After He Destroyed Me, I Became His Obsession novel

I was twelve when the car took Mom and Dad.
I woke up a week later in a hospital bed.
Naira woke up right away. She was one year older than me, our adoptive sister: the one my parents took in when her family couldnt keep her. They gave her a room beside mine, bought her new clothes, treated her like she belonged. She was quiet, polite, careful to smile at the right moments. But I saw it, the small, hungry envy in her eyes whenever Mom brushed my hair, whenever Dad called me sweetheart.
And that night, everything broke.
Mom and Dad told her the truth. That her real parents had written. That her parents wanted her back home.
She screamed. Pulled at Moms hair. Clawed at Dads shoulder, yelling she would rather die than leave. The car swerved. Lights. Screeching. Then black.
I woke up in white sheets. She was already awake, eyes glistening, voice trembling just enough to sound fragile.
It was Candy, she said to my brothers, Calen and Jason. She went mad in the car. She was screaming. She pulled Moms hair. She... she said she wished theyd die.
I shook my head. Thats not true
Stop lying, Calen snapped.
I swear! I don't remember
Jasons jaw was tight. You dont remember because you dont want to. You killed them! Murderer.
I didnt! My voice cracked. I didnt!
Jason stepped forward, his face inches from mine. Then who did, Candy? Who the fuck, who?
Please dont fight, Naira began to cry, soft and shaking. I just want us to stay a family. I just want peace.
They wrapped her in their arms. My brothers, who once carried me on their shoulders, now looked at me like a ghost that should have stayed buried.
That was the day I lost everything.
My name. The house. My freedom.
Calen said, From now on, you are nothing but a servant. You live to serve this family. You owe us your life.
And Naira? Sweet, trembling, fragile Naira sat by the window and smiled through her tears.
For 10 years I scrubbed floors, signed away property, and answered to a name that was not mine. I learned to move like I did not exist. Naira learned how to make me disappear in front of my brothers. She practiced being hurt. She practiced being helpless. She learned to make their anger land on me.
I remember one morning, I brought tea to the sitting room. The tray shook in my hands. Naira stood by the doorway, empty-handed, her smile too calm.
Oh no! she said softly, and then she fell. A crash, porcelain shattering, a sharp gasp.
My wristoh God, my wrist! She clutched it, eyes wide with perfect terror. Candy pushed me! She always rush in so loud!
I didnt touch you!
Calen stormed in. What happened?
She hurt me brother, Naira whimpered. I tried to move away, but she pushed the traya and she wanted me to fall.
I didnt!
Dont you lie to me, Jason barked. How many times must we remind you to behave?
Please, Naira whispered, glancing at me like she was afraid to breathe. Dont be mad at her. She doesnt mean it.
The softness in her tone broke something in them. They looked at me like I was the beast she had forgiven too many times.
Basement tonight, Calen said. No dinner.
Naira brushed past me, her wrist suddenly steady. Thank you, she whispered, smiling where only I could see.
That night, I slept on the cold floor and heard her laughter drift through the walls.
.....
Every few weeks, she found new ways to hurt me without ever lifting a hand.
Once, she limped onto the porch, clutching her foot, blood seeping through her sock. Candy stepped on me! she screamed. She did it again!
I didnt! Youre lying
Dont yell at her, Calen said, stepping between us. Shes shaking.
Im scared of her, Naira whispered, eyes wet. She waits until no ones looking and hurts me.
Jasons voice came low and final. Two days without food. You're going to sleep outside, Marsha! Maybe the cold will teach you to stay in line.
That night, I curled beneath a torn blanket while rain soaked through my skin. From her window, Naira watched me shiver. In her hand, I saw the sock she had painted red earlier that day.
Since that night, I stopped counting how many times Naira hurt me.
After a while, it all blended together... the bruises, the punishments, the lies.
I learned to stay quiet. To move slow. To act like I didnt exist. Because Naira didnt need to hit me. She had my brothers for that.
Every day she changed who she was.
Sometimes the scared little sister who flinched whenever I walked in.
