Gone Like It Was Never Here

The moment Lily spotted Rhonda, her voice broke with urgency. "Rhonda… where is my child? Where did my child go?"

Rhonda's expression shifted from surprise to a gentle happiness. "Mrs. Connolly, have you regained your sight?"

"My child. Where is my child?"

Rhonda hesitated, unsure how to bring up the truth.

"Tell me, Rhonda!"

"Mrs. Connolly…"

Rhonda tried to answer, but tears came quickly, tracing silent paths down her face.

Throughout the years, Lily's kindness toward the maids at the Connolly residence had never wavered. Tender and generous, she always shared her best food and belongings with them.

When Lily first became pregnant, Rhonda was by her side at every prenatal checkup. She understood how heavy the burden of this child was on her.

In the earliest months, relentless vomiting left Lily drained. Then, in the final stages, the medicine prescribed by the doctor brought a rash that covered her body and robbed her of sleep.

Having reached the eighth month, she now faced the loss of her child. And Rhonda found herself unable to tell Lily that her child was dead.

Lily blinked, her expression shifting as if a sudden understanding was dawning. Her eyes lost focus, growing empty and distant.

"Rhonda, where is my child? Why are you crying?"

Rhonda broke down, sobbing uncontrollably. "Your child is gone, Mrs. Connolly. The doctors said it was a girl, but she was already lifeless when she was born. They tried everything, but they couldn't save her."

"What are you saying?" A faint smile flickered across Lily's face. "No, she wouldn't die. She's strong. She carried on for eight months. There's no way she's gone."

"The doctors said by the time you reached the hospital, it was already too late. If only you'd arrived sooner—"

"No, she isn't dead. I'm going to find her."

Suddenly, Lily summoned a strength she hadn't known she possessed and pushed herself up from the bed. The agony of her organs settling back was so intense it nearly claimed her consciousness.

She braced herself against the wall and wobbled toward the door, only to fall hard to the floor.

Rhonda cried even harder at the sight. "Please, Mrs. Connolly, don't push yourself. Your child is already gone. You must take care of yourself!"

Lily's scream tore through the air. "Why? Why take her from me?"

All the despair and heartbreak she'd held inside burst forth in a flood. She lay face down on the floor with tears pouring down her cheeks.

"No, my child, my child! I'm so sorry. This is all my fault!" she wailed. Her voice was ragged and strained.

Worn out and shattered, she slipped into unconsciousness.

Rhonda's panic flooded her words as she shouted, "Mrs. Connolly! Someone, please! A doctor! Help her!"

Still in a haze, Lily heard voices nearby.

"Where is her husband? Why hasn't he shown up yet?" Wayne asked.

"Mr. Connolly's phone goes right to voicemail."

"She's weak and distraught. Her condition is poor." After a pause, he added, "And there's the child's body. A decision must be made soon."

With great effort, Lily opened her eyes and whispered, "Doctor… may I see my child just once?"

Wayne hummed softly. His eyes were filled with pity as he arranged for someone to take her to see the baby.

Lily gazed at the tiny body. It was utterly lifeless. She tried to call out, but only a ragged whisper escaped her. She stretched her hand forward, yearning to touch her child, but she couldn't bring herself to do it.

Her heart tightened so fiercely it seemed to stop her breath. Tears streamed down her cheeks, leaving cold, wet trails.

Finally, she closed her eyes and made her decision.

"I'll handle the baby's body myself."

"And the father? Doesn't he wish to see her one last time?"

"No. The baby has no father."

The love Lily once felt for Zeke dissolved completely from the moment he chose Sophie over her.