body went entirely limp, forcing me to slide down the wall.

A sudden realization hit me. My period was eleven days late this month.

As I stared at the two bold pink lines on the pregnancy test, my mind went entirely blank.

My fingers dialed Edward's number on pure instinct, but the memory of his retreating back flashed through my mind, and I ended the call.

I had no choice but to go to the hospital by myself.

The obstetrician reviewed my lab results with a warm smile. "You are a little over seven weeks along. Your progesterone levels are a bit on the lower side.

"You need to manage your stress carefully, as the first trimester is quite delicate. Go home and get plenty of bed rest. Avoid heavy lifting, and absolutely do not fall."

I clutched the medical report, a sour ache spreading through my chest as I nodded in silence.

On my way out, I spotted Edward and Emily standing together down the hospital corridor.

She murmured something to him, and he lowered his head with a soft chuckle.

It was a simple smile, yet it stung my heart terribly.

I shoved the ultrasound printout deep into my purse and turned to walk down the opposite hallway.

When Edward returned home that evening, I studied his face for a long time. "Edward, what would you do if something terrible happened to me?"

He paused in surprise before resting his head gently against my shoulder. "What could possibly happen to you? You have always been perfectly healthy."

Tears welled up in my eyes.

Emily had a fragile constitution, which meant she would always remain his top priority.

I was resilient, which meant I was destined to endure everything in silence.

Noticing my lack of response, he pressed a soothing kiss to my cheek and left the room.

*****

My mother called at noon the next day, her voice dripping with sharp accusations. "Your father's blood pressure is spiking because of your ridiculous behavior. How long do you plan to keep up this tantrum?

"Come to the house tonight so we can clear the air."

I had no intention of going, but my father sent a quiet text message shortly after.

[Please come home.]

The moment I walked through the door, a room full of relatives turned their collective gaze on me, treating me like a criminal on trial.

Edward stood up immediately to pull out a dining chair for me. "Why are your hands freezing?" he murmured, slipping his jacket off to drape over me.

Emily suddenly broke into a harsh coughing fit.

Edward hesitated for a fraction of a second, but he did not pull his hands away.

By the time his jacket settled over my shoulders, Emily's eyes were already brimming with tears.

My mother's face hardened. "Emily returned from the hospital mere hours ago. Do you truly need to flaunt your affection right in front of her face?"

Emily looked at me from across the room. "Claire, do you completely despise me?"

I met her gaze without blinking. "Yes."

The entire room froze in utter shock. I had played the role of the agreeable daughter my entire life. Speaking a single piece of the ugly truth felt like an act of absolute treason to them.

My mother slammed her palm against the dining table, yelling, "Claire Lane. Emily is your own flesh and blood."

I could no longer contain the rage simmering inside me. "And being my flesh and blood gives her the right to take a marriage license with my fiancé?" I shouted.

My mother's voice trembled with fury. "She did this for her surgery. Do you have any idea how much she has suffered since childhood? It was one simple wish. Would it kill you to let her have this?"

I could not form a single word, my throat feeling as though it were stuffed with shattered glass.

Emily stood up, sobbing heavily. "I will sign the divorce papers right now. I refuse to go through with the surgery."

Edward stepped forward instantly to support her weight.

My mother's expression turned pitch black. "Apologize to your sister right now. You are fully aware that she cannot handle emotional distress, yet you deliberately say these cruel things."

I found the entire situation completely absurd, arguing, "She stole the man I was going to marry, and I am supposed to be responsible for keeping her in a cheerful mood?"

A sharp crack echoed through the room.

My mother slapped me hard across the cheek, plunging the entire living room into dead silence.

My ears rang loudly, leaving half of my face entirely numb.

Edward grabbed my mother's wrist. "Let us talk things out calmly. Please do not resort to violence."

The next second, Emily clutched her chest, her face draining of all color.

"Edward..." she whispered.

Edward immediately spun around and pulled her into his arms.

In that singular moment, I understood everything perfectly clearly.

My mother panicked, shrieking, "Where are her pills? Find Emily's medication."

The house erupted into absolute chaos.

Edward located the prescription bottle and carefully fed the pills to Emily.

It took several minutes before she finally caught her breath.

She leaned against Edward's chest, crying so hard she could barely breathe. "Claire, I swear I never wanted to steal anything from you. If you refuse to forgive me, I will carry this guilt for the rest of my life."

My mother snapped her head toward me, demanding, "Get on your knees."

I really thought I was hearing things.