Where the Wind Lost Its Shore

Everyone said Colton Jones loved Whitney Thompson more than life itself. He had spent ten years pursuing her and cherishing her. If she furrowed her brow, he would worry over it for hours. Yet this same Colton betrayed her three times. The first time, he was drugged by a business rival at a corporate gala and spent the night with a female college student. The day Whitney asked for a divorce, he arranged for the young woman to be sent overseas overnight. Then he stood outside Whitney's apartment building in the pouring rain for three days and three nights. "I was wrong, Whitney," he said. "Please, forgive me just this once." Whitney looked at his pale face, and her heart softened. Chapter 1 The second time, Whitney Thompson was in the hospital, where she ran into Colton Jones and Janice Moore, the college student who was there for a prenatal checkup. Colton's eyes were bloodshot as he spilled his guts. "Whitney, I was overseas on business half a month ago when I got into a wreck. Janice pulled me from the wreckage, saving my life, even though the car could've blown up any second. "Later, we found out she was pregnant. My grandmother threatened to take her own life if I refused to keep the child. " He wrapped Whitney up in a desperate hug, his voice shaking like a leaf. "Please don't leave me. I swear, once the baby's born, I'll send her packing, and the kid will be dropped off at the family estate. They'll be out of your hair for good." She took his word for it. The third time, they were at an auction, both eyeing her late mother's treasured sapphire necklace. That necklace was Whitney's mother's pride and joy, the only thing she had left of her. However, Colton was relentless, upping the ante with each bid until he finally went all out, gifting the necklace to Janice. Whitney stormed the auction room, demanding answers. Colton just rubbed his temples, worn out. "She's been down in the dumps with baby blues and set her heart on this necklace. Can you cut her some slack, Whitney?" That was when Whitney cracked a smile, though it was one that brought tears streaming down her cheeks. "What if I won't?" He frowned and replied, "Come on, Whitney, cut it out. Janice is due any day now, and once the baby's here, we can get back to normal." Whitney stared at him, her heart shattered. "Back to normal?" What was their normal? Was it when he only had eyes for her? Was it when he would drive through a tempest for hours just to get her a slice of strawberry cake? 'Does he even remember those days?' she questioned silently. "Mr. Jones..." Janice's gasp echoed from behind. Clutching her stomach, she slumped against the wall, her face ghostly pale. "My ankle... It hurts so much..." Colton's face went white as a sheet. In a heartbeat, he shoved Whitney aside and scooped Janice up in his arms. Whitney felt the jolt as his shoulder slammed into her, sending her stumbling back into a table. A sharp pain shot through her side, and a cold sweat broke out across her back. "Colton!" Whitney's voice trembled as she called after him. He did not even glance back as he carried Janice away, leaving Whitney with nothing but the sight of his retreating back. Standing alone, her laughter turned to tears, streaming down her face. With Janice's life in his hands and their child between them, Colton was bound to her forever. 'How could things ever go back to the way they were?' she wondered, heart heavy. She pulled herself up, dabbing away the blood trickling down her forehead as she climbed into the car. "Mrs. Jones, shall we head back to the villa?" the driver asked gently. She shut her eyes and replied, "No. Take me to the law firm." Two hours later, Whitney arrived at the hospital, divorce papers in hand. The bodyguard at the VIP ward's entrance could not hide his discomfort as he saw her, his eyes darting away. Whitney watched from the end of the hallway. Colton had taken over the entire floor for Janice. Doctors and nurses were at their beck and call, and he was a constant presence by her bedside, reacting to every furrow of her brow as if the world were ending. Janice's voice was a soft whine as she whispered, "I'm craving tiramisu from that Westbridge shop..." Colton did not hesitate. He grabbed his keys and headed out. "Hold on, I'll be right back." In the shadows, Whitney's heart felt torn to shreds. It was only after he disappeared that she pushed open the ward door. Janice's eyes welled up the moment she saw her. "Ms. Thompson, are you here to confront me? I'm so sorry, it wasn't intentional. I just fell in love with that necklace..." Tears threatened to spill as Janice's voice broke. "Even though Mr. Jones took it from you to give to me, it was only to ensure I'd have a smooth delivery, to get back to the way things were with you. He's been by my side, but it's you he's been thinking about all