“Positive”
Sophia’s hands trembled as she held the pregnancy test, her heart racing with hope.
The two bright lines stared back at her, confirmation of the life growing inside her. After years of longing, maybe this was it—the miracle that would mend the cracks in her marriage.
A soft smile played on her lips as she imagined Ryan’s reaction. He’d been distant lately, but this would bring them closer, wouldn’t it? Their child could be the fresh start they needed.
Ryan was at work but it was already past the time they had agreed to meet. It was her birthday but she wasn't feeling well so she texted him to come a bit earlier and take her to the hospital.
It was as she was waiting that she decided to take a pregnancy test. She had already taken over a hundred With their three years of marriage and she was disappointed and heartbroken every time. But this time, it was positive and she couldn't wait to confirm it at the hospital.
Picking up her phone, she dialed his number again but it went straight to voice mail.
Sighing, she sent him a text.
S: [ I'm going to the hospital. Please pick me up in two hours at St.Mary’s. ]
It showed read immediately and her heart skipped a beat. She waited for his response but nothing came and she assumed he was just busy.
After seeing the doctor at the hospital and confirming she was pregnant, Sophia felt a little tired and had cramps as she walked out of the hospital.
But as she turned on the corner, she saw Ryan holding Hannah like she was his lifeline.
“Where is the doctor?” He barked out the order.
“Ryan. My head hurts.” Hannah whimpered as she moved even closer to her.
“We will take care of her sir.” A nurse said as they brought in a stretcher over a headache and the scene tore Sophia to shreds.
She took out her phone and dialed his number. The phone rang in his pocket but he only glanced at it and cut it.
The scene made Sophia's heart twist painfully as she dialed again, tears welling in her eyes.
This time he pulled out his phone and switched it off.
As she was leaning on the corner, a rushing nurse bumped into her and she fell on her knees right in front of the man who was supposed to be her husband.
“Sophia?” Ryan’s brows raised. “What are you doing here?”
“I-”
“Ryan! It hurts, please tell them to make it stop!” Hannah cried inside the room which had the door open so she could see Sophia still on her fours.
“Go home. I’ll see you later.” He was about to walk away when she pulled him back by the sleeve tears in her eyes.
“Ryan? Won't you even ask how I got her” her eyes were pleading.
“Don't be ridiculous, Sophia. Stop throwing a tantrum and go home!” He responded coldly and joined Hannah inside.
Sophia’s heart shattered as she forced herself to stand. But before she could walk away, she heard Hannah ask,
“Wasn't that Sophia? Ohh I don't want to come between you two.”
Ryan’s voice was soft, warm, and reassuring in a way he hadn’t been with her in years as he responded.
“There is nothing to come In between. Focus on getting better!”
Sophia knew she was her sister's replacement but she hoped Ryan would now warm up to her and hopefully, this baby was all they needed. But it was clearly her delusion for thinking that way.
“Oh, Ryan. Don't say that. You married her, remember?”
Her heart pounded hard as she stood and waited to hear his response. But upon hearing what Ryan had to say, she wished she hadn't heard it...
Ryan was silent for a minute before his deep voice echoed in the room,
“ She’s just a wife on paper,” he replied, his tone casual, almost dismissive as if he wasn't speaking about his wife.
Sophia felt her heart dropping into her stomach.
“Why are you still keeping her around then why not divorce her?” Hannah pushed, her eyes darting to the door.
Sophia didn't even wait to hear his response. Her heart couldn't take any more blows.
She was out of earshot when Ryan responded.
“You seem too interested in my marriage. Why would I divorce her? She may be my wife on paper but she's still my wife.”
Hannah’s heart boiled at that response, so she whimpered in pain to get his attention.
Meanwhile, Sophia ran blindly through the city, her tears blurring the lights around her. Her chest heaved with the weight of betrayal, each step pounding the reality deeper into her heart.
Was it all a lie?
All the affection he had shown her bubbled up hope inside her and she worked harder to make him notice her not knowing she was only making a fool of herself.
Before she realized it, she stood atop a towering rooftop, the city sprawling below her like a web of tiny lights and moving cars. The wind whipped through her hair, cold and unforgiving as if it mirrored the storm inside her.
Tears rolled down her cheeks and her heart felt like an iron fist had reached inside her chest and was squeezing her painfully.
Sophia stepped closer to the edge, the toes of her shoes hovering over nothingness. Her heart thundered in her ears, but she felt nothing. No fear, no pain—just an empty void swallowing her whole.
Tears continued to spill freely down her face as she glanced down at the world beneath her. People moved on with their lives, oblivious to her existence, her struggles, and her heartbreak.
Her sham of a marriage.
She was all alone in this world with no one who loved her.
Closing her eyes, she whispered, “I’m sorry,” as her hand cradled her stomach hoping her unborn baby would forgive her for what she was about to do.
Taking a shaky breath, she lifted one leg, her foot teetering in the air.
