Chapter 4
“Mom, Dad… you don’t believe me either?”
Natalie’s parents said nothing. Her father sighed deeply and returned to the living room, picking up his newspaper. Her mother quietly slipped into the kitchen to check the soup.
And Natalie was left standing there, alone.
Just like always. She should’ve seen it coming.
No matter what cruel words Clarissa said to her—or what awful things she did—she just had to cry a little, pout with those big innocent eyes, and say:
“I’m sorry… now that Natalie’s back, I’m just scared you won’t want me anymore…”
And that was all it took. Their parents would give her a soft pat on the back, say a few obligatory words, and then drop it like it didn’t matter.
When Clarissa slapped her across the face—same thing.
When she tricked Natalie into going to the countryside, where she nearly lost everything—same.
Even when the doctor said Natalie’s leg would never dance again—they reacted just the same.
They always said parents love all their children.
But theirs only ever loved the one who grew up under their roof—Clarissa.
Back then, Colton had been the only one by her.
He’d gone so far as to threaten her parents with his military record to make them treat Natalie fairly.
He had sworn to her—sworn—that he would protect her, that he wouldn’t let anyone hurt her again.
And she had believed him.
But now… now he was the one wrapping his arm around Clarissa, comforting her, defending her.
He had made his choice—and it wasn’t hers.
Natalie’s chest ached, a deep and relentless pain.
Her parents had lied to her.
Colton had lied to her.
Clarissa had taken everything, and now she walked through this house like it belonged to her.
And what did Natalie have?
Even the baby in her womb wasn’t welcome in this family.
She let out a bitter laugh, her lips quivering.
Half her life, she’d been nothing more than Clarissa’s stepping stone.
Nothing else. No one else.
Tears streamed down her cheeks—but then, a sharp cramp twisted through her belly.
A hot rush of fluid surged between her legs. Her vision began to blur.
She tried to steady herself against the wall, but her arm gave out, and she collapsed to the floor.
“Help… someone… please, save my baby—!”
Colton heard the cry and rushed over. When he saw the blood pooling beneath her, his face turned ghostly pale.
He scooped her up into his arms and sprinted toward the hospital.
As her world dimmed, Natalie’s last thoughts were a desperate plea—for the baby to survive.
Not for love.
Not for him.
But for the simple, instinctive hope of a mother.
When she opened her eyes again, all she saw was the sterile white ceiling of a hospital room—and Colton’s worried face hovering above her.
“Natalie. Hey, how do you feel?”
His voice was gentle, but it stirred nothing in her now.
All she could picture was how tender he’d been with Clarissa in that same hospital. The room he’d carefully prepared for her and the baby. The way he’d helped her up the stairs, murmuring comforts she herself had never known.
Tears slid down her temples as she turned away, unwilling to look at him.
“Natalie, I… I was wrong,” Colton said quietly. “I didn’t think it through. I never meant to stress you like that.”
“The doctor said… this might be our only child. Thank God, you both made it.”
“If something had happened to you or the baby… I don’t know how I would’ve lived with myself.”
He carefully avoided the IV line and gently held her hand.
“I only see Clarissa as a sister. And my parents—they only took her in because she’s alone with a child. That’s all.”
“I’ve already asked someone to find them another place to stay. Once that’s arranged, they’ll move out.”
“Please don’t be upset anymore… If not for me, then do it for the baby.”
Her parents echoed his tone, their voices suddenly soft.
“That’s right, sweetheart. Your little one can’t take much more stress,” her father said.
“It was our fault—we were careless. But we know better now,” her mother added. “The doctor said you need to rest. We’ll take turns with Colton caring for you.”
Natalie heard their words, but all she could think of was: lies.
Just more carefully wrapped lies.
And she was too tired to fight them.
She gave a faint nod and closed her eyes.
“I’m tired. I want to rest a bit.”
The room fell silent.
No one spoke as her parents and Colton quietly exchanged looks.
A few minutes later, a knock broke the silence.
Clarissa.
“Mom, Dad… Colton…”
Colton’s expression immediately darkened.
“What are you doing here?” he snapped. “This is a hospital. There are sick people everywhere. You want to bring germs back to the baby?”
Clarissa looked visibly hurt, but kept her tone gentle. “I just… I feel awful. Natalie ended up here because of me. I couldn’t forgive myself if I didn’t come check on her.”
“Besides, you and Mom and Dad have been up all night. You need rest.”
“Go on home. I’ll stay with Colton and help take care of her.”
Their parents glanced back at the sleeping Natalie. Remembering that only a housekeeper was watching the baby at home, they nodded and left.
With them gone, the room grew quiet again.
Colton turned to Clarissa and spoke in a low voice.
“Natalie’s okay. You should head back.”
Clarissa lowered her gaze, her expression suddenly solemn.
“I’m glad she’s all right… But actually, there’s something I need to tell you.”
“Joey and I… we’re decided to leave.”