Sometimes the sweet one begging Calen and Jason to forgive me.
But when no one was watching, shed look at me and smile like she was proud of what shed done.
One night, I tried to run away.
I waited until the whole house was asleep. Didnt pack anything, just ran barefoot through the dark. I didnt care where I ended up. I just wanted out.
They found me before sunrise.
Calens guards dragged me home by my hair.
He made me kneel on salt all day.
My knees bled before noon, but he didnt care.
Jason stood nearby, angry.
You dare run away? he said. You didnt even blink the day you killed our parents, and now you want to run?
I didnt kill them! I shouted, but Calen slapped me across the face so hard my head spun.


Then Naira walked in.
White dress. Red eyes. Perfect tears.
Please, Calen, Jason, she said softly. Shes our sister too. Isnt this too cruel?
She sniffled and wiped her eyes like she couldnt stand to watch me suffer.
And somehow, they started to feel sorry for her.
I laughed, even with blood in my mouth.
Youre so good, Naira. Why dont you become an actress? Youd win a FAMAS award for sure.
Calen slapped me again, harder.
Jason pulled Naira close, like she was the one who needed comfort.
Please dont hurt her anymore, she said, pretending to cry into his chest. She doesnt mean it. Shes just upset.
I stared at them... my brothers who used to protect me, now completely blind. They couldnt see me anymore. Only the monster she made them believe I was. And Naira stood there, crying fake tears, knowing shed won.
....
Then one day, Naira got accepted into a fashion school in Paris, the whole house changed.
For the first time in years, everything was quiet.
My brothers stopped yelling. They stopped hitting me. They just stopped caring.
No more punishments. No more basement.
They looked past me like I wasnt even there.
Like I was just a shadow that somehow kept moving.
It shouldve felt peaceful.
But silence can hurt too.
I started studying in secret, late at night when everyone slept. Old books from the library, stolen papers from Jasons office. I didnt know why I was doing it. Maybe just to remember I could still think. Turns out, I was good at it. I learned fast. But whats the point of being smart when youre locked in a house you cant escape?
Months passed like that.
The maids barely looked at me anymore.
Poor thing, one whispered once. She used to be the young miss.
Another laughed. Now she cant even lift her head.
A third muttered as I walked by, If I were her, Id run away and never come back.
I wished I could.
Then one evening, everything shifted again.
Calen called a meeting at the dining hall. Everyone was running around, cleaning, shouting orders. The chandelier was polished, silverware changed twice.
The Langford company is partnering with the Vale Corporation, one of the maids said, eyes wide. They say its huge.
I froze when I heard the next whisper.
The heirs coming himself, another said. Dane Vale. He ruined three companies just because they crossed him.
Even the guards looked nervous that night. The whole mansion smelled of polish and fear.
Calen told me to serve wine during the dinner. Stay quiet, he said. Dont talk unless spoken to.
So I stood by the wall when they arrived.
Dane Vale walked in first.
Tall. Cold. His eyes were dark red under the lightsharp enough to cut through the air. The whole room went still. Even Calen looked smaller next to him.
Jason laughed too loudly, trying to sound friendly. Calen kept talking about numbers and deals. But Dane didnt seem to care. He barely nodded, just watched them like he already knew their worth.
When it was my turn to pour the wine, I walked over, trying not to shake. My hands trembled anyway.
He looked up.
Our eyes met for one second. Maybe less. But it was enough.
He didnt look at me like I was a servant.
He looked at me like he saw something he recognized. Like he saw me.
My heart stopped.
Jason noticed and laughed again. Dont mind her, Mr. Vale. Thats one of our servants.
Dane didnt answer right away. His gaze stayed on me for a beat longer, and I had to look away before my brothers noticed the way I couldnt breathe.
That was the first time in ten years someone looked at me and didnt see a ghost.
Weeks passed after that dinner.
Dane Vale kept coming back to the mansion for meetings with Calen and Jason. He never spoke to me, never even looked at me directly. But sometimes I could feel it... his eyes. Watching quietly from across the room, studying, unreadable.
