Chapter 8%
A white envelope.
I reached for it without thinking, but the moment my eyes landed on the name printed on the letterhead, my heart skipped a beat.
I tore the letter open with trembling hands. The doctor’s handwriting. A medical report.
I scanned it quickly, hoping–desperately–that it wasn’t what I thought it was.
But the words struck me like a punch to the chest:
“Miscarriage due to excessive blood loss.”
The date…
The very same day I ordered the hospital to keep drawing Lea’s blood despite their protests.
The day I chose to save Rebecca, to protect her pregnancy.”
“This… must be a lie!” I shouted, instinctively.
I strode over to the server who had brought the box. My breaths were short, ragged. I grabbed him by the collar.>>
“Where did you get this letter?” I demanded coldly.
The man trembled. “A courier handed it to me, Sir. I was just doing my job. I… I don’t know what’s inside, I swear.”
I stood frozen. Unable to breathe.
But before I could press further, a deep, familiar voice cut through the tension.
“I wrote that letter,” said an older man in a white coat–the doctor who had once treated Lea.}
I turned sharply. “You… what does this mean? Are you sure it’s accurate?!“}
He nodded slowly, regret all over his face.
“I warned you at the time. Mrs. Lea was too weak. But you kept pushing… and in the end, the pregnancy couldn’t be saved.”}
“I….I didn’t know… she was pregnant…“}
My voice cracked.
The world crumbled around me.”
I clutched the paper so tightly it nearly tore in my hands.
“Sean… don’t believe this so easily,” Rebecca’s voice slithered into my ear–soft, but sharp as a blade.
1
“Lea must’ve planned all this. She’s pretending to be missing just to get your attention.“}
I turned to her, but before I could speak, my mother chimed in.
“She’s right. Even in her absence, that woman continues to disgrace you. You need to open your eyes, Sean. She’s nothing but a burden.”>
“Enough,” I whispered.
But my body shook. My thoughts, clouded.}
“What exactly is going on here?” Mr. Hilton’s deep voice broke into the circle forming around us. “So… Mrs. Lea isn’t here?“>
My mother stepped forward, voice calm but laced with venom.
>
“Mr. Hilton, Lea is barren. So, I asked Sean to find a woman who could bear him an heir. And here she is–Rebecca. She’s educated, beautiful, and fertile. Unlike Lea, who just stays home, doing nothing of value.”>
I shut my eyes, wishing I could disappear from this room.
Mr. Hilton turned to me, disappointment etched into every line on his face.
“Mr. Sean, does that mean you’ve abandoned Mrs. Lea?“>
Before I could answer, Rebecca stepped in.
“Mr. Hilton… I promise, I’ll be better than Lea. I’ll make you proud to be our business partner.“}
Mr. Hilton’s gaze shifted sharply to her. “You… weren’t you just a secretary?”
Rebecca smiled proudly. “I was. But now, I’m Sean Armstrong’s future wife. And I’m carrying his child.”
Mr. Hilton gave a cold smile.
“You’re very confident, Miss. But as of tonight… I’m cutting all business ties with the Armstrong family.”
Silence crashed over the room.
Every head turned in our direction.
“What?” Rebecca gasped. “You can’t make that decision so suddenly!”
“I can’t partner with someone who lacks integrity. You knew Sean was married, and yet you pursued him. That alone proves who you are. In the future, you’ll bring nothing but chaos–never stability.”}
“Sean chose me because I’m capable! Lea doesn’t know the first thing about business! She’s a burden! She deserved to be pushed asidel Rebecca shouted, losing control!
I looked at her really looked, maybe for the first time.
11:55 PM
I can’t partner with someone who lacks integrity. You knew Sean was married, and yet you pursued him. Inat alone proves who you are. In the future, you’ll bring nothing but chaos–never stability.“N
“Sean chose me because I’m capable! Lea doesn’t know the first thing about business! She’s a burden! She deserved to be pushed aside Rebecca shouted, losing control.
I looked at her… really looked, maybe for the first time.N
Ego. Ambition. And a voice that always cast Lea as the enemy.
Mr. Hilton shook his head slowly, then turned to me. His eyes–sharp and accusing.
“You’ve lost a diamond, Mr. Sean. Mark my words… you’ll regret it. Lea didn’t lie. She told me herself–she was pregnant. That’s why I came here tonight.”
His words thundered through my chest.
My knees almost gave out.
Mr. Hilton walked out.
And one by one, the other guests followed, dragging along the shame that burned through what was supposed to be a celebration.” “Quick!” I barked at Arlo. “Find out where Lea is! I need the truth–tonight!”
Arlo nodded and rushed off.”
“Sean…” Rebecca grabbed my arm, her voice softening. “Don’t let this shake you. They’re all working with Lea, can’t you see?“>
I yanked my arm free, glaring at her.
“Rebecca,” I said hoarsely, “did you know Lea was pregnant back then?”
My eyes locked onto hers.
Fire surged in my chest.
She said nothing.
“Answer me!”
Still… silence.
And in that silence… I knew.
Lea might’ve tried to tell me.
But I was too busy–too wrapped up in this twisted world–to listen.
And I… may have just killed my own child.
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