I tried to forget what happened and tried to follow auntie's advice of focusing my attention on my baby.

I stopped trying to get Hades' attention and also stopped cooking food for him. Though I still make his coffee since he seems to always look for it.

He never goes with me whenever I get check-ups, it's always only me or with auntie Helena.

There was even a time that I was mistaken in the clinic as a single mom since they never saw my husband with me. I tried to make an excuse that Hades was just busy but all the mom's there would say that no matter how busy your husband is, that they should always make time for family.

I just smiled softly at them, watching them have their husband by their side.

They looked happy.

Are all couples this happy? Or is it that they are hiding their pain behind those warm smiles?

Alas, there's no point delving into it.

I looked down at my tummy, and I felt something move.

"Don't worry baby, mommy will make sure to protect you no matter what." I smiled, rubbing soft circles on my stomach.

I went home right after the check up.

I saw his car parked outside so I know that he must be home right now.

I followed what he wanted and I didn't bug him anymore. For weeks I didn't try talking to him, nor did I attempt to strike a conversation even when we're in the same place.

Sometimes I would hear him talking to another woman on the phone. I once tried to pry and ask him who it was but he only ended up shouting at me.

It was hurting me, and I slowly started regretting all the decisions I have made in my life.

If I had just let him be with my sister. Would everything be fine? Would he have been happier with her?

I shook my head at the thought and smiled sadly as I headed up the stairs.

Even before I reached the second floor I heard the sound of the door opening, and a sound of a woman giggling erupted, making my brows clench together.

"That was fun."

"This is the last time. I already told my assistant to give you what you want. Now leave before my wife finds you here."

I stayed still, hiding behind the wall as I listened to their conversation.

"Wife?" The woman chuckled. "If I didn't know any better I wouldn't have guessed that you have a wife." She said,

"What are you saying?" Hades responded coldly.

"Nothing." The girl answered calmly, "It's just funny how many people want to get married yet here you are wasting your time cheating on your wife. You're the living example of why many people nowadays are afraid to get married." She said, stunning me in place.

"Who are you to say that when you're just a slut I picked up, nothing more than a bed warmer?" I could hear the disdain and pent up anger on Hades' voice.

"You might think so low of me, and maybe you should. And you're right, I'm just a slut, but at least I'm not a hypocrite like you who pretends to care when you don't. You got tired of me, sure, but I'm certain you'll jump to the next woman who'll cling to you." She said, and my heart felt like it had been stabbed a million times hearing what she said.

I clutched my chest and tried to drown their voices away.

How many times has this happened, twice? Three times? I can't even count anymore.

How long will I have to endure this?

"A piece of advice, Hades. We can't always get what we want in this life. If you're already tired...then let go. Or else, you will make everyone around you suffer until you no longer have anyone to turn to." She muttered in a solemn voice, then I heard footsteps coming near me by the stairs.

I didn't move, not because I was frozen in fear, but because I wanted to see who it was this time.

For her to say such things to Hades, who exactly is she?

After a few seconds, a figure finally emerged from the corner and I saw a black haired woman come out.

She has sharp features, and the moment her gaze landed on me, there wasn't a hint of shock in them, instead, she smiled warmly and expressed a guilty look.

"I'm sorry," she muttered before walking down the stairs.

I didn't pull her hair like those in the movies, nor did I shout at her. Not because I was afraid, but because I was tired.

Tired of all of this.

Is this my punishment? For forcing a man's love? Please...I'm too tired, I can't deal with this anymore. But... How can I go? Where can I even go? I have no one.

I wiped the tears from my face and gulped a couple of times before I composed myself.

I then pretended like nothing happened and walked to my room. Hades was still standing in the hallway and our eyes met, he looked shocked at first but then he masked it with a glare.

I smiled curtly at him not bothering to speak before I opened the door to my room and got in.

He must have expected that I'd lash out again, but I didn't like fighting with him.

If I get too angry at him, it will affect the baby. For now, I will endure, just until my baby is born.

Three months have passed and it was the same every single day. I would wake up, eat, sometimes with Hades, and then go for check-ups.

I got used to the routine and I was honestly more than fine with how things are right now. This way, I wouldn't get too stressed, and it is safer for the baby this way.

