Chapter 4
By the time James was desperately searching for me, I was already miles away from Riverdale, heading to
A small town that 1 once called “home.”
I grew up in an orphanage, no parents, no family.
William found me after high school, took one look at my face, and decided to sponsor my education.
Now, with my artificial heart failing, I had less than a year left.
I needed to get away from all the pain and figure out how I wanted to spend the time I had left.
At a small diner, I overheard a conversation from the next table.
“Hey, did you hear about James Carter?”
“They say his wife had a miscarriage and vanished. The guy’s losing his mind looking for her.”
I froze. My fingers tightened around my phone as I powered it on for the first time in days.
It immediately crashed, overloaded with unread messages.
A hundred from James.
Fifty from William.
James: Lillian, where are you?
James: You were pregnant? Why didn’t you tell me? I swear I would’ve taken care of you.
James: That night… I lost control. I didn’t mean to-
James: Please, forgive me.
James: Lillian, I’m begging you. Come home.
Before I could read more, my phone rang.
James.
13:30
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I quickly declined and blocked his number.
Then, I clicked on William’s messages.
William: Where did you go?
William: You were pregnant? You really dared to carry another man’s child?
William: Stop this. Come back, and I’ll make it up to you.
William: Whatever you want, I’ll give it to you.
William: Come home, Lillian.
I stared at the screen for a moment before typing my response.
Lillian: Thanks for your concern, Mr. Carter. I’ll pay back every cent you spent on me.
Then, I blocked him too.
I finished my meal, found a job I could manage, and rented a small place.
A year left.
Not enough time to repay William fully, but at least I could try.
Just as I was settling in, the news exploded online.
William Carter and Sophia Reed had officially divorced.
I was stunned for a second, then let out a small, humorless laugh.
Good for him.
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