To Bloom from the Ashes

She told Victor I was losing too much blood, that my condition was critical. If he didn't call the family doctor, I would die.

Victor hesitated for only a moment before once again siding with Sophia.

He pointed a cold finger at me. "Isabella Summers, you've really outdone yourself! Faking a miscarriage just to compete for my attention!"

"You're perfectly healthy, and you're competing with a sick woman. How pathetic can you be?"

"You've gone too far!"

With that, he turned and walked away without a backward glance.

I listened to his footsteps fade, a river of blood flowing beneath me, my limbs growing cold.

The maid couldn't stand it and wanted to run out and drag him back.

I managed a weak shake of my head.

Compassion finally won out, and she removed the rag from my mouth.

I asked her to help me contact a funeral home.

The person on the other end was surprised by my call.

But I knew my own body better than anyone.

"Hello. I need to arrange a collection in three days. Two bodies. One adult female, one full-term fetus."

"Yes, I want to donate everything."

There was a pause on the other end.

"I'm sorry, but because you are married, body donation requires the signed consent of your spouse…"

A desolate smile curved my lips as I closed my eyes. A moment later, I spoke with absolute certainty.

"No problem."

"He will sign it."

After hanging up, I couldn't hold on any longer. I collapsed into the pool of blood on the bed and passed out completely.

Until…

I don't know how much time had passed.

I was ripped from my stupor by Victor, his hands shaking me roughly.

He looked down at me, his tone impatient.

"Isabella, Sophia wants to eat the spaghetti you make. Get up, now!"

"Stop playing dead! She's sick right now. If the spaghetti isn't to her liking and she starts crying again, can you bear the consequences!"