Into the Woods

While I Was Bleeding Out, He Lit Lanterns For Her

Katie Oettgen

As I lay on the floor of our manor, bleeding out from a ruptured ectopic pregnancy, I used my last ounce of strength to call my husband, Cole. I begged him for help, my vision blurring. But the only thing I heard was the clinking of champagne glasses and his mistress's giggle in the background. "Stop the drama, June," Cole snapped, his voice cold. "We're about to go on stage. Don't call again." He hung up, leaving me to die alone on the Persian rug while he accepted an award with another woman on his arm. I woke up in the hospital days later. My baby was gone. They had removed my fallopian tube. Cole finally arrived, smelling of expensive scotch and his mistress's perfume. He didn't hug me. He didn't cry. Instead, he leaned over my hospital bed, pressing his knee into the mattress until my fresh stitches tore open and bled. "You embarrassed me by calling an ambulance," he hissed. "My mistress, Alycia, says you're faking it. Clean yourself up." He left me bleeding again to go announce a $10 million donation to Alycia's "groundbreaking" medical research. I stared at the TV screen, numb. The research Alycia was taking credit for? It was mine. I wrote that patent years ago under a pseudonym. They thought I was just a poor, orphan housewife who needed Cole's money to survive. They had no idea I was actually a billionaire scientist hiding my identity. I pulled the IV needle out of my arm. A drop of blood fell onto the divorce papers I had been hiding. I didn't wipe it off. I signed my name right over it. Then I walked into the bank, reactivated my dormant account with $128 million, and bought the penthouse directly overlooking Cole's house. The mourning widow is dead. The avenger is born.

Romance Crime Revenge Pregnancy Enemies to Lovers Pregnancy Personal Growth

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The wrought-iron gates of the Knight Estate swung open, and a scarlet Audi R8, limited edition, swept smoothly along the gravelled drive.

Christian Knight stepped out, immaculate in a tailored charcoal-grey suit.

He shut the car door with controlled force and adjusted his cufflinks, though the tightness in his jaw betrayed his agitation.

Without acknowledging the staff, he strode across the courtyard, past the tiered marble fountain, and towards the grand Italianate façade of the house.

The house steward opened the heavy mahogany door at once.

“Good afternoon, sir.”

“Where is my grandfather?” Christian asked curtly.

“In the drawing room, sir. With Mr. Luke.”

Christian gave a brief nod and proceeded down the corridor.

In the drawing room, Leonard Knight sat opposite his son, Luke, both men sipping espresso and discussing forthcoming acquisitions. The air was calm—almost deliberately so.

Christian entered without ceremony.

“Grandpa, may I ask why I have just learned of an engagement I never agreed to?”

Luke’s head lifted sharply. Leonard, however, merely placed his cup upon its saucer.

“I assumed you would appreciate decisiveness,” he replied mildly.

“Decisiveness?” Christian let out a humourless laugh. “You have arranged my marriage without so much as consulting me.”

His gaze flickered towards his father.

“Surely this concerns my life as much as the company’s.”

Luke shifted uncomfortably but remained silent.

Leonard regarded his grandson steadily.

“If you intend to take the position of CEO of Knight Group, you will marry the young lady I have selected. If you do not, the position shall pass to Jake. He has expressed both readiness and enthusiasm.”

Christian’s composure fractured.

“I have devoted years to getting that role,” he said tightly. “You cannot attach marriage as a condition of employment.”

“I can,” Leonard replied evenly. “And I have.”

Christian exhaled sharply. “I am already in a relationship. You met Lia yourself.”

“I did,” Leonard said. “And I was not impressed.”

A brief silence settled over the room.

“The woman I have chosen for you,” Leo continued, “is accomplished, well-educated, and from a respectable family. She possesses qualities that endure beyond charm and flattery.”

Christian’s voice hardened. “And if I refuse?”

Leonard folded his hands. “Then you forfeit the company, the estate, and any claim to the Knight legacy. You will have two hours to gather your personal belongings. Nothing more.”

Luke rose from his seat. “Father—”

“The decision is made,” Leonard said calmly.

Christian stared at his grandfather, disbelief giving way to wounded pride.

“So that is it? Years of hard work reduced to a transaction.”

“No,” Leonard corrected. “Years of preparation culminating in responsibility.”

Christian straightened.

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