Calen looked nervous whenever Dane was around. Jason, on the other hand, seemed angry for reasons I didnt understand.
One afternoon, I was told to stay in the kitchen while they had a meeting. But the door was slightly open, and I could hear everything.
Danes voice was calm. I want her.
The glass I was holding almost slipped from my hands.
Dane wants me?
Jasons voice rose, You cant be serious! Shes a servant. Shes a murderer. She killed our parents. She doesnt deserve your time or money.
Dane didnt react. Youll get the billion dollar contract if you agree.
There was silence. Then I heard Calen say, after a long pause, Fine. If thats what it takes.
Jason didnt speak for a while, then muttered something low. Agreement.
My stomach twisted. I didnt understand what they meant until Calen called me into the living room.
He didnt look at me when he spoke. Pack your things. Youre leaving with Mr. Vale.
I froze. Leaving?
Jason walked over, grabbed my arm so hard it hurt. His voice was low but sharp enough to slice through the air. You better behave around him. Dane doesnt like clumsy, stupid girls. And he sure as hell doesnt like murderers.
I nodded, my voice stuck in my throat. His grip tightened for a second before he let go and turned away without another word.
I went back to my small room and started to pack. Five sets of clothes, all worn and torn from years of washing. No jewelry. No perfume. No shoes that really fit. I folded them slowly, hands shaking, not because I was scared but because I didnt know what came next.
Before I left, I looked around the room one last time. The cracked walls, the broken lamp, the thin blanket that never kept me warm. The place that took everything from me.
Then I closed the door.
.....
The car ride with Dane was silent. He sat beside me, calm, unreadable, watching my reflection in the window. I didnt know what he saw. Maybe just a girl who had nothing left to lose.
When we reached his mansion, I couldnt believe it. The air was clean. The lights were soft. No shouting. No footsteps chasing me down the hall. No eyes filled with hate.
He turned to me. Here, no one can hurt you.
Something broke inside me. I started to cry, real tears that wouldnt stop. I didnt even know what I was crying for.... fear, relief, or the fact that someone finally said Id be safe.
He then stepped closer and pulled me into his arms. His chest was warm, steady. My hands gripped his coat like it was the only thing keeping me from falling.
He whispered, Would you believe me if I said I fell in love with you?
I wanted to. I needed to.
So I nodded, still crying, my tears soaking into his shirt.
He tilted my chin up and kissed me. Gentle at first, then deeper, stronger. It felt like warmth after a lifetime of cold.
That night, I gave him everything. On the sofa, in the quiet light of his home, I gave him the only thing I still ownedmyself.
I thought it was love.
I thought it was freedom.
But it was only the beginning of another kind of cage.


Moving into Danes mansion felt like stepping into someone elses dream.
He gave me the biggest room. The bed was soft, the sheets were silk, the closet full of clothes I never thought Id wear. There were shoes lined up by color, jewelry that sparkled when the light hit it.
Every morning, someone brought breakfast to my room. Every night, he came home with gifts. But he never took me outside. Not once.
No dinners. No parties. No walks in the city.
One night, I asked quietly, Can I go with you next time?
He smiled, leaned in, and kissed me instead of answering.
And just like that, the question was gone.
The staff barely spoke to me. They looked through me like I wasnt real. Some smiled politely. Most just bowed and left. I tried to pretend it didnt hurt.
I told myself it was fine. I loved him. He said I was his. That was enough, right?
One night, as he held me, Dane whispered, Ill marry you one day.
I believed him completely.
We spent quiet nights together. He would pull me close, stroke my hair, and say nothing. For the first time in years, I felt safe. Like maybe I finally belonged somewhere.
When he left for Paris, he kissed my forehead and said softly, Wait for me.
I did.
Days turned to weeks.
No calls. No messages. But I kept waiting.
Then one morning, while cleaning up the breakfast tray, I heard the maids whispering near the hall.
I heard Mr. Vales fiance studies in Paris, one said.
The other gasped. What about the girl here? Candy? I thought she was the fiance.
A quiet laugh followed. No. Shes just a bed warmer.
