Gone Like It Was Never Here

Once the divorce papers were signed, Zeke left with Sophie. Lily returned to her room and started packing her things.

The wedding ring on her finger had become a glaring eyesore, something she desperately wished to remove. Yet, with pregnancy came swollen hands, and try as she might, the ring wouldn't budge.

Resolving to seek help, she headed to the jewelry store where she had purchased it. But before she even entered, she spotted Zeke and Sophie standing inside.

"Mr. Connolly, this pair of rings was designed by the famous jewelry designer Robert Edelman himself. What do you think?" asked Perry Dempsey, the sales associate.

"It's beautiful. Zeke, let's take this pair, okay?" Sophie said eagerly, holding out her hand for him to slip the ring on.

Lily stood nearby, watching as Zeke dropped to one knee and slipped the ring onto Sophie's finger. Cheers rose from the crowd as the two held each other tightly.

Lily had just signed the divorce papers, and Zeke was already here, picking out wedding rings with Sophie.

Her eyes fell to the ring on her finger, the one Erica had picked.

Their marriage had never been Zeke's idea. That was why he'd refused to select rings himself and only posed for a handful of half-hearted wedding photos.

She should have seen this coming. He'd never had feelings for her from the beginning, and he never would.

"The ring sizes aren't quite right. Customizing them will take some time. Once they're ready, we'll arrange for someone to deliver them to the Connolly residence."

"Alright. Thanks," Zeke said.

After he and Sophie made their selections and left, Lily stepped forward.

"Mrs. Connolly?" Perry called.

The instant she stepped inside, the sales associates in the jewelry store stared at her in surprise.

"Can I help you with something?" Perry asked.

"Please help me remove this ring," Lily said.

"You don't want to keep it anymore?" Perry asked, his tone cautious.

"You saw what just happened. My husband came here with another woman to pick out rings. Since he's marrying someone else, I have to take this one off."

"Mrs. Connolly, your sight has returned?"

Five years ago, Erica had brought Lily here when she couldn't see at all. Perry never imagined that, this time, Lily would come back with her sight restored.

Lily responded with a soft hum and held out her hand. "Please help me take off this ring."

After he removed it, she passed it back to him. "When you deliver the rings to the Connolly residence, please include this one."

"Certainly, Mrs. Connolly."

"Please address me as Ms. Rosenfelt."

"Of course, Ms. Rosenfelt. Have a good day."

Leaving the jewelry store, Lily's gaze settled on her bare right hand. The bothersome ring was gone at last, and with its absence came a lighthearted sense of relief.

The weather was lovely, and she set off on a solitary walk, wandering without direction.

Night thickened, yet not once did Zeke reach out.

Maybe she had never meant anything to him at all. Maybe her absence wouldn't stir a single thought in his mind.

Lily returned home at 10:00 pm, stepping inside to find Sophie sitting on the couch.

Sophie spotted her but said nothing.

Lily paid her no mind. She started to head upstairs until she noticed Sophie's foot extended before her, poised to trip her in the low light.

Maintaining her composure, she stepped around the trap, then moved to the kitchen to pour herself a glass of water. After a sip, she made her way up the stairs.

Sophie crept after Lily. When they reached the final steps, Sophie surged forward suddenly, attempting to shove Lily down the stairs while her guard was down.

Lily turned just in time, dodging the push, and Sophie faltered, losing her balance. Desperation seized Sophie, and she clutched at the hem of Lily's shirt, dragging her down too.

Their screams tore through the air.

Lily hurtled down flight after flight of stairs until she lay still. Searing pain ripped through her stomach.

A warm rush spilled between her legs, and she fought back the agony to touch the wetness. Her fingers came away bright red, flooding her with panic.

Sophie was in no better state.

"Lily! Why did you push me? It hurts so much!" she wailed in anguish.