1.3 Shattered Hope

The rain poured heavily, creating a rhythmic pitter-patter against the ground. The sky turned a deep gray, its was a strangely beautiful sight. People rushed for shelter, while high school students ran through the rain, laughing carelessly.

But one lone figure stood apart from the crowd. She made no effort to seek shelter, allowing the rain to drench her completely. Yet the most unsettling thing about her was her expression—she was smiling while crying. A broken, almost maniacal smile, the kind only seen on someone who had lost all hope.

Like a mother mourning her lost child.

Like a star robbed of its glow.

Skylar lifted her gaze to the stormy sky. Raindrops slipped into her eyes, forcing her to blink them away. Almost two hours had passed since her world crumbled.

The wedding. The betrayal. The unbearable pain. She could still see Phoebe at the altar, beaming as she whispered, "I do"—to the man who was supposed to be Skylar's.

She stood at the back, forced to watch. Forced to smile. Her gaze lifted to the heavens once more.

"Do you really hate me, universe?" she whispered as tears spilled down her face, blending with the rain.

Her eyes drifted to the church where Phoebe had been married. Memories crashed over her like a tidal wave.

The room had been decorated with pink and white roses cascading from the ceiling. A soft piano melody filled the air as the crowd rose to welcome the bride.

Phoebe walked slowly, her white dress flowing elegantly behind her. The gown clung perfectly to her porcelain skin. Her smile was flawless as she carried a bouquet of roses.

Skylar lowered her gaze and smiled—a broken, painful smile. But she didn't stop smiling until she felt the warmth of tears trailing down her cheeks.

She was dazed, lost in her thoughts—until she felt a sharp pinch on her hand. She turned to see her mother frowning.

"Smile! What will people think if they see you crying at your sister's wedding?" Taylor hissed, her eyes filled with disdain.

Sister?

Skylar wanted to laugh. Was this what sister's did? Did Phoebe call it sisterly love when she slept with her fiancé? When she carried his child?

The sound of vows exchanged echoed through the hall.

"I promise to love and cherish you, in sickness and in health, till death do us part."

Cheers and applause filled the air. But for Skylar it was the finale blow. The wedding was planned while she was still there—still believing she had a future.

Everything she had ever loved... was now Phoebe's

She thought she could finally breathe as the ceremony ended, but just as the guests began to leave. Phoebe approached her.

The newly wedding sister stood in front of her, twirling the delicate silver moon necklace around her fingers—the very necklaces Skylar had adored since childhood. The one she had begged to wear for her wedding, only to be told it was a waste of money.

"Thanks, big sis, for coming," Phoebe said sweetly.

Skylar's breath hitched, but Phoebe wasn't done.

Phoebe followed Skylar's gaze and smirked, satisfied, before adding salt to the wound. "I never thought you were this strong. Wait, are you?" she asked sarcastically.

Mark laughed beside her. "I don't think so. Remember? She fainted ten times this week. I almost thought she was the one who was pregnant "

Everyone chuckled. Skylar's stomach twisted. The entire LaRosa family turned their attention to her, hundreds of eyes sharp and observing.

Her breath grew unsteady, she wanted to disappear.

"Oh wait," Mark continued with a smirk. "She can't even get pregnant. She has hormonal problems." A few chuckles echoed in the church.

The words sliced through her like a blade

"And really, it's no suppor Ethan left you," Mark sneered. "What alpha would want a defective omega?"

Skylar's Her hands trembled. Humiliation burned. The pain unbearable.

Skylar turned to Mark... her voice barelya whisper "You knew…" she whispered, voice breaking. "You KNEW… and you didn't tell me? You let me believe…?"

Her sobs made it difficult to form words.

Mark shrugged mockingly. "Why don't you ask Dad that?" His lips curled into a grin. "It's fun watching someone hold onto hope, only to see that little hope turn into despair."

Skylar's breath caught in her throat. Slowly she turned to her father.

"Dad," she whispered. Her lips trembled.

Her face was pitiful, pleading. Please tell me they're lying. Please tell me this isn't real. I'll try to forgive you. I'll try. Just… please.

Her swollen, red eyes held onto the last flicker of hope. Just one sign. One last bar to keep her from falling into the abyss. Because if she fell… there would be no coming back.

She heard Phoebe chuckle, but she barely noticed.

But James LaRosa signed, barely sparing her a glance " You're useless "

Skylar froze. Her body shaking.

" Why should I have told you? Would it have made a difference? Right now, I wish I only had one child. And it's Phoebe. How did I end up with such a worthless bitch?"

Something inside her snapped.

The last ember of hope flickered… and died.

Skylar wiped her tears with the back of her hand, a slow, eerie smile stretching across her lips. It was the kind of smile that sent chills down spines—the smile of someone who had nothing left to lose.

Her voice was calm. Almost too calm.

"Then you only have one child, James LaRosa."

With that, she turned and walked away.

She could could hear Phoebe and Mark chuckling, their voices fading into the storm.

But she didn't care anymore.

Because her world had already crumbled before her eyes.