The words hit harder than any slap Id ever taken. I went back to my room, shut the door, and cried until my eyes burned.
When I woke up the next morning, my body felt heavy. The smell of food made me sick. My head spun every time I stood up.
One of the maids noticed. You should see a doctor, she said.
I went alone. My hands shook the whole way.
After the test, the doctor smiled. Congratulations, she said softly. Youre two months pregnant.
My heart stopped, then started racing. I pressed the paper to my chest, tears spilling down my face. Hell be so happy, I whispered. I know he will.
I thanked the doctor and hurried home, holding the report like a treasure.
Maybe now hed take me out. Maybe now Id finally belong.
When I reached the mansion, I heard his voice from the living room. My heart jumped. He was back.
I ran toward the sound, smiling so wide it hurt.
Then I heard a laugh.
A womans laugh.
I froze. It couldnt be. I knew that laugh.
I pushed the door open.
Naira was sitting on Danes lap, kissing him.
His hands were around her waist.
They both looked up. Danes eyes were cold, like he didnt even recognize me. And Naira? Naira blinked, pretending to be surprised.
What are you doing here?
Dane didnt even stand. Where have you been? he asked flatly. Then he turned to the side and added, Go prepare some drinks and snacks for my visitor.
For a moment, I couldnt breathe.
My voice came out small and looked at Naira. Really looked at her. W-why are you here?
She gave a short, sharp laugh, the kind that felt like a slap. Then she stood, crossing her arms like she owned the place. Youre really asking me that?
She lifted her left hand and shoved it in my face. A diamond ring sparkled under the light. Im Dane Vales fiance. See this?
My whole body went cold. The room tilted.
No, it couldnt be real.
I turned to Dane. My lips trembled. T-tell me shes lying.
He didnt look at me. Didnt even flinch. Just stood there, jaw tight, eyes somewhere else.
The silence was worse than anything he couldve said.
Naira stepped closer, her perfume filling my lungs like poison. Babe, she said to him sweetly, why is that Langford slave in your house? She pointed at me like I was dirt. Dont you remember what I told you? Shes the reason MY mom and dad are dead. Jason and Calen Langford hate her for killing them. They locked her up for years. And now you bring her here? Youre hurting me, Dane. Youre really hurting me.
My throat closed. I couldnt even breathe right.
Every word felt like a blade scraping against my ribs.
I waited. Just one word from him. Just something.
But Dane only sighed. His voice was flat. Empty. Naira, listen. I only brought her here to be my bed warmer. Nothing else. Just someone to warm my bed at night.
My knees went weak. My fingers shook.
The words didnt sound real.
Bed warmer?
So thats all I was...
The maid was right.
The man I thought saved me, the one who promised me safety, a future, was just another monster.
Oh, okay. Youre a man. Naira tilted her head, pretending to understand. You have needs. Fine.
She walked over to him and pulled him by the collar. And right there, in front of me, she kissed him. Long and deep.
I couldnt move. Couldnt look away.
When she finally let him go, she turned back to me. Her eyes burned with hate.
You bitch, she hissed, and before I could step back, her hand cracked across my face.
SLAP!


The sound echoed.
I stumbled, clutching my cheek, feeling the sting crawl under my skin.
Of all people, it had to be you? she shouted.
I wanted to say something. Anything. But no words came. Just tears.
Naira raised her hand again, but Dane caught her wrist. Enough, he said sharply. Then he looked at me, expression blank. Candy, go to your room. Dont come down unless I tell you.
My voice was gone.
All I could do was nod and walk away, holding my face.
Each step upstairs felt like walking through water.
When I reached my room, I sat on the edge of the bed, shaking. The folded paper slipped from my pocket. The sonogram.
I stared at it for a long time, my vision blurring.
Our baby, I whispered.
Then I couldnt hold it in anymore.
I cried until I couldnt breathe, until the world outside faded, and all I could hear was the sound of my own heart breaking while downstairs, I knew Naira was throwing herself into his arms again, pretending to cry.
And he was letting her.
....
I woke up with my eyes swollen and my chest aching like I had cried myself empty.