along. I'm aware of that." Whitney had no patience for her polished performance. "We're alone here, so drop the act. Colton paid you 7.5 million dollars to walk away, yet here you are, back in his life, pregnant, no less. I know exactly what you're after." Janice's tears froze on her cheeks. Whitney extended a divorce agreement toward Janice and continued, "I'm done playing these games. Colton won't sign this if I give it to him myself, so you'll have to get him to sign it without realizing what it is." Janice's lip quivered, "You've got it all wrong, I never intended to break you two apart..." "This is your only shot," Whitney cut her off, her tone firm. "Make your decision." Janice gazed at the document for an eternity before finally accepting it. "Thank you, Ms. Thompson, for letting us be a family of three." A family of three. The words pierced Whitney's chest like a blunt knife, her breath shaky with the sharp sting of pain. "Well then, I wish you, a family of three, all the happiness in the world." Back at the villa, Whitney pulled out a cardboard box, ready to pack away the remnants of her life with Colton. They had a lifetime of memories, too many to count. The first item she placed inside the box was a photo album. Flipping to the first page of the album, there they were at five years old. Colton, in a tiny suit, stood by Whitney with a serious little face, yet his hand was sneakily clutching the edge of her dress. Colton's mom, Fiona Harris, had laughed, recalling how he had refused to pose for a solo picture that day, adamant about being photographed with Whitney. It was his first display of wanting her all to himself. The second item was a high school uniform button. On graduation day, while other girls giggled and chased after the boys for their shirt buttons as souvenirs, she stayed put in her seat. Before the end of school, she found his button waiting on her desk, accompanied by a note. [You're only taking mine.] By then, he had already mastered playing the role of the Jones family heir, warding off any other guy who dared come close. The third item was a diamond ring. The moment Whitney was legally old enough to marry, Colton wasted no time. He popped the question on a skyscraper's massive screen downtown, with rose petals raining down from a helicopter. The ring sparkled with a cool brilliance as he placed it on her finger, his gaze warm with affection. "Whitney, from here on out, I'm all yours." ... Had Janice not come into the picture, Whitney would have believed they were destined for a lifetime together. With a self-deprecating chuckle, she boxed up those memories and tossed them into the trash. The commotion downstairs woke her the next morning. Stepping out, she saw servants hauling in one luxury after another. Hermes, Cartier, Chanel. Janice stood in the foyer, feigning modesty. "Mr. Jones, this is too much. I never wanted any of this..." Colton's eyes softened as he looked at her. "Just accept them. A happy heart makes for an easy birth." His words hung in the air as his gaze landed on Whitney. He froze for a moment, then quickly said, "Whitney, I'm sorry. I only picked up a gift for Janice this time. Tell me what you want, and I'll get it for you next time." Before she could even respond, Janice's gentle voice interjected, "Mr. Jones, I've already got the perfect gift for Mrs. Jones." With that, Janice approached Whitney and handed her an envelope. Whitney opened it to find a divorce agreement, complete with a signature as bold and extravagant as the ones he used to pen in his love letters to her. Chapter 2 Whitney stared at the divorce papers, feeling as though an unseen force was squeezing her heart mercilessly. Janice had actually gone through with it. Fine. They could play happy family, but from that day forward, Whitney would live for herself alone. "What's the gift you wanted most, Whitney?" Colton suddenly asked, a crease of confusion on his forehead. "Why didn't I know about it?" He reached for the papers, but she snatched them away in the nick of time. He raised an eyebrow. "Keeping secrets from me now?" Whitney forced a smile. "Like you keeping the secret of someone else being three months pregnant until I stumbled upon it?" His face went pale, and he shot a glance at Janice, his voice dropping to a whisper, "Didn't we agree to never speak of this again? I told you why we decided to keep the baby..." He hesitated, then his voice softened. "I kept it from you because I was scared you'd leave me." 'Scared I'd leave?' Whitney was brimming with skepticism. However, she thought that the thing Colton had been most afraid of losing was usually the first thing he lost. Janice's eyes welled up with tears. "This is all my fault... I shouldn't have gotten involved with Mr. Jones that night, and I definitely shouldn't have let his grandmother find out I was pregnant... I never meant to tