I Died, They Went Crazy

I had no choice but to call Joffrey, sobbing as I begged.

He didn't care.

"I have my own matters to handle. Nancy's getting cosmetic surgery—I need to be there for her. She only has me. If I don't take care of her, who else will? You're not a child anymore. Handle it yourself."

My voice shook. "But doesn't she have Mateo? They're the real couple. You're getting married tomorrow—why are you still clinging to them? My mom is dying. You're the only one who can help her. Joffrey, please..."

Silence.

With no other choice, I ran through the pouring rain to the plastic surgery clinic next door.

The second I saw him, I collapsed at his feet, gripping his legs, my sobs raw and desperate.

"Joffrey, I know I've been the only one in love all these years. But please, just this once—save my mom, if only because you're about to be my husband."

A sharp voice cut through the moment.

Nancy stood off to the side, smirking. "Lori, you're getting married tomorrow—can't you at least try to keep up appearances?"

I froze. "Nancy? Aren't you in surgery?"

Nancy waved a hand, grinning smugly. "It hasn't started yet. I'm just a baby at heart—I need both Mateo and Joffrey with me the whole time. But you should be worrying about yourself.

"Look at all that blood under you. You seriously don't even know when you're on your period?

"Stop embarrassing yourself, hahaha!"

A sharp pain ripped through my stomach. My breath hitched as I looked down.

Blood. A deep red stain spreading across my white dress.

But I was two months pregnant. This wasn't my period.

Nancy dug through her bag, pulled out a pack of pads, and tossed it at my face. "Here, take it. Consider it a gift. I heard everything you said on the phone. I'm not heartless—if you entertain me, I might just let you have Joffrey."

I could barely stand. Blood loss, pregnancy, exhaustion—I was hanging by a thread. "What do you want me to do?"

Nancy's doll-like face twisted into a mockery of sweetness. "I love puppies. Roll on the ground and bark three times, and I'll agree."

I turned to Joffrey. Mateo. Silent, pleading.

They didn't move. Didn't care.

Joffrey finally spoke, but only to side with her. "Nancy's not like you. She's simple-minded. If she wants to give you something, you should at least show some sincerity."

My heart went cold.

I clenched my teeth, shut my eyes, and did it—rolled on the floor and barked like a dog. Humiliation burned, but I ignored the stares.

Nancy burst into laughter, finally satisfied enough to let Joffrey step away for the surgery.

I passed out before I could see if it even mattered.

When I woke up, a nurse stood by my bed.

"Due to excessive blood loss, the baby couldn't be saved. I'm very sorry for your loss."

As for my mom? The nurse said Joffrey had done his best. Surgery failed. She's gone.

Dazed, I stumbled out of bed, desperate to see her one last time.

Joffrey blocked the door.

He pulled me into his arms, face full of manufactured grief. "You're too weak right now. You need to rest. Leave the funeral arrangements to me. Even though your mother is gone, you still have me. I'll always be here for you."