Chapter 3
The rain poured heavily, creating a rhythmic pitter-patter on the ground. The sky was a darkish gray, the wind shaking the cherry blossom trees, making the wet petals flutter in the rain.
People ran for shelter, while high school students laughed and played in the downpour.
But amidst them, there was only one figure—one woman walking in the rain.
Her eyes were void of emotion. She was akin to a hollow branch, dark circles adorning her lifeless honey-brown eyes.
Skylar tilted her head back, letting the rain hit her face. But she never closed her eyes. She kept them open, staring directly at the sky. To those passing by, there was no telling if the droplets on her cheeks were rain or tears.
It was as if all the life had been drained from her, leaving her empty.
Like a child robbed of their youth.
A sunflower robbed of the sun.
"Do you really hate me, universe?" she whispered, forcing those six words out of her throat. It hurt. It really did.
"Why can't I be happy? Just once? Every day, I wake up thinking things will get better, but no... You give me a sliver of hope only to turn it into despair. Why?" She smiled through her tears.
The ground beneath her felt unsteady. Her legs couldn't hold her any longer. She collapsed, falling limply onto the pavement. Her necklace slipped from her rain-soaked dress, landing beside her.
It was a Sun and Moon necklace. Each piece held an eclipse. It was supposed to be their wedding necklace—hers and Ethan's.
But Phoebe took him. Just like she took everything from her.
Skylar's gaze lifted to the church across the street. And then—like a tidal wave—the memories crashed over her.
The hall was adorned with pink cherry blossom petals, some drifting softly from the ceiling. The gentle melody of the piano filled the space, making the scene feel almost serene.
But it did nothing to calm Skylar.
Her legs shook. Tears burned at the back of her eyes as she looked at Phoebe.
She was beautiful. Too beautiful. So much so that it hurt.
Her white wedding dress fit her perfectly, complementing her flawless, milky complexion. Her golden-brown hair was tied in a high ponytail.
Was this why Ethan left her for Phoebe?
Skylar dropped her gaze, a bitter smile crossing her lips. She couldn't stop the tears that slipped down her face.
Why did it hurt so much?
As she struggled to keep herself from sobbing aloud, she felt an itchy sensation—an uneasy presence.
Turning slightly, she saw her mother's face twisted in a frown.
"Smile! What will the guests think when they see you crying at your sister's wedding?" Taylor hissed, her sharp gaze stabbing into Skylar.
Sister?
Skylar felt like laughing.
Was Phoebe really her sister? Was this what they called sisterly love?
"I promise to love you in sickness and in health, in wealth and in poverty, till death do us part," Ethan's voice echoed through the hall.
Skylar took a deep breath, her gaze sweeping over the guests.
These were the same people who had attended her wedding just two weeks ago. And yet, here they were, cheering as if nothing had happened.
They were right when they said hell was empty.
The demons were all here.
After three long hours—which felt like an eternity—the wedding was finally over. Only the LaRosa family remained.
Skylar exhaled. "Finally, it's over," she murmured, turning toward the door.
Just as she was about to step outside, Phoebe appeared in front of her.
"Wow! You're really here... I thought I saw a ghost." Phoebe placed a hand on her chest, pretending to be amazed. "You're stronger than I thought. If I were you, I never would've come. But… wait, are you?" She smirked, trailing off as Mark chuckled beside her.
"No, she ain't," Mark answered, amusement lacing his tone. "Remember, she fainted ten times this week? I almost thought she was the one pregnant."
The words rang out, and suddenly, every pair of eyes turned to Skylar.
Their gazes felt like needles piercing into her skin.
She felt sick. The ground beneath her felt like water, unstable and suffocating.
"Oh, wait…" Mark feigned realization, dragging out his words. "She can't get pregnant. And yet, she still wonders why Ethan left her for Phoebe? I really wonder why."
His voice was smooth, twisting the knife even deeper.
And to her horror—they all laughed.
Even her mother.
Even the people she once considered friends.
Phoebe hooked her arm around Mark's shoulder, pouting. "You're too mean. Why didn't you just tell her from the start that he never wanted her?"
A gut-wrenching pain tore through Skylar.
She had always known.
She knew they had all abandoned her.
But hearing them confirm it—laughing at her suffering—made it unbearable.
"Why?" Her voice trembled, her tear-filled eyes locked onto them. "What did I ever do to you? You knew. You fucking knew! And yet, you left me. You wanted to see me in pain, didn't you?"
Mark smirked. "Ask him." He casually pointed across the room. "You know he's the one who told us to leave you like that."
Skylar's breath hitched.
What?
Slowly, she turned.
James.
Her father.
Her lips parted, her voice barely a whisper. "Is he telling the truth?"
Her body trembled as she stared at him. There was still a sliver of hope—just one fragile thread holding on.
Despite everything he'd done to her. Despite all the pain he inflicted.
She still loved him.
Her swollen, puffy eyes shone with that final bit of hope. Hoping he would deny it. Hoping he would hold her, even just once. Like a father should.
But then—he spoke.
And the last thread snapped.
His words were like venom, seeping into her heart.
"You're useless. Why should I care if he was just using you to let out some steam?" James rubbed his temple, sighing as if even talking to her was a burden. "At this point, I regret ever fathering a worthless fool like you. You're nothing. You can't give birth. You can't even run a company. The only thing you're good at is being an inconvenience."
The hall fell silent.
Skylar's hands shook.
She closed her eyes.
And when she opened them again, they were dead.
With one harsh swipe, she wiped away her tears, reddening her already puffy cheeks.
Then, she spoke.
"You now have two children, James LaRosa."
Her voice was steady. Clear.
The words sliced through the air, making everyone freeze.
And then—she walked away.
She heard Mark and Phoebe chuckle behind her.
But she didn't care.
Because at that moment, she had already seen her world crumble before her eyes.