y of junk food scattered on the coffee table. Tears streamed down her c

and though she put on a brave face for the world,

athing. She had gained weight rapidly, her once healthy glow fading as she

daze. Chloe, her best friend, walked in, her face brighteni

rying, her hair in disarray, and surrounded by empty wrappers. Sh

like a sad potato left out in the sun too long." She tried to ma

u can't keep doing

he back of her hand. "I don't know how t

edging her words as she tossed her bag onto the chair. "Y

ng with every breath. "I don't know what to do

oked on her own words, tears mixing with snot as she messily wiped her face with the

d falling apart. She moved closer, gripping Racheal's

stroked Racheal's hair, trying to comfort her through her own pain. She hate

tion. She hadn't come to terms with Victor leaving, her thoughts clinging to the fain

g the empty rooms. A delusional fantasy that she couldn't shake, even though Vi

s like the end, but it's not. We're going to figure this out. You're stronger than y

to restore a sense of normalcy. "Come on," Chloe said gently, standing up and offering her ha

to the kitchen. It was a small gesture, but Chloe knew that keeping Racheal busy,

ving in to ensure Racheal wasn't completely alone with her thoughts. Chloe had be

rtbreak-there was a lifetime of hurt simmering beneath the surface. Racheal was an orphan, adopted by Evelyn's

sion as she chopped the vegetables, h

ain away, even if just for a moment. Chloe continued stirring the pot, her mind racing wit

should do something fun, just us girls. A weekend getaway or

on't know, Chloe. I feel so... heavy. I can't pretend to be okay when

as she walked over to Racheal. She took the knife from he

e to keep moving, for yourself and for your baby.

stinging with fresh tears. Chloe's warmt

thought I had everything figured out. I thought Victor and I would be toget

g from me. And now

ds. "Evelyn didn't take everything. You still have yourself,

ion suddenly blared with breaking news. Both women's heads turned to the screen

HILE SHOPPING FOR BABY CLOTHES. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN? IS VICTOR THE FAT

e they were, smiling and looking every bit the happy couple as they strolled through the baby store, Evelyn's swollen belly unmistak

ng her worst nightmare unfold in real time. The man who had vowed to love her, who she had once believ

t was too late. The damage was done. Racheal staggered back, her

s the tears she'd been holding back spilled

nds clutching her chest as though she could physically hold her heart tog

r insides. Each image of Victor and Evelyn together

"Racheal, listen to me," she pleaded, holding Racheal's trembling hands.

ry dream she'd ever had-the white picket fence, the family, the life she'd built in her mind-was g

, Chloe. I was his wife. I loved him. And now... now he's having a baby with her." Her voice b

re so much more than this moment," she whispered fiercely. "I know it doesn't feel like it now, but

did he choose her?" The questions spilled out, the doubts and fears she had buried since the divorce now laid bare. I

you, Racheal. This is about them. They're broken, selfish people, and they don'

reath felt like dragging her lungs through broken glass. Her vision blurred

and she couldn't shake the feeling of be

ely reached Racheal's ears. "One step at a time," Chloe repeate

edges of her vision darkening. She tried to stand, to s

of the counter for support, but her

alarm. She stepped closer, watching as Racheal's

what was happening, her knees buckled. She collapsed,

frantic scream, her name echoing thro