Chapter 6
I stayed in a private hospital, watching the news coverage unfold.
Sophia Wells arrested for suspected murder.
Alex Sterling already released on bail by his family.
I gripped the medical report in my hands, knowing that those videos and recordings weren’t enough to convict Sophia since Alex could easily get her out once the media frenzy died down.
When I opened my phone and saw Alex had left 99+ voicemails, my finger hovered over the screen for three seconds before I called him back-he answered instantly.
Alex’s anxious voice poured through. “Emma, where are you? I’ll come find you, okay? I don’t blame you for what happened at the wedding. Don’t hide from me.”
I sighed, speaking calmly, “Let’s meet.”
Alex arrived two hours early to our meeting spot.
He looked terrible-dark circles prominent under his eyes. “Emma, we can have another wedding…”
“Alex, will you protect Sophia again this time?” I cut him off, getting straight to the point.
Alex froze.
His eyes filled with guilt and pity-an expression I knew too well.
For seven years, every time Sophia hurt me during her episodes, he wore this same look.
When she destroyed our wedding plans, Alex said, “She has PTSD-she can’t stand seeing others happy.”
When she ruined my birthday party, he said, “She can’t control herself. Please understand.”
And when my sister died, he tore up commitment papers because of Sophia’s single tear. “Emma, you’ve achieved your goal. The internet is full of people condemning her. As an artist, she’ll never recover. Just give her a way out.”
Seeing my lack of response, he continued, “If you don’t want to see her, I can send her overseas.”
I laughed softly.
Kill someone and face no consequences-get sent overseas to live comfortably. That was punishment?
How thoughtful of him.
“Alex, my sister wasn’t related to you, so I could rationalize you taking Sophia’s side. Now, add my life to the equation. See
if that’s enough to outweigh Sophia’s place in your heart.” I pulled out a medical report and slid it across the table.
Alex frowned but took it, and one glance shattered his composed expression, making him look up at me in disbelief.
“The doctor said the baby could have been saved.” I met his gaze steadily. “If you had chosen to stay with me that day. Alex, is this life enough?”
Alex’s lips trembled, his voice breaking. “You and my child… Emma… I…”
My nose stung. At least regarding our child, our feelings were the same. “The baby was already formed. The doctor said it
was a girl. Alex, do you remember what we said we’d name her if it was a girl?”
Alex’s pupils dilated. “Star. Our daughter would be called Star
I nodded with a smile, my eyes reddening, ‘Alex, I’ll see you in court.”
I stood and left, not wanting to see his devastated expression.