The sunlight slipped through the curtains, soft and cruel at the same time. It made everything look too normal, like last night never happened.
I pushed myself up, head throbbing, when I saw her.
Naira.
Sitting on the couch like she belonged there, legs crossed, calm and smug, holding something between her fingers.
It took me a second to realize what it was.
The folded paper.
My sonogram.
So, she said lightly, twirling it between her fingers, youre pregnant, hmm?
I froze. My heart stopped.
Give that back, I whispered.
She smiled like a cat that caught something small and helpless. Not yet. I want you to hear a story first. Its a good one. Youll like it.
I said give it back.
Naira ignored me. She just leaned back, eyes glinting with something sharp and ugly.
You always thought you were so good, didnt you, Candy? Always so loved. So lucky. You want to know how I became his fiance?
I didnt answer. I didnt want to hear. But she went on anyway, her voice syrupy and cruel.
Two weeks ago, my brothers told me Dane took you. Jason and Calen. Remember them? They said you were living in his house. That he was protecting you. She laughed, but it didnt sound human. Can you imagine how that felt? You, the little Langford nobody, suddenly in his arms.
She stood and began pacing, like she was telling a bedtime story. You were always the favorite. Even when we were kids. So I decided to take whats yours. All of it.
She paused and looked at me with that painted smile. Jason told me Dane was going to Paris for business. I begged him to introduce me. I made sure to look perfect that night. You shouldve seen me. All white silk and tears, like a wounded angel. Men fall faster when they think theyre saving someone.
I stared at the floor, trying not to cry, but my chest felt tight again.
She laughed softly. You know what sealed it? The shooting. Oh, Candy, it was brilliant. Jason hired men to stage it. I made sure Dane saw everything. The guns, the panic. I pretended to shield him, even fell on the ground. There was fake blood everywhere. I looked like a hero. He carried me all the way to the hospital, you know? Stayed all night by my side.
Her eyes gleamed as she remembered it. When I woke up, he told me I saved his life. He swore he owed me everything. So I told him what I wanted.
She walked closer, slow and deliberate, crouched down in front of me. I told him I wanted him. I wanted to be his woman.
I stared at her. The words didnt even sound real anymore.
Naira smiled wider, showing teeth. He gave me this ring. Promised me the world. All because he thought I took a bullet for him. Guilt is a beautiful thing, isnt it?
Something in me cracked then.
I started laughing. Quietly at first, then louder. It came out wrong, broken, like I had forgotten how to breathe.
Nairas smile faded. Whats so funny?
I wiped my face, still laughing through the tears. Thats all it took? Fake blood? A few hired men? Thats how you got him?
Her jaw tightened. Dont laugh at me.
But I couldnt stop. It hurt to laugh, but I did anyway. You can have him, I said quietly. I dont care anymore.
Her face changed. The anger flickered away, replaced by something colder. She tilted her head, smiling again, softer this time. Almost sweet. But her eyes didnt match.
I knew that look.
I stood, backing away. What are you doing?
She stepped closer. Youre pregnant. Im his fiance and his savior. Her smile deepened. Lets see who he saves first.
Before I could move, she grabbed my arm. Her nails dug into my skin. I tried to pull free, but she held on tight.
Let go of me, Naira!
Her voice suddenly turned loud, trembling like a victim. Candy! Stop! Youre hurting me! Why do you always hurt me?
I said let go
Before I could finish, she stumbled backward, still clutching my wrist. My foot slipped on the edge of the stair.
Everything happened too fast.
Her scream tore through the house. Candy! Please, dont hurt me!
Then there was nothing but motion.
We fell.


I couldnt move.
The floor was cold against my cheek, and all I could see was white light above me spinning out of focus. Pain burned through my stomach, spreading to my back until I couldnt even tell where it started. Then I heard shouting.
Footsteps.
Someone yelled my name.
Dane.
My heart lifted, weak but alive. He came. He was coming for me... But then I saw him. He ran right past me. Straight to Naira.
She was lying a few steps away, crying softly, holding her arm like it was broken. He scooped her up without hesitation, panic in his eyes.
