Chapter 7

After that night, Victor treated me even better. Luxury jewelry and designer bags arrived at our house in a steady stream.

I truly believed he had cut all ties with Aurora.

Lately, whenever he went on business trips, he would FaceTime me every day, sharing every little detail of his schedule.

"Victor, I'll come pick you up at the airport. I'm just bored at home anyway."

"I'd love that, sweetheart. But drive slowly, okay? Be safe."

I pulled a pregnancy test report from my drawer and slid it into my designer bag.

I had just gotten the blood test results yesterday. I was over two months pregnant. Touching my still-flat belly, a wave of pure happiness washed over me.

"Baby, your daddy is about to find out you're coming. Grow strong and healthy, okay?"

Grabbing my car keys, I headed out.

The weather was perfect today, the sun shining brightly.

While waiting at a red light, I watched some kids playing in a nearby park, their laughter echoing through the air.

Perhaps because I was about to become a mother, the sight touched me deeply.

Ever since I got the results yesterday, I had been brainstorming names. If it was a boy, Henry. If it was a girl, Hathaway.

The red light was counting down. I shifted the car into drive.

Suddenly, a Toyota speeding from the side blew right through the red light, crashing violently into several cars.

I spun the steering wheel hard to dodge, but it was too late.

The moment of impact was deafening. My ears rang, shutting out all sound, and the last thing I saw was crimson blood pooling beneath me.

"Ma'am, can you hear me? Stay with me!"

I faintly heard the paramedic's voice. I couldn't speak, but I forced my lips to move, desperate to form the words.

"Save... my baby..."

The baby was only two months old. I had only found out yesterday. I hadn't even had the chance to celebrate with his father.

With the last of my strength, I placed my hand over my stomach. I could feel life slipping away from me.