He Killed Us Both

Linus had clearly never expected me to be the one to demand an annulment.

He froze for a second, then his fury erupted over the phone. Before he could roar another word, I ended the call.

Immediately, my phone was bombarded with messages. Text after text flooded my phone, each one practically vibrating with his fury and wounded pride.

"Where are you? Cassandra, are you insane? The only reason I tolerate you is because you're carrying my heir. Don't push your luck."

"You think being pregnant gives you a free pass? I will dissolve this marriage immediately, and when you give birth, you'll be on your knees begging me to sign that birth certificate!"

"And this news on the forums—make it disappear! Now! Don't force me to make an announcement to the entire underworld. This annulment is happening on my terms, not yours."

Before I could reply, he hung up.

Regardless, I went to the hospital for treatment—the same private hospital where Linus and the others were.

"The Don is so handsome," a passing nurse sighed. "I've never seen such a perfect couple! Childhood sweethearts from the same family, a match made in heaven—so romantic!"

"Are you kidding? You're way behind," another laughed. "The latest rumor is he paid a fortune to book the entire hospital kitchen just so he could make her soup himself!"

"I tried to change her dressing earlier, but he wouldn't let me near her. Insisted on doing it himself. It was like something out of a movie."

I stared numbly at the diamond watch on my wrist. The raw, healing skin on my arm itched and burned beneath the bandages.

After the nurses left, I gasped for air, my mouth open, fighting a panic that was trying to suffocate me.

That evening, the attending physician examined me. He told me the severe blow to my abdomen had caused permanent damage. I would probably never be able to conceive again.

My first reaction, strangely, was relief. Thank God. Now no child will ever have to suffer with me. An innocent life deserves a better fate.

After everyone had left the room, I checked the public forums. The media storm had become unstoppable, forcing the family to issue a statement. Their explanation was that the explosion was entirely my elaborate scheme, that I had acted out of jealousy, deliberately harmed others, wasted rescue resources, and dragged my distinguished husband's name through the mud.

In the report, the family spokesman spoke of peace, but every word shifted the blame squarely onto my shoulders. To add credibility, Linus registered an official account and broadcasted a confirmation of our impending annulment to the entire city. His post crucified me.

The vitriol once aimed at the Valeriano family for their inaction now turned on me like a tidal wave. My social media accounts were flooded with hate, and my access was revoked by administrators. My attempts to explain were drowned out by the howls of the online mob.

In the following days, I could feel the hostility emanating from every nurse who entered my room. If not for their professional oath, I would have been thrown out onto the street long ago. Every morning, packages arrived from all over the city—each containing a threat.

I never once defended myself.

Once my wounds had healed enough, I returned to my apartment, accessed the cloud storage for my security system, and copied the footage of Lydia cutting the brake line.

I sent a message to Linus.

"Tomorrow. Pala Restaurant. To finalize the annulment."

The next morning, I went straight to the designated restaurant with my documents. But waiting for me on the marble steps was Lydia.

"I told you," she smiled, her eyes glinting with malice. "You can never win. Your husband is nothing but my dog on a leash."

Her gaze dropped to my abdomen, and she covered her mouth in feigned surprise. "Oh, the bastard's gone? Such a shame. In our last life, his own father drowned him. This time, he was killed by indifference. With a mother like you, the poor thing never stood a chance."

She had been reborn, too.

Before my brain could process the words, my hand flew out, and a crisp slap echoed through the air. Weakened from blood loss, I had no strength, but she fell backward with dramatic grace.

"Lydia!"

Linus rushed out from behind me. His shoulder slammed into my back, knocking me aside. I tumbled down the stone steps until my skull hit the bottom, and warm blood instantly streamed down my cheek.

Linus gathered her into his arms, murmuring reassurances. Then, as if remembering something, he snapped his head toward me.

His gaze locked onto my stomach. Flat. Empty.

All the color drained from his face.

He rushed over, looking like he wanted to pull me into his arms. "The baby—" his voice was hoarse, choked with terror, "where is our child?!"