Call the doctor! Hurry! Dane shouted.
A maids voice trembled, Sir, Miss Candy is bleeding too
Take care of her later! His voice was sharp, loud enough to cut through me. Nairas more important!
Important?
Something inside me cracked. The sound of their voices faded. The light dimmed.
Everything went black.
---
When I opened my eyes, the ceiling was white. The smell of medicine stung my nose. My throat was so dry I could barely swallow. There was a bandage across my stomach.
I tried to sit up, but pain shot through me, forcing me still.
The door opened.
Dane stepped in. His face was hard, his eyes colder than Id ever seen them.
Is this how you repay me? His voice was calm at first, but it carried anger under every word. I took you away from that house. I gave you everything. And this is what you do?
I blinked at him, confused. W-what are you talking about?
He moved closer, arms crossed. Dont play dumb. You tried to harm my fiance. Dont you know she saved my life once? She took a bullet for me! And you you pushed her down the stairs.
My stomach turned. No, Dane, please. It wasnt me
Enough! You always have excuses. You always cry and make yourself look like the victim.
I shook my head, tears spilling before I could stop them. Please, listen to me
A knock on the door broke through my words.
A nurse peeked inside, eyes downcast. Sir Miss Naira just woke up. Shes crying. Still in shock and looking for you.
Danes jaw tightened. His eyes flicked back to me for a secondcold, empty, like I was no one.
Save your lies, he said quietly. Ill deal with you later.
Then he walked out.
The door closed behind him with a soft click. But to me, it sounded like something breaking for good.
Dont worry, baby. Well leave. Ill protect you. I promise.
I slowly reached for the IV needle. I just wanted to go. Anywhere. Away from all of this.
But the door burst open before I could move.
Jason and Calen stormed in like a storm had ripped through the hallway.
Jasons eyes burned with rage. Calen looked at me like I was something filthy.
Calen moved first. His hand came down hard across my face. The sound echoed in the room.
How dare you, Candy! How dare you try to kill our sister?
My head snapped to the side. My cheek stung. I didnt, I whispered.
Jasons voice was louder. Dont you dare lie to us. You killed our parents. Wasnt that enough? Now you go after Naira too?
Tears filled my eyes again. Shes the one who
Jason stepped closer, his finger pointing right at my forehead. She's the one, what? You said that last time too. Every time you say that, someone ends up dead. Mom. Dad. Now Naira?
No, I cried, shaking my head. You dont understand. She lied. She set me up. Please, Jason, you have to believe me.
Calen grabbed the metal tray beside my bed and shoved it to the floor. Everything crashedglass, water, the cup, everything. Shut up! he yelled. You think anyone will believe you over her? Youre nothing. Just a stain in this family. A curse that wont go away.
I pressed my hand over my mouth, sobbing.
Calen leaned closer, his voice low and trembling with hate. Why wont you die already? Just die and save us all the trouble.
Jason grabbed my chin roughly, forcing me to look at him. His eyes were cold, almost empty. Youll pay for this, Candy. Even if Dane forgives you, we wont.
They turned and left, the door slamming behind them.


That night I pulled the tape off my skin with a soft tearing sound. I bit my lip to stop from crying out when the needle slid free. My arm burned, but I didnt care. I just wanted to leave.
I swung my legs off the bed, my body weak and cold. The floor felt far away. Every step hurt, but I still moved toward the door.
Just when I reached for the handle, it slammed open.
Dane stood there. His face was red, eyes sharp with rage.
So now you plan to escape? His voice thundered through the room. After everything youve done, you still think you can walk away?
I froze. My throat went dry. Dane, please, I just
He cut me off, shouting louder. Do you even know what youve done? Nairas losing blood because of you. She might die!
Before I could speak, his hand clamped around my arm. His grip was tight, painful.
Youll give her your blood, he said coldly. Youre both RH-negative. She needs it, and you owe her your life.
I tried to pull away, shaking my head. No I cant. Please, let me go. I cant.
