Desperation

The morning felt suffocating. No matter how deep I breathed, I couldn't seem to get enough air. My head pounded, and my throat still burned from the alcohol I had swallowed the night before. But it wasn't just the drink making me feel heavy. It was everything—the lies, the deceit, the feeling of being completely trapped in a life that wasn't mine. 

I had done everything I could think of to take back control, but it was slipping away faster than I could hold onto it. Simon and Kelvin, both powerful businessmen, had formed an alliance with my father. The merger of their companies—three of them now working together—was the last thing I had wanted. They had become even more powerful than before. The wealth, the control, the influence they now had was unimaginable. 

And me? 

I was stuck in someone else's body, watching as my real life crumbled before my eyes. 

I poured another glass of wine, staring at the deep red liquid swirling inside. Maybe if I drank enough, I wouldn't have to think about the hopelessness creeping into my chest. Maybe I could forget, just for a little while. 

But I knew the truth. 

Nothing could fix this. 

I thought about my plan—my revenge. I had wanted to make Kelvin suffer, to make him regret everything he had done to me. I had wanted him to feel the same pain I had felt when I saw him with Mimi. But now? Now, it felt like everything was slipping away. My life had become something unrecognizable. 

This wasn't what I had planned. 

This wasn't the revenge I wanted. 

---

Later that evening, Mr. Larkin—my father—had invited us all to dinner. I didn't want to go. The thought of sitting at a table with him, Kelvin, and Simon was unbearable. The weight of everything pressing down on me felt suffocating. But I didn't have a choice. 

When I arrived at the restaurant, the air in the room felt thick with tension. People were polite, smiling and making small talk, but I could feel the uneasiness in every conversation. Everyone was playing a role, pretending everything was fine when it wasn't. 

Then, they started talking about the wedding. 

I froze. 

The wedding. 

I excused myself from the table, my heart pounding in my chest. The pressure was too much. I needed to get out of there, to find some air, to breathe. I couldn't stay in that room any longer.

But as I stood up, the dizziness hit me. The room spun, and everything blurred. My legs gave out beneath me. I reached for something, anything, but there was nothing to hold on to.

And then, everything went black.

The next thing I knew, I was lying down, the coldness of the floor against my cheek. I could feel someone lifting me up, their arms strong and steady. It was Simon.

"Mimi!" he called out, his voice frantic. "Hold on. I've got you."

I tried to speak, but the words wouldn't come. I felt numb, my body completely out of my control. The dizziness still hadn't passed.

"Don't worry. I'm taking you to the hospital," Simon said, his voice steady but filled with urgency. "You'll be okay. Just stay with me."

I couldn't answer. I didn't have the strength. All I could do was close my eyes and try to hold on to the warmth of his arms as he carried me out of the room.

*********

The hospital felt like another world. Bright lights. People rushing around. But all I could focus on was the feeling of Simon holding my hand, not letting go.

When we finally arrived, the doctors took over, rushing me into a room. Simon stayed by my side, watching as they worked on me. His face was a mixture of worry and guilt.

"Is she going to be okay?" he asked one of the nurses, his voice tight.

The nurse nodded. It's likely just exhaustion and stress. We'll keep her here for observation tonight."

I didn't wake up for hours, and I could sense Simon's fear. He stayed with me the whole time, watching me, holding my hand, and whispering my name. I could feel his worry, his chest tightening with every passing minute.

I was trapped in a terrible dream. Mimi was there, furious and hateful. She attacked me, choking me, and I struggled to breathe. I tried to fight back, but I felt weak. Everything went dark.

Then, suddenly, I woke up. I gasped for air, my heart pounding loudly. I was sweating, and my vision was blurry. I looked around, confused, trying to remember where I was.

That's when I saw Simon. He was sitting beside me, his face filled with worry and relief. He was still holding my hand, his grip firm but gentle. His eyes softened when our gazes met.

"You're awake," he whispered, his voice filled with relief. "Thank God."

I blinked, trying to process everything. The nightmare, the fear, being alive... and Simon. He

hadn't left me. A realization washed over me: he cares. Truly cares.