Burying the Rose Deeply

In the days that followed, I was forced to linger around Max and Rebecca like a shadow, watching him tirelessly prepare nutritious meals for her, massage her, and accompany her to prenatal check-ups.

He was so gentle and attentive, his eyes brimming with the joy of becoming a father.

I couldn't help but remember the first time I had a miscarriage.

Weak and heartbroken, I called Max from my hospital bed, hoping he would come to stay with me.

But he was at Rebecca's place, comforting her after a nightmare.

When I tried to express my frustration, Max snapped, "Rebecca's still young. Can't you stop being so dramatic at your age?"

I was only a few days older than Rebecca, but that's the difference between being loved and not.

As I watched them excitedly prepare for their baby's arrival, I couldn't help but touch my flat stomach and feel a bitter ache.

If my child had been born safely, they would be calling me "mom" by now.

When Rebecca was three months pregnant, Max couldn't wait to throw a lavish celebration. The party was held at the city's most luxurious hotel, meticulously decorated to show how much they valued this child.

Unlike when I found out I was pregnant—back then, I couldn't even reach Max by phone.

All my former friends attended the party, their faces glowing with happiness.

Three years after my death, they were all there to offer their heartfelt congratulations to Max and Rebecca.

Randy, who used to be my apprentice, was the first to raise a toast.

"Congratulations, Max and Rebecca! Here's to you having another baby next year and maybe three the year after!"

Rebecca, leaning against Max, smiled sweetly.

"Thank you! The doctor says I'm having twins!"

The room erupted in cheers.

"That's amazing! No wonder Max went all out with the party!"

"I can't wait to meet the babies!"

I stood there, frozen.

Life was so unfair.

Why did the person who ruined me get to enjoy such happiness?

Hearing everyone's blessings felt like a thousand knives stabbing my heart, leaving me breathless.

Randy, clearly tipsy and with a flushed face, clung to Max's arm, rambling on.

"Max, I always knew you and Rebecca were meant to be! If it weren't for Violet getting in the way, you two would've had your second kid by now!

"Good thing that bitch ran off! Now you two can be together!"

Hearing my former apprentice speak of me like this broke my heart.

Rebecca put on a fake concerned expression and said, "Randy, you shouldn't say that. She was your mentor, after all."

Randy scoffed and spat on the ground.

"A criminal like her? I'm disgusted to even call her my mentor!

"Rebecca, you were so kind to her despite all the pain she caused you. You're too nice!"

When he mentioned the accident from years ago, Randy became furious.

Rolling up his sleeves, he declared, "If I ever find that bitch, Violet, I'll break her legs myself and get revenge for you, Rebecca!"

Rebecca blinked nervously, but Max, mistaking her reaction for fear, immediately pulled her into his arms. He quickly shut Randy down, saying, "Alright, alright, let's not talk about her today. This is a happy occasion, no need to bring up such unpleasant things!"