Chapter 3

Caroline

weeks later

Caroline sat weakly on the edge of her hospital bed, slowly dressing herself in the loose clothes her personal house help had brought.

Her body still ached but she was better than before—physically stable enough for discharge.....but the emptiness inside her chest felt like a void that would never fill. Every movement reminded her of the tiny life she had lost far too soon.

From the moment Peter had stormed in and yanked her away from Alexander’s supportive arms, he hadn’t visited her again.

He was always by Cerene’s side, tending to her every need while Caroline recovered alone.

She hadn’t had a chance to see Alexander again, and deep down, she wished she could. His kind eyes and worried voice had been the only warmth she’d felt in that cold hallway. “Where are you now, Alex?” she whispered to herself, a small complaint slipping out. “Why does everyone leave me when I need them most?”

Today was discharge day. Caroline gathered her few belongings with trembling hands, preparing to pay the hospital bills herself.

She refused to ask Peter. Seeing him would only lead to more humiliation.....she knew that too well.

“I won’t beg him for anything anymore,” she muttered bitterly. “He didn’t even bother to attend our baby’s private burial. I stood there alone in the rain, holding those tiny flowers, saying goodbye to a child he helped create but never wanted. Not my in-laws or my own parents. They were all by Cerene’s side, 24/7, fussing over her as if she were the only daughter who mattered.”

Caroline had grown up accepting that she would never fully receive her parents’ love. Cerene’s fragile health had always come first

with every crisis pulling the attention away like a magnet. But now, everything was painfully clear. She was invisible, unwanted and a burden.

At the front desk, Caroline reached for her card, her heart heavy. But the nurse smiled gently and shook her head. “It’s already been taken care of, Mrs. Lockwood. Someone paid, but they asked to stay aonymously.”

Caroline blinked in shock. “What? Who paid? Peter?”

The nurse handed her a small note. “They left this for you.”

Caroline unfolded it with shaky fingers. The elegant handwriting read: *Get well soon. #L.*

Her mind raced. “Lockwood? No… Peter wouldn’t do something kind like this. Then who? #L… who could it be?” She stood there debating with herself, confusion swirling with faint hope. “Maybe someone actually sees me. Maybe I’m not completely alone.”

As she lingered by the front desk, still lost in thought, she spotted them through the large glass doors....Peter and Cerene stepping out into the sunlight. Cerene looked radiant despite her condition, leaning on Peter’s arm with that pitiful, tearful grace she always had.

For the first time Caroline could remember in years, Peter was driving. He almost never drove himself; he had chauffeurs for that. But today, he personally helped Cerene into the luxurious car, his movements gentle and attentive, before sliding into the driver’s seat.

A single tear slid down Caroline’s face as the car pulled away smoothly. “He drives for her… but couldn’t even stay for our son’s birth or burial. Pathetic.“

Her phone buzzed suddenly, startling her....only to see it was a text from Peter: “Get yourself ready before 6 in the evening. The birthday celebration won’t attend itself.“

Caroline’s breath hitched. Her birthday? He remembered? She had almost forgotten her own birthday amid the grief of losing the baby and everything else.

A fragile spark of hope ignited in her chest. “Maybe things can change,” she whispered to herself. “Maybe this is his way of apologizing.”

She headed home, carrying the note tucked safely in her pocket. Once there, she went straight to her bedroom to freshen up, hoping to look presentable for what she believed was her night. But as she entered, Cerene was walking out of her private shower, wrapped in one of Caroline’s towels, her hair damp and her expression innocent.

“Cerene… what are you doing using my shower?” Caroline asked, her voice tired but firm. “This is my space. After everything, can’t I at least have that?”

Peter walked in at that exact moment, his face darkening. “What’s this now, Caro? You’re being dramatic again. It’s no big deal. Cerene needed to freshen up after her treatment. Stop making everything about you.”

“But Peter....” Caroline started, her complaints spilling out. “I’ve barely recovered. I lost our baby, I went through that horrible procedure because of you, and now I can’t even have privacy in my own room? I’m always the one who has to sacrifice. Always!”

Peter waved her off impatiently. “You’re not even ready yet, and we’re already running late. Just stay home since you’re not prepared. It’s easier that way.”

Caroline froze as the realization hit her like a slap. The birthday celebration wasn’t for her. It was for Cerene.....it all made sense now. “This is Cerene’s birthday… not mine,” she said slowly, her voice cracking. “You texted me to get ready for *her* party? After everything I’ve been through?”

Something inside her finally snapped. The pain, the grief, the endless neglect boiled over. “I want a divorce, Peter. I can’t do this anymore. I’ve complained and begged and cried, but you don’t care. You never have. Let me go.”

Peter laughed coldly, a harsh sound that echoed in the room. “Shut the hell up with your drama, Caro. You think I’d divorce you? That’s an easy punishment. No… you’ll stay right here for not caring enough about Cerene. For being so selfish while she fights for her life.”

He stepped closer, his eyes hard. “If you actually manage to look decent and show up at the celebration, maybe I’ll let you sit with me. Otherwise, stay out of the way.” With that, he pushed her aside...not hard enough to hurt physically, but enough to send her stumbling back against the wall.

Caroline watched him leave, the door slamming behind him.

She sank to the floor, clutching the anonymous note in her pocket, tears flowing freely. “I’ve had enough,” she whispered brokenly to the empty room. “I’ve had enough…”