Seraphina sat across the room, her swollen belly cradled proudly beneath designer fabric, radiant in a way that only money and constant attention could create. Everything about her existence screamed luxury and security. Stephen’s arm circled her waist, his touch cautious and reverent, as though she were something fragile and priceless.
She stuck out her lower lip, voice soft and spoiled.
“My stomach feels so heavy lately. The babies won’t stop moving. I don’t even know who they take after, but they’ve been making life so difficult for me.”
Stephen dropped to one knee in front of her like a worshipper at an altar and kissed the curve of her belly.
“Hey, behave in there,” he murmured. “Don’t make your mom suffer. When you’re finally out, I’ll be the one dealing with you.”
Seraphina giggled. “You’re not seriously going to scold your own twins, are you?”
He laced his fingers through hers and pressed a kiss to the back of her hand.
“Do you know how much it tore me apart when you came to me five years ago, crying like that? You were just a young girl who made one wrong move at work, and my wife wanted to ruin your life for it. I had no choice but to hide you in that villa, to keep you safe. And even after everything, you were strong enough to carry my children.” He rested his forehead against hers. “I swear, Seraphina… no one will ever come before you. I’ll protect you. I’ll love you for the rest of my life.”
Her eyes shimmered with tears. She brushed her fingers along his cheek, shaking slightly.
“I don’t care how hard it gets, as long as Amelia can forgive me someday. I grew up with nothing — no parents, no one looking out for me. I can endure any pain. I just don’t want my babies to be punished for my past.”
His jaw clenched, the muscles standing out sharply.
“You will never suffer because of her,” he said flatly. “My children will inherit everything I own.”
“Please don’t…” Seraphina whispered, fear flickering in her eyes. “If Amelia ever finds out, she’ll despise me even more.”
“She won’t find out,” Stephen replied calmly. “The Malonzos gave me everything. I owe them loyalty — for now. But once your recovery period is over, I’ll give you the wedding you deserve. Your own.”
My teeth sank into my wrist to silence the sob that threatened to escape. His words echoed inside my skull, pounding again and again. To him, my parents’ lives were nothing more than a minor error Seraphina had made. My grief, my ruined family — they were insignificant next to the woman he loved.
I stumbled away like a leaf torn loose in a storm.
Back inside the car, I placed Grandpa’s urn carefully in the passenger seat. Through my tears I called the funeral home.
“I want to schedule a sea burial… one month from today. The name is Amelia Malonzo. The location will be Point Reyes National Seashore.”
The same shore where Stephen once knelt before me and asked me to become his wife.
If destiny still has any mercy, it will also be where my story ends.
---
After Grandpa’s ashes were arranged, I wandered aimlessly through the city. I didn’t even realize where I was headed until I found myself standing in front of the old community sports center — the place where I’d spent so many lonely afternoons in my youth.
I stopped outside the glass doors and stared in. It was deserted now, but memories filled the empty space. I saw myself from more than a decade ago: thin, awkward, hiding inside oversized gym clothes, always trailing a few steps behind Stephen. Not close enough to be seen. Not far enough to be free.
Back then, he was untouchable — captain of everything, always top of every list. Everyone admired him, yet there was always a chill about him that kept people from getting too close. I was no different from the other girls with secret crushes. I observed him quietly, memorizing the way he moved, the way he smiled, never daring to approach. To him, I didn’t exist.
Our marriage hadn’t started with love. It was arranged, a decision made by two families who valued power, lineage, and alliances more than emotion. Affection was something they assumed would follow naturally — if it ever arrived at all.
A familiar voice suddenly cut through my thoughts. The elderly woman who used to run the snack counter came out with a tray.
“Well, I’ll be… look at you! It’s been ages. Come inside, have some mint ice cream like the old days.”
She studied my face and smiled.
“And that handsome boy you used to follow everywhere — how are things between you two now?”
I lowered my gaze and took a scoop of ice cream. The flavor hadn’t changed, but my throat refused to cooperate.
She clapped her hands suddenly. “Wait — what day is it today? Reunion, maybe? Speaking of that handsome lad… here he comes now.”
I looked up just as Stephen walked in, Seraphina’s hand clasped in his. He didn’t even glance my way. I slipped back into the crowd, invisible once again, while he focused entirely on Seraphina — helping her sit, whispering gently, asking what she wanted to drink.
The snack lady watched them with admiration.
“Oh my… I wish I’d found love like that. That girl is clingier than any kid I’ve ever served, and he treats her like treasure. She’s a lucky one.”
Seraphina leaned against him shyly, and he smiled down at her, tender and patient, as though she were the center of his universe.
And I stood hidden in the shadows, watching, remembering.
I’m a coward. I didn’t do anything wrong, yet the moment they appeared, I retreated like a frightened child.
After our wedding, I once asked Stephen to come back here with me — just for ice cream, just to remember. He had frowned and waved me off.
“Addy, I’m busy. Ask your aunt to get it for you. What’s worth revisiting in that rundown gym? It’s history. Forget it.”
Now I finally understood.
I was never part of what he wanted to remember.
