After my parents died in a fire, our neighbor, Kolson Kennedy, became my guardian. He cared for me for a decade. In a moment of weakness fueled by alcohol, I became his secret lover for five years. I thought we might finally become a real couple when I saw the diamond ring on his desk. But then, I overheard him confessing his love to Dayana Larson as he held her close, saying, "Leah's like a sister to me. You're the only one I want to marry." "If she's a problem, I can find a way to let her go." Heartbroken, I stood in the rain and tore apart the pregnancy test results I held, choosing to liberate myself and them.

The windshield wipers battled against the storm, barely revealing the blurred road ahead. I gripped the steering wheel tightly, my wet clothes clinging to me uncomfortably. Today was the day I intended to tell Kolson I was pregnant. Previously, I would have handled it quietly, since after five years, he never intended to give me any official status. But this morning, spotting the diamond ring gave me hope. I believed he had finally seen reason, that we were finally going to move forward. But it was only my wishful thinking.

I managed a bitter smile as I touched my still-flat stomach. Five years spent living in denial, thinking that if I were attentive enough, understanding enough, he would eventually recognize my value and choose me. But I forgot that love isn't about effort alone. My phone lit up with a message from Kolson: "Stay in a hotel for the next few days; it's inconvenient at home." Following that, fifty thousand dollars appeared in my account.

I mocked myself. Inconvenient, how inconvenient? Was he worried his secret lover would interrupt his blissful moments with Dayana? Another message quickly followed, "I’ve tossed out your things; I’m redecorating soon." Such a brief statement felt like a dagger, piercing my heart with excruciating pain. I numbly replied with just one word, "Okay," as tears streamed down my face.

The rain poured harder, and my heart grew colder, plunging me into an abyss with no sign of light.

A deafening crash shattered my world, sending everything spiraling out of control.

When the airbags deployed, I could almost hear the unsettling crunch of bones. Pain surged through me like an unforgiving wave, and my ears rang incessantly. Mustering what little strength I had left, I dialed Kolson Kennedy’s number. When the call connected, it felt like I was clutching my last lifeline.

“Help me…”

“Stop bothering me.” His cold response plunged my heart into despair. My consciousness began to blur.

When I came to, all I saw was the blinding white light and the shadows of people moving around me.

“Have you reached her family? This is a serious accident; we need a relative’s signature!”

“I’ve tried several times, but no one is answering.”

“She’s pregnant – the baby…”

“Use another number, keep trying! We can't ignore this!” Dr. Neil Wilson insisted urgently.

I felt my life slipping away and my consciousness fading. In the haze, Kolson’s impatient voice cut through.

“What’s going on?”

“Mr. Kennedy, this is Neil Wilson from the city hospital.”

"Leah Snyder, Miss Snyder was in a serious car accident, and she’s in critical condition. We need you to come to the hospital."

“Is she faking an accident to get away for a few days?”

“I’m not going! If she wants to die, let her die! Leah, I’ve spoiled you too much!”

“I’m busy now. Even if it’s a matter of life and death, don’t bother me!”

Kolson’s voice faded, leaving my heart cold. Turns out my life meant so little to him.

I heard the doctor’s urgent plea beside me: “You must survive for your child too! He shielded you from the worst of it; you can’t give up now.”

With every ounce of strength, I opened my eyes: “I... I’ll sign it myself…”

The doctor looked surprised but quickly nodded: “Alright! Prepare for surgery!”

The operation was a success; I survived, but the child was lost. I lay in the hospital for a week without a call or message from Kolson, as if he’d completely forgotten about me. Meanwhile, Marianna Woods’s social media buzzed constantly, displaying a stream of affectionate posts.