Regret Came Too Late

Andrea thought Grace was such a bitch.

"Andrea, let go of me!" Liam shouted.

But Andrea wouldn't. Her eyes brimmed with tears as she clung to Liam's arm. "My stomach hurts, too! How come you didn't care this much about me? I need painkillers just as much!"

She snatched the bottle out of his hand and, without hesitation, shoved all the pills into her mouth-only to spit them out seconds later.

She was pregnant. There was no way she'd actually swallow them, but the act of retching and spitting ruined the pills completely.

Liam's hands trembled with rage as he stared down at the destroyed medication. Then, he snapped. His hand lashed out, slapping her across the face.

In that moment, fury clouded his vision. He genuinely wanted to strangle her. Something dark twisted inside him as he stared her down. He grabbed his keys and stormed out the door without saying another word.

He'd go buy a new bottle himself—he didn't have time to deal with Andrea.

stood there, stunned, one hand cradling her stinging cheek. She'd been sure he'd comfort her, not hit her. But instead, he just left-quiet,

chest. This was exactly what Grace wanted, she thought bitterly. She got exactly

was the first time Liam had

fiancée, his future wife-the next matriarch

her scalp tingled, Andrea stomped upstairs and kicked open Grace's

in bed, her face bloodless, barely aware of the sounds around

was a blur-nothing but blinding, gut-wrenching pain.

red, lips curled in a sneer. "You're still pretending, huh? Liam's out buying you pain meds now. Feeling proud of yourself? Got

filled a basin with cold water, and marched back to the bed.

you still faking

over, burning hotter with every slap of pain

Grace didn't move. She didn't even flinch. She was already hanging on by a thread. Now, that icy water cut

swimming, unable to see what was in front of her.

I knew you were faking it. Just a second ago, you