I was supposed to be just at home, but here I am on my way to Hades' parent's house since they wanted to check up on me. They said they wanted to personally come to our house since Hades wasn't answering them but I was afraid Auntie Helena would tell them the truth that Hades and I weren't getting along well.

Not to mention that we're sleeping on separate beds.

"Miss...we're here." The driver said and I thanked him as I took a deep breath before getting out.

As soon as I got out their butler came to greet me and led me to where my in-laws were.

I was fidgeting non-stop, my heart racing since this is the first time I'll be talking to them alone.

The butler led me to a huge hallway and I could see their family portraits hanging on the walls.

One portrait caught my attention. It was the picture of Hades when he was younger, he was smiling brightly, and with his side was... my sister.

They really were close, huh?

"Miss, this way." The butler pulled me out of my stupor and I nodded and walked slowly to the double doors.

I was then greeted by Aunt Tessia and Uncle Richard. They were sitting perfectly as they waited for me.

"Cassy, dear, how are you?" Aunt Tessia stood immediately and pulled me into a warm embrace.

"I'm fine, Aunt Tessia," I said softly.

She leaned back and raised a brow. "Still calling me that? I've told you so many times-just call me mom."

I hesitated, my fingers curling into my dress before I forced the word out.

"M-mom."

Her face lit up. "See? Much better, that wasn;t so hard was it?" she said happily.

"Tessia, don't overwhelm the child, can't you just act relaxed for one second." Uncle Richard chuckled from his seat, folding his newspaper as he smiled at me.

"Oh shut up! As if you're not excited to see her here. After months of trying we finally got to see Cassy again. I swear, that unruly son of yours is buiding walls aorund her."

I just gave a stiff smile, while Uncle could only shake his head at how his wife was acting. 

We soon started chatting and they kept asking me questions, particularly about Hades and I. I just told them some sweet lies, and they seem to know something since they kept asking one question over and over.

"Are you sure Hades isn't mistreating you?" Auntie Tessia asked, and just like every time she asked me, I would just nod and say "yes".

She eventually gave up and sighed, massaging her temples.

She studied my face for a long moment before sighing and rubbing her temples again. "You're as stubborn as my son."

"If she says everything's fine, then that should be enough for us," Uncle Richard said calmly.

I smiled at them, hoping it looked reassuring.

"Fine, fine, I won't pry. I just can't help but get worried. Every time I ask Hades about you he would always sucessfully change the topic." Auntie glanced at me, trying to see if I'd break. But I remained in character.

"You don't have to worry. Hades is treating me really well." I lied.

"Hmmm..." She though for a moment, before she slowly gave me a satisfied smile.

"Okay. I guess you wouldn't have any reason to lie to me. Just...if you need anything, anything at all, don't hesitate to call us," Aunt Tessia said.

"I will," I promised, standing up.

"It's getting late. You should head home," she added.

They walked me to the front door and I maintained my act until we got out of the gates, only then did I broke the mask on my face.

I sighed triumphantly.

Phew!

That unexpectedly went well.

The ride back was long and quiet. I stayed awake the entire time, staring out the window as the highway stretched endlessly ahead.

I was looking at the blurring cars that we passed by, and all of a sudden, the car stopped abruptly.

What the...

"Sorry miss. There seems to be an accident up ahead." My driver said as he got out to check what is happening.

I waited patiently in the car and I tried to see what was happening and noticed there were flashing lights and a strange commotion up the road.

What's going on?

I glanced down at my phone. The screen glowed an alarming red.

What is happening?

I looked at my phone and it was glaring bright red.

"What is this?" I mumbled, looking at the security protection app that my cousin installed for me in case of any accident.

Just as I looked back up, a bright white light swallowed my vision as a truck came rushing on our side.

At that moment, all I could think of was my baby.

I didn't care what happened to me.

Just... please. Spare my child.

I squeezed my eyes shut as the car jolted violently.

"Hades..." I breathed.

The impact was deafening.

Glass shattered, and I was thrashed violently inside.

My body was thrown forward, pain exploding everywhere at once. The world spun, and just as quickly it got silent.

Too much silence.

