The sound of laughter pulled me out of sleep.
For a second, I thought I was dreaming. But the voices–loud, happy, full of joy–were coming from downstairs.
I sat up slowly in bed, heart already racing. The curtains were still drawn, but the light from outside crept through. It was morning. My head pounded.
The events of last night rushed back into my mind like a wave crashing down–Gwen revealing she was Rachel, the D’Angelos crying and hugging her, Ryder holding her like she was some prize.
I stood up quickly and walked to the window. Below, I saw them in the garden.
Mrs. D’Angelo was holding Gwen’s–no, Rachel’s–hand. Tony was laughing at something she said. George was pouring her tea like she was a queen.
My throat tightened.
This was supposed to be my family. My morning.
I threw on a coat and stormed downstairs.
“Mom,” I said sharply as I entered the garden. “Can someone please take me to the hospital? I have a check–up today.”
They all turned to look at me, but it was brief.
“We’re busy right now, sweetheart,” my mom said gently, not even looking away from Rachel. “Why don’t you ask Jack?”
“He’s not home,” I snapped.
“Well, then take the driver. You’ll be fine,” Tony added with a shrug. “We’re showing Rachel the house today.”
Just like that. Like I was invisible.
Gwen looked at me, smiling with that same calm, cold look she always gave me. It felt like a slap.
I turned around and stormed out of the garden.
An hour later, I was back in the hallway.
I saw her standing by the family photo wall–Gwen. Her hands touched the frames gently, like she belonged.
When she turned and saw me, I grabbed her arm.
“What are you doing here?” I hissed. “This is my home.”
She raised an eyebrow. “Oh? I thought it was the D’Angelo’s home. And last I checked, I’m their actual daughter.”
27
Cumon With Emine
2/3 29.6%
13:16 Wed, 16 July U
“You think you’re better than me?” I snapped.
“I don’t think,” she said smoothly. “I know. I’m the blood. You’re just the adopted daughter.”
My fists clenched.
“You’ve taken everything,” I said, voice shaking. “You took Jack. You took my family. My brothers won’t even look at me anymore!”
She leaned in. “That’s the thing about lies, Cara. They don’t last forever. But I’ll give you credit–you had a good run.”
“You won’t get away with this,” I spat.
She tilted her head. “Oh, but I already have.’
Then she turned and walked away like I was nothing. Like I didn’t matter.
I sat in the hospital waiting room, hands shaking.
The nurse called my name and led me inside. I didn’t wait for her to start talking.
“I want to get rid of the baby,” I said coldly. “But I want it to look like a miscarriage.”
The doctor looked up, horrified. “What?”
“I want it to look like I lost the baby naturally. Just do it.”
“You’ve lost your mind,” he whispered. “This is illegal.”
“I’ll ruin you,” I snapped. “You think I can’t? Do it, or I’ll make sure you never practice again.”
He looked scared. After a moment of silence, he nodded slowly. “Fine. But you’ll sign something saying you were warned.”
“Whatever,” I muttered.
The pain was worse than I expected.
The cramping started an hour later. The bleeding didn’t stop.
I was alone in the hospital bed, curled up in agony.
I pulled out my phone and called my mother.
She didn’t answer.
I tried again–Tony, George, my dad.
No one picked up.
When my mom finally did, her voice was tired. “Cara, what is it? We’re having lunch with Rachel. Can it wait?”
“I lost the baby,” I cried. “I’m bleeding. I need someone–please-”
There was a long pause.
“Call Jack,” she said quietly. “He’s your husband.”
Then she hung up.
Chapter 27 Green With Envy
13:10
52%
I stared at the phone, stunned.
They were choosing her… over me.
I called Jack next. He picked up after a few rings.
“Jack,” I sobbed. “Please… I’m bleeding. I lost the baby. I need you.”
There was silence on the line.
“I know what you did last night,” he said coldly. “Faking that fall. Crying like a damn actress. I should’ve known better.”
“I’m not lying this time!” I cried louder.
He laughed bitterly. “I don’t care. I don’t believe a word out of your mouth anymore.”
“Jack, please-”
He hung up.
The line went dead.
I stared at the screen, my hand trembling.
No one was coming.
Not Jack. Not my family. Not even the people I lied for.
Tears streamed down my face. I curled up in the bed and let myself break.
All the fake smiles, the plans, the manipulations–it all crumbled now. I had nothing.
I called one more number. The only one I knew would answer.
Twenty minutes later, she arrived.
My real mother. She walked into the hospital room and sat beside me without a word. I didn’t speak either. I didn’t need to.
She reached for my hand. I pulled away!
“I don’t need comfort,” I whispered. “I need revenge.”
She looked at me, serious now. “You want to get rid of her?”
I nodded.
“I want Gwen gone.”