His eyes darkened, voice dropping lower. Why not? After all Ive done for you? I bought you from your brothers. I knew what you were, Candya murdererbut I still took you in. I gave you a home, clothes, everything. I let you touch me. I let you sleep beside me. And now you act like youre better than me?
Dane My voice cracked. Please stop.
He sneered. You should be grateful. Do you know how many women would kill to be in your place? To warm my bed? But I chose you. And all I feel now is disgust.
The words hit harder than his grip. My eyes blurred with tears. I cant, Dane, I whispered. I cant give blood. Im pregnant.
For a moment, he froze. His eyes flickered, unsure. Then he laughed. Cold, sharp, cruel.
Pregnant? You think Ill fall for that? He let out another laugh, shaking his head. Youll say anything to get out of this, wont you? You lie like its your nature.
Its true! I begged. Please, Im telling you the truth. Its your child. Please dont make me do this.
He yanked my arm hard enough to make me stumble. Enough lies. Youll give her your blood whether you want to or not.
Dane, stop! Please!
He didnt stop. He dragged me down the hallway toward the nurses station. My feet scraped against the floor. I tried to hold onto the doorframe, the walls, anything.
The nurses stared as we entered, frozen in shock.
Take her blood, Dane ordered. Drain her if you have to. Shell pay for what she did.
Sir one nurse started, hesitant.
Jasons voice cut through the silence. Do as he says. She owes our sister her life.
Calen nodded beside him. Get it done.
I screamed when they held me down. Please, dont! Im begging you! Im pregnant! Youll kill my baby!
No one listened.
The needle slid in. I watched my blood fill the bag, red and endless. My body turned cold. My vision started to fade.
Before the world went dark, I whispered, After this Ill end it all.
---
When I woke again, the room was quiet. My body felt empty. Pale hands. Weak breath. Nothing inside me moved anymore.
The nurse stood by the bed, her face sad. Miss Candy, she said softly, Miss Naira survived. Shes stable now.
I turned my head slowly. Did he come?
She looked away. Mr. Vale hasnt returned.
I nodded weakly. My hand drifted to my stomach. It felt too still. Too quiet.
Something was wrong.
Wheres my baby? I asked, my voice trembling.
The nurse hesitated. Ill call the doctor.
When he came in, he didnt look me in the eyes. He just said it... quietly, like a whisper he didnt want to say.
Im sorry, he said. We couldnt save it.
The world stopped. I couldnt even cry at first. I just smiled, shaking. So thats it, I said softly. My baby died to save hers.
The doctor left. The room stayed silent.
That night, I got out of bed. My legs almost gave way, but I kept walking. No shoes. No coat. Just the thin gown they gave me.
Outside, the air was cold. The rain poured hard enough to blur everything. I kept walking until I reached the bridge.
The water below was dark, moving fast. I stood there, shaking.
I looked up at the sky and whispered, Mom, Dad Im tired.
The rain hit my face like tiny slaps. I smiled through the tears. Im sorry if I rest now. I tried to be good. I tried to be strong.
My voice broke. My brothers hate me. The man I loved used me. And my baby? They killed it too. I just want peace now. Please, let me come home.
I took one step forward. The wind carried the sound of rushing water.
Goodbye, Dane. My lips trembled around the name. You took everything from me and still, a part of me loved you. I dont even know why. Maybe because I never knew what love was supposed to feel like.
The rain poured harder, drowning my voice.
Goodbye, Jason. Goodbye, Calen. My voice cracked. I hope one day, youll remember I was your sister before I became your shame.
A sob tore through me, soft and hopeless. Youll all wake up tomorrow and wont even notice Im gone. Maybe thats better.
Lightning flashed in the distance. I closed my eyes.
My baby, I whispered, pressing my palm to my stomach one last time. Wait for me, okay? Mamas coming.
The wind carried the sound of rushing water below.
I stepped closer to the edge, rainwater pooling around my feet. This is it, I murmured. The last pain Ill ever feel. I hope you both burn.
And then, I took one step forward.
The world tilted. The storm roared.
And I jumped.
The water swallowed everything.

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