I tried to move but I couldn't feel my legs. My ears rang so loudly it drowned out everything else. Warmth spread across my abdomen, and terror unlike anything I'd ever known clawed up my throat.

"No... no, no, no..." I whispered weakly, my hands trembling as they hovered over my stomach.

Please.

Please be okay baby.

I don't know how long it has been, but soon sirens wailed in the distance. There were distant voices shouting in a panicked voice. Everything faded in and out, my vision darkening at the edges as I tried to claw out of the vehicle, even though it was useless.

"I h-have...to keep...my baby...safe."

I looked at the only light that I could see.

Right before consciousness slipped away, one thought burned through me.

Hades... Please save our baby.

And then everything went black.

Pain.

That was the first thing I felt right after I woke up.

I groaned softly.

My eyes fluttered open.

The ceiling above me was stark white, too bright. The air smelled sterile, heavy with antiseptic. There were numerous machines beeping around me.

I then realized I was in a hospital.

My heart stuttered.

The memories came crashing back all at once, the truck, the blinding light, the crash, and my...

My baby!

My hand shot to my stomach and my heart quickly raced when I didn't feel anything.

"W-where is...where is my..."

The door suddenly opened and my parents came rushing in the moment they saw that I was awake.

"No..." My voice cracked, barely louder than a breath. "No, no, no..."

"Cassy, please calm down." Mom tried to calm me down but I pushed her, unable to calm down.

I tried to sit up, panic flooding every vein, but a sharp pain ripped through my body forcing me back down.

"Where is my baby?" I whispered, my voice trembling. "Where's my baby?"

Dad and mom looked at each other, not answering me.

"Mom? Dad? Where is my baby?"

The door then opened quietly.

A nurse stepped in, her expression gentle and careful. Behind her was a doctor I didn't recognize. They exchanged glances and for some reason I hated it!

"Miss Cassy," the doctor said softly, pulling a chair closer to my bed.

"You've been unconscious for several hours now."

I shook my head frantically. "My baby," I said again, tears already spilling. "Please. I need to see my baby."

The room fell silent.

The beeping machine suddenly sounded unbearably loud.

The doctor inhaled slowly, like he was readying himself.

"I'm so sorry," he began.

No. Please no.

"The impact caused severe internal trauma," he continued. "We did everything we could."

Stop.

"But the baby."

"Stop," I whispered, my hands gripping the sheets so tightly my knuckles turned white. My whole body started shaking. "Please don't say it."

"I'm truly sorry," he said gently, sighing. "The baby didn't make it."

"No," I sobbed. "No, please. You're wrong. I felt them this morning. They were fine. I ate properly, I took my vitamins, I did everything right..."

My voice cracked completely.

"I did everything right," I cried.

The doctor stood up slowly. "We'll give you some time," he said softly before leading the nurse out.

At the same time, Aunt Tessia and Uncle Richard came rushing in. Offering comforting words to me.

But all their words meant nothing.

After a while, the door opened again, and this time, the person I wanted to see the most finally appeared.

Hades looked like a mess, his hair was disheveled, and when he was fully inside, his gaze quickly found mine, and there was nothing in them but contempt and hate.

"All you needed to do was take care of the baby! And you couldn't even do that right!" He yelled.

"Hades!" Uncle Richard stood up, glaring at his own son.

I felt my chest about to burst as I cried my heart out. "I-I'm sor..."

"You should have just dropped dead, that way I'd be free! Fuck this!" He muttered and left, banging the door close behind him.

Everyone fell quiet after that.

The silence was unbearable.

I stared at the ceiling, tears streaming endlessly down my temples and soaking into the pillow. My chest hurt so badly I thought my heart might give out next.

It was my fault.

My baby was gone.

The only little light in my life was gone because of me.

If only I didn't insist on going to their house, if only I had stayed at home, then this wouldn't have happened. My baby would have still been alive.

...

After I recovered, I insisted on going home.

I didn't want to burden my parents. Whatever was broken between Hades and me I had to face it myself.

A cab dropped me off in front of our gate.

I hadn't even been given time to grieve properly. The moment I was allowed to leave, I came straight here. No matter what he said, I knew he cared. If he didn't, he wouldn't have been so angry.

