nor

ike a pair of lovebirds, their forced affection a constant, sickening display. They thought they had won. They

h a tenderness that used to be mine. Harlow would often drape herself over Joshua, her hand caressing her growing belly, a

was gaining an upper hand), I made my move. I knew his study was his sanctum, filled with his most guarded secrets. My target

rd. The screen flickered to life, revealing his meticulously organized files. It didn't take long. His communications with Dr. Miller, detailed records of my medications, veiled instructions for "managing Eleanor'

was burning. I followed the scent, my heart quickening. It led me to the ba

She was tossing things into the fire, one by one. Small, familiar objects. My art supplies. My treasured journals.

ng! Getting rid of all the old, sad things. Out with the old, in with the new, right?" She tossed another it

ongings," I said, my voic

ou a favor, darling. Helping you move on." Her gaze flickered to the small, ivory baby blanket clutched in my hand. The one I had m

ed the blanket from my grasp and, with a f

last tangible piece of my lost children, a symbol of my shattered motherhood. I lunged

t the burning wool, pulling back a small, singed fragment. It was all

h silent sobs. The tears streamed down my face, hot and endless. This w

Eleanor. Cry it all out. You're finally seeing things clearly. You have n

hissed, my voice low and trembling with unleashed fury. With a sudden burst of stren

ide with shock. She stumbled back, tripping over her own

rubbing her cheek. "You hit

emories, my grief, my very soul? You think you can simply win?" I knelt beside her, my voice a furious whisper. "Did you feel it, Harlow? Th

held a flicker of genuine fear. "

I was too stupid to notice. Too weak to fight back. You thought you could just take what you wanted, leaving me with nothing." I

ieked, struggling against my grip. "You'

skin. I felt a stinging pain, but I didn't release her. I

d. "I despise him. And I despise you. You

et, slipped, and she yanked her arm free. In her desperate attempt to get away, she stumbled backward, her feet catching on a loose paving stone.

air. Harlow lay at the bottom of the

me, his eyes blazing with a furious, murderous rage. "What have you done,

bbing, clutching her stomach. "Joshua! She p

baby's blanket!" I cried, my voice hoarse, pointing at the wisps o

hat it made my blood run cold. "You are truly a deranged woman, Eleanor. You disgust me. You're a danger to everyone around you." He scooped Harlow into his arm

her eyes meeting mine over his shoulder. A t

d, righteous fury. He had chosen. He had always

like a knife. "You will regret this. You will regret betraying me. You

ack to me. He wouldn't even

m the recent surgery. It tore open, a fresh gush of blood

atching in my throat. This was it. The final act o

, had been extinguished. Replaced by a cold,

triumphant smirk was the last thing I saw be

et still clutched in my hand, my blood pooling around

es, leaving a crimson trail behind me. The last thing I hear

t over. It had