Chapter 1
During childbirth, I suffered brain hypoxia and slipped into a vegetative state for eight years.
The day I finally woke up, I was met with the sight of a grand wedding between my husband and my best friend.
The son I had nearly died giving birth to shoved me to the ground.
“Who do you think you are, you witch? Don’t even think about ruining my dad and Kelly’s relationship!” he shouted.
I tried my best to explain, “I’m your mother.”
However, he cut me off with irritation, “You gave birth to me, so what? You didn’t raise me. You’re nothing to me.
“I’d rather be Kelly’s real son. Just knowing I have your blood makes me
sick.”
Seeing the same icy demeanor in both father and son, I nodded and responded calmly.
“Fine. I hope you get what you want.”
***
Owen Kilbreth positioned himself protectively in front of Kelly Falker, his expression cautious. “You’re not wanted here. Leave!”
I stared at his face–so much like my own–unable to find words for a
while.
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As I turned to walk away, Kelly stopped me with a gentle smile. “Celine, he’s just a child and doesn’t know any better. Please don’t be upset.”
She continued, “You’re my best friend. How could you not be at my wedding?”
I was sitting in a corner when David Kilbreth came over to me, his face twisted in disgust.
“Celine Lomberie, stop acting like the victim. You’ve been in a coma for ages. Did you really think I’d stay loyal?”
Disregarding his mocking, I pressed him, “So why did you leave Owen with Kelly?”
He furrowed his brows and replied in a dark tone, “Celine, you made Kelly infertile, stripping her of the chance to be a mother. Naturally, I let her raise Owen as your penance.”
Was I responsible for Kelly’s infertility?
Back in the day, Kelly insisted on drag racing with me, even though I was seven months pregnant. Following the accident, she left the scene, resulting in my premature birth and severe hemorrhaging, leaving me in comatose for eight long years.
Afraid of being blamed, she put all the responsibility on me. She pointed to the menstrual blood on her pants and insisted her uterus was damaged, claiming she couldn’t have children anymore.
David believed her.
It’s absurd that the child I nearly died for now acknowledges her as his
mother.
My husband even married her.
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I chuckled at my own expense as I watched David leave, clearly annoyed.
With the wedding underway, David gave Kelly’s waist a playful pinch amidst the crowd’s applause and kissed her.
As they exchanged rings, Owen leaned in close and whispered to me, “I saw the video of your wedding with my dad…”
He paused intentionally before continuing, “It was so tacky. How could anyone call that a wedding?”
My wedding was nothing like Kelly’s. The place was hardly adorned, with just a handful of balloons and streamers tossed up at the last minute.
Today, however, 100 thousand red roses arrived from France, filling the air with their overwhelming scent.
I controlled my thoughts and nodded with composure. “Yes, your dad treats Kelly exceptionally well.”
Frustrated by my indifferent response, Owen stomped his foot and dashed
away.
The thrill I experienced upon first seeing him had vanished. I remained seated and quiet, with no desire to comfort him.
Mid–ceremony, David and Kelly moved around, offering champagne
flutes.
Kelly handed me a glass, her overly sweet smile masking her intent. Her words, however, were laced with challenge. “Celine, you have to drink in honor of my wedding.”
With a playful pout, she continued, “If you don’t, it means you don’t give your blessing to David and me.”
I had just been released from the hospital, still on the recovery. Drinking
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alcohol could be lethal for me.
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Noticing my reluctance, David shot me an impatient look. “As Kelly’s closest friend, what’s the harm in having a drink? Don’t let her down.”
He added, “Come on, I’m warning you. Don’t create a scene.”
Locking eyes with his cold stare, I lifted the glass and swallowed it in one go. The strong liquor burned my throat, causing me to gag uncontrollably. My stomach twisted in agony.
I lifted my head and managed a smile. “Mr. Kilbreth, here’s to a long and happy marriage with Kelly.”
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