Love Burns Without a Trace

Isobel rushed back into her bedroom and squatted on the bathroom floor. Trembling, she rested her back against the icy cold wall.

Holding the toilet, she vomited. The bile juices burned her throat.

Memories of that night when Anthony accidentally impregnated her flooded her.

Anthony was heavily drunk that night and had forced himself on her. She could not break free from his aggressive advances.

Although he had been calling her name while going at it, she knew something was wrong. She figured that he must have been fantasizing about another woman to treat her that harshly.

The man whom she loved—and loved her back—would never assault her like this.

That was the first time she suspected him of cheating.

To avoid an unwanted pregnancy, she took a morning-after pill. She never thought that the pill would lead to an ectopic pregnancy instead.

After the surgery, the doctor informed her, "Ms. Sutton, I fear you might never conceive, given the state of your health."

At the same time, Sasha had gotten pregnant with Anthony's baby and received blessings from the family.

Isobel nearly fainted from the physical and psychological pain. Before she lost consciousness, she saw Anthony running toward her with a worried look.

"Belle!"

…

Anthony and his family were at her side when she woke up. Even their family doctor was there.

Anthony looked a little tired and disheveled. His bloodshot eyes suggested that he had experienced a sleepless night.

Their concern felt insincere to her, and she refused to respond to anyone. However, Sasha's scream immediately sliced through the awkward silence.

"Ouch! That hurts—"

The people around Isobel immediately left for the next room. She stared at the ceiling. She had no tears left to cry.

Later, Anthony was the only one who returned to Isobel's room. He explained that his family was extremely worried about his late cousin's baby, which was why they overreacted.

Isobel listened expressionlessly. She asked no questions.

The family she had wished for was no more. It was all an illusion.

She had been too naive but would not make that mistake again.