The moment I opened the doors I shivered at the cold feeling.

Everything was dark.

"Hades?" I called out his name but there was no response.

I walked up to the second floor and I tried checking him in his room but he wasn't there. I tried checking his office but he wasn't there as well.

I thought he must have gone out, so I slowly walked back, but then I heard the door screech at the far end of the hall.

My eyes narrowed. Impossible. He wouldn't go there.

Still, curiosity got into me so I walked towards the last room. This was supposed to be our baby's room.

But now... now that will no longer happen.

I gently opened the door and took a peek inside.

"Hades?" I softly called out his name, and when I fully opened it.

I saw him standing at the center looking lost.

"Hade..."

"Why did you even come into my life?" His cold voice came and I stopped, clenching my fist as I maintained a distance from him.

He then turned to me, his eyes void of any emotion. "Is this your way of making my life a living hell? Did the gods purposely give you to me to punish me?"

"Hades..."

He then abruptly turned to me, making me flinch backwards.

"Sign this." He said in a straight voice, his expression serious as he threw a brown envelope in front of me.

"W-what is that?" I asked, my voice trembling.

He looked at me dead in the face. "The divorce papers." He muttered, and I felt my whole world shift.

The next thing I know, I was down on the floor, hugging his leg as I cried in front of him. Even though I know he hates to see me cry, at this moment, I don't care.

"Hades, please, don't do this." I said repeatedly, burying my face in his leg.

"Let go!" He muttered mercilessly deeply but I didn't listen, instead, I clung to him even more.

My tears continued to flow. I could see myself in the corner of my eyes through the mirror. I looked so broken. In fact, I don't even recognize myself anymore.

"I said let go Cassandra!" his voice thundered.

I was so struck by the gravity of his voice that I let him go.

He moved away from me and ran a hand through his hair.

"Why do you keep on pushing yourself to me?" He gritted his teeth as he laughed, like he was losing himself.

"You did everything to get me, and you did. But fuck! We will never be happy. We're only gonna end up hurting each other. This sick love of yours, I will never be able to give it to you." He muttered, looking at me with a drained look on his face.

"Sign it. I already called Klare, and she said she'll be returning in a week." He said, sounding more calm while I on the other hand froze hearing my older sister's name coming out of his lips.

"You'll get settlement money after we get divorce. Go back to school or get married to another guy, I don't really care. Just sign it so we can finally end this suffering." He said.

I want to speak. I want to beg him to stop. But I can't. I have no right to ask him for those things.

"I already signed the papers. After you give yours, our marriage will finally be over." He said, breathing heavily.

"Hades..." I looked up to him, smiling through the pain. I probably look crap right now since I'm still crying, but that's the least of my concern.

"Is this really what you want?" I asked him, smiling weakly.

He looked at me for a moment, his brows clenching, and I could see his fist curling as if he was in a long thought. After a few minutes he finally answered that it finally shattered the perfect marriage I envisioned for the both of us.

"Yes. Sign it." He said.

"After tomorrow, I hope we can finally start all over again with our lives." He said without any second thoughts and I closed my eyes, finally facing the truth.

In this life, I can only ever be nothing to Hades.

How foolish I was to think that he will ever love me.

I heard the door close behind me.

I stared at the wall for hours, and I only moved when the light slowly slipped through the curtains.

I picked up the brown envelope in front of me.

And with a trembling body, I stood up.

I went to my room and picked up a pen, and with shaking hands, I signed the divorce papers.

A tear dripped on the paper and I could only smile bitterly as I left my room.

I roamed my eyes around our home... wait... our home? Is it even right to call it that? Was it even a home to begin with?

Without them knowing, I left. Carrying only one bag which contained all my most precious things.

I left my parents a message that I'll be resting somewhere. I didn't tell them where since I have no clue where I am even going. All I know is that I need to breathe. Somewhere far, somewhere that's not here. A place where no one knows me.

Before I closed the door, I looked at the portrait of me and Hades and I smiled, remembering the day he became mine, and I'll remember this day too well too. The day where his nightmare finally ends with me.

"I love you, Hades." I whispered, closing the door as I left for good.