Twelve years. That's a long time for someone to disappear from someone else's life. But Carol returns not as William's little friend, but a real threat that destroys everything.
She came on my daughter's birthday, which should have been a happy occasion for my family. With an innocent face, she stood there, carrying her daughter and looking at me with a meaningful gaze. I knew what she had in mind, for she had warned me before-she would snatch William, my husband.
I thought her threats were empty words. I thought my marriage was strong enough to survive. However, I was wrong. William explained everything. William clarified my position and Laura's in his heart. As my daughter and I struggled at the brink of death, William made a choice that I will never forgive. He ignored his flesh and blood in crisis and instead reached out to Carol's child, who was not his.
***
Chapter 1
I should have been happy that the event was going well. My daughter also seemed delighted that I held it in a beautifully decorated building. However, there was anxiety in my heart that I couldn't explain because I hadn't been by our side before.
I stood in the corner of the room, watching Laura laughing with her friends. The pink dress I'd picked for her fluttered as she jumped around happily. Tonight was supposed to celebrate her tenth birthday, which she should remember as her happiest day.
"Mummy, look, I can blow out all the candles in one go!" Laura exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with pride.
I smiled and clapped, even though my heart was heavy. "Of course, dear. I'm so proud of you."
In the distance, I saw William coming, not alone. His hand was holding a little girl. He led her with great care, and the smile on his face was so gentle. Then, next to him, Carol, William's old friend in a black dress, walked over with her arm around my husband.
If everyone didn't know I was William's wife, they would probably all think Carol was his wife.
"Laura, this is Priska. You can be friends, right?" he said, introducing his daughter Carol as he squatted in front of our daughter.
Laura gave Priska a confused look, then glanced at me. There was something in her eyes that I couldn't quite decipher-whether it was confusion, disappointment, or perhaps insecurity.
"Papa, why did you bring her here?" Laura's voice was small and hesitant.
William rubbed Laura's head with a small smile. "From now on, you'll be best friends, just like Papa and Carol. By the way, I have to bring the gift I left at home. I'll be gone for a while, okay? You guys play first."
William left immediately, not explaining anything to me, as if Carol's presence was my wish, even though I deliberately did not invite her.
My heart was getting more and more uncomfortable. But before I could speak, Carol approached, her lips curved in a smile that made me sick.
Carol was William's childhood friend. They grew up together, sharing many memories that only the two knew. Back then, they were almost a couple, but life took them down different paths- I ended up marrying William while Carol married someone else. However, I know Carol never really let William go. After her marriage fell apart, she came back with a clear purpose.
"You know, Katty," she said dismissively, "William and I can be together after all these years. We were meant to have each other. It's just that fate separated us first. Now, he can be the husband he was meant to be for me and a father to Priska."
I felt my blood boil, but before I could answer, the sound of an explosion was heard. Flames suddenly leaped from the kitchen, quickly spreading to the ceiling.
Screams echoed throughout the room. Chaos blurred the view and spread panic among the guests and staff.
"Laura!"
I ran through the panicked crowd, looking for my daughter's small figure. Amidst the rush of people running, I saw her standing frozen with frightened eyes. Laura's tears broke free in torrents.
"Laura! Run to Mama!" I shouted, trying to get closer to her, even though the flames seemed to be licking my body.
I was finally able to get to Laura and hugged her tightly. Trying to calm her down even though my heart was also filled with very real fear.
The heat of the fire began to creep into our bodies. Laura was weak, and her breathing was interrupted by the smoke. I panicked, but my anxiety was replaced when I saw William running from the entrance.
Laura and I reached out, but I had to swallow a pill of disappointment. In the corner of my eye, I saw something that broke my heart more than a raging fire.
William was indeed running, but not towards us. Not towards his daughter. He ran towards Carol and Priska, helping them first.
I saw him lift Priska in his arms, then clasp Carol's hand. She glanced at us only once, then said, "I have to get the traumatized Priska out of here first!"
Laura sobbed. "Papa, it's so hot. Help me!"
But William had already passed.
The ceiling of the burning restaurant collapsed, sparks striking Laura. I screamed, grabbing her body and shielding her with mine. The heat burned my skin, but I didn't care.
When I thought it was over, someone pulled us out of the flames. It was another firefighter I didn't recognize.
He attentively inquired about our condition and led us straight to the ambulance.
My daughter winced every time her body was touched; I, who had the same severe injuries, didn't feel anything; I just wanted Laura to be okay.
"Where's Papa? I want to see Papa," Laura said in a weak voice.
What should I explain? William wasn't here. He was busy watching other people's children.
