Emily's POV
When you find out you're bringing a new life into the world, the last thing you expect to hear is that the father is gone.
I wake up feeling weak, the nausea and dizziness making it impossible to sit up. My joy has turned into a living nightmare. Across the room, I hear my sister Sarah speaking on the phone.
"The doctor says she's stable," she whispers, "but she needs to stop stressing. Her blood pressure's through the roof."
I almost laugh at the irony. A doctor being told to manage stress? How absurd.
I shift to face Sarah, and she quickly ends the call. Our eyes meet, and there's no need for pretense. "I need to find him," I whisper, my voice barely audible. She doesn't argue, just nods and helps me to my feet.
We slip out of the hospital unnoticed and drive straight to Ethan's parents' house. The ride is tense and quiet, my mind racing with possibilities.
As we approach, a car pulls out of the driveway. Relief floods me when I recognize Ethan's mother in the driver's seat. I jump out of the car, waving frantically.
"Mom," I call, my voice breaking. "I'm so glad I found you. I was so afraid—"
Her laughter cuts me off, sharp and cold.
"The heavens must've heard my prayers," she sneers. "I always knew you were unworthy of my son. Now, he's free of you. He doesn't even remember you."
Her words are a slap across my face.
"You're lying," I manage to choke out, though my voice betrays the crack in my heart.
"If you know what's good for you, you'll stay away from him," she continues, venom dripping from every word. "I've already arranged compensation for your little… inconvenience. A million dollars to cover whatever mess you made. If you come near my family again, I'll destroy you."
With that, she rolls up her window and drives off, leaving me standing there, shattered.
Sarah finds me trembling, my tears falling uncontrollably. She doesn't say a word, just wraps her arms around me and guides me back to the car.