ManyWriters

Seven months pregnant, I accidentally fell into the sea while sitting on a yacht, causing my water to break prematurely.
Zoran leaped into the water without hesitation to rescue me.
However, unexpectedly, the yacht entered the open sea and experienced violent turbulence. The baby died shortly after being born.
I fainted on the spot, and in the middle of the night, I heard the cry of an infant outside my door.
Following the sound, I saw Zoran and the doctor looking at me in terror. He tentatively called out to me, but I didn't respond.
Zoran immediately breathed a sigh of relief, mistakenly believing I was having an episode.
"It's alright, Serenity's sleepwalking again. She's had this problem for years, it happens often."
"You scared me to death. I thought Serenity came out because she heard the crying in the video. But you're really heartless, aren't you? After all, she's your own daughter. Don't you feel bad about feeding her to the fish?"
"I promised Primrose I would only have children with her. I've already broken my word by letting Serenity get pregnant. How could I make things worse?"
"Only Primrose's children are fit to be heirs to the Harrington Family."
So, it was all my wishful thinking. My happiness was nothing but a bubble, bursting at the slightest touch.
If that's how it is, what reason do I have to stay?

Love and Hate Cut to the Bone, With Nowhere to Turn

Though I'd never want to see Zoran again in this lifetime, I secretly booked passage on an exclusive private cruise ship.


I'll be able to depart in just three days.


The next morning, Zoran shockingly made me breakfast. My heart filled with bitterness - was this meant to be some kind of compensation?


Those hands had once picked vegetables for Primrose. Zoran even got a chef's certification to fatten her up.


But he'd never once cooked for me. Each time, he'd say:


"Don't we have a housekeeper? I don't know how to cook."


I smiled bitterly. Looks like he could cook just fine after all.


"Serenity, come eat. When we're done, we'll go home to see our son. Melody's waiting for you at the playground."


I gazed blankly as Zoran ate, bite by bite.


Back home, Primrose was sprawled across my bedroom like she owned the place, even wearing my pajamas.


"Who said you could come in my room? And wear my clothes?"


Primrose gave Zoran a pitiful look, her mouth opening and closing as if wanting to speak but thinking better of it.


"I'll leave then..." she said, struggling to get up.


"This is my house. You're my best friend and Melody's birth mother. What will he eat if you leave? As long as I'm here, no one will dare bully you!"You remain right where you are. This house bears the Harrington surname, not Langdon. Some people seem to be overstepping their bounds, don't they?"


Vivienne fiercely defended Primrose, gently pressing her back onto the bed.


I knew they were close, which explained Vivienne's subtle resistance towards me all this time.


Back then, Mrs. Harrington had arranged an engagement between our families, and I had harbored feelings for Zoran for years. I was aware he had a pure love, but I thought Primrose was his past, and I was his future.


Replacing her was just a matter of time, or so I foolishly believed.


"Besides, this is my nephew we're talking about. He carries the Harrington name."


Zoran's expression shifted, glancing at me nervously.


"What my sister means is that once Melody was adopted, she became our child. Nothing more, Serenity. Don't overthink it."


Before I could respond, Primrose stumbled to her feet and flung open the wardrobe. It was then I realized not a single item of clothing inside belonged to me.


Surprised, I asked, "Where are my clothes?"


I turned back to look at Zoran, and in that instant, his evasive gaze was unmistakable."Serenity, Primrose is Melody's birth mother after all. Let's give this room to Primrose. Your clothes... were accidentally thrown away, but don't worry. You can pick whatever you want from the mall later, and I'll foot the bill."


I remained silent, staring blankly at the nightgown Primrose was wearing. It was the one my mother had left me before she passed away.


"Take it off!" Primrose trembled in fear, immediately apologizing and starting to undress.


As the high-end custom silk nightgown slipped off, Primrose exposed her delicate shoulders, gazing at Zoran with a pitiful look.


From the moment they entered, Zoran's attention had been fixated on Primrose. He claimed he wanted to see his son, but Melody had cried several times since they arrived, and Zoran seemed completely oblivious.


Primrose stumbled, causing the silk nightgown to tear with a ripping sound. Zoran, quick to react, caught Primrose and gently placed her on the bed.


His movements were incredibly tender, as if he was handling a precious treasure.


The nightgown was ruined, but before I could say anything, Zoran became angry.


Chapter 4