All Chapters of Gone Like It Was Never Here: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

Lily bit her lip at Margaret's questions, caught between words and tears that slipped down her face before she could speak."Mom..." she murmured, drew a deep breath, and carefully revealed the urn she had been holding against her chest."Oh my God, what's this?"Margaret and Herman exchanged a glance. They were both nearly undone by what they saw."Lily, what's going on? Don't scare us like this.""Mom, Dad, my child is dead."After holding herself together for so long, Lily finally shattered. She threw herself into Margaret's arms. Her tears spilled as she sobbed without control."What? How could this happen? My Lily!"The two women held each other fiercely, and their grief poured out in helpless cries.Herman shook with fury, ready to hunt down Zeke. "That damn bastard promised me he would take care of you. Is this how he keeps his word? I'm going to find him and see if he still has a conscience!"Lily grasped his arm. "No, Dad, please don't. I'm already divorced. I want n

Since giving birth, Lily's health had suffered significantly. To support her recovery, Margaret had enrolled her in a series of postpartum rehabilitation classes.Lily had just wrapped up one session and was leaving the doctor's office when she spotted Sophie.Sophie emerged from another doctor's office nearby, swaying slightly as she walked. Evidently, she was there for rehab as well.Lily's gaze grew cold the instant she caught sight of Sophie, the very person who'd shattered her family and taken her child's life.A flicker of hatred darkened Lily's gaze. Her fingers tightened at her sides as she silently vowed never to let Sophie off the hook."What a coincidence running into you here, Lily," Sophie said. She arched an eyebrow as she approached.Her voice carried false sympathy. "I heard about your baby's death... My condolences. Truly, it's a heartbreaking loss. But you're still young. You can have another child."Oh, wait. I forgot you're divorced from Zeke, so you can't ha

Zeke dragged Sophie into the surveillance room. The instant Rhonda played the footage, Sophie's composure shattered entirely.Even though darkness had blanketed the living room, the surveillance cameras recorded every detail.Exactly as Lily had described, Sophie tried to force Lily down the stairs but stumbled. Sophie had lost her balance and pulled Lily down with her in the chaotic fall.A fierce storm of rage surged within Zeke. He whirled around, and his gaze sliced through Sophie like a sharpened blade."It was really you! You were the one who dragged Lily down! Why would you do such a thing?"His hand clamped around her throat, fueled by a rage he could no longer contain.Sophie's neck was already raw and tender from the bruising Lily's grip had left before. Now, Zeke's hold was even harsher. The agony surged so fiercely she couldn't form a single word."Ze... ke..." she gasped, struggling to pry his hand away, but her strength had all but vanished.Her face drained of co

For two full weeks, Sophie had dwelled in the downtown apartment that Zeke had rented on her behalf.The rooms were spacious, and Winifred Haywood, the doula Zeke had hired, performed her duties with professionalism.Still, Sophie's temper frayed more with each passing day. She snapped at Winifred over the smallest irritations. Even when the hospital rang, urging her to bring milk for the baby, she refused to go.Her mind was consumed by one single hope—to make Zeke accept her. She called him relentlessly."Hey, Zeke?""I told you. Don't call me anymore!"He treated her poorly. Even though he took the call, he showed no willingness to talk."Zeke, I'm living here all alone, and it's tough. The apartment is too small, and the food doesn't sit well with me. I miss you so much. Please, let me come back, okay?""If I recall correctly, your living conditions abroad were far worse than what you have now, Sophie. If you can't handle this, I'll terminate Winifred's services and the apa

"Oh my gosh, it's already so late!"Having wrapped up their chat, the two coworkers said goodbye to Lily. "We're heading out now. You should leave early, too. Don't overwork yourself."Since Lily had joined the company as an ordinary employee, they had no idea she was actually the heiress to the Rosenfelts and treated her with genuine warmth."Alright, bye!" she called back.Lily stretched and looked down at the design in her hands. Inspiration suddenly struck her like a flash. Without hesitation, she leaned over her work and continued sketching for several more hours.Margaret's call came through, urging Lily to head home. "Aren't you coming home yet, Lily? It's way past bedtime. Staying up late like this will just make you age quicker.""Got it, Mom. I'm coming home right now."The design sketches lay nearly complete, though still calling for some final touches. Lily packed up her things, ready to head home and continue her work.Before switching off the lights, she cast a gl