The boat’s lights disappeared into the darkness, taking my last hope with it.
I stood on the wet sand, soaked to the bone, my pregnant belly heavy and aching from the struggle. Alex and Sofia clung to my legs, sobbing in confusion and fear. Alexander held me from behind, his strong arms locked around my waist like iron bands, one hand protectively over my belly as if shielding our unborn child from the chaos he had created.
The night air was cold, but his body heat burned against my back. His breath was ragged against my ear.
“You tried to leave me,” he whispered, voice rough with a mix of pain and fury. “With my children. After everything I’ve given you.”
I couldn’t speak. Tears streamed down my face, mixing with the seawater. The rose-gold collar felt like it was choking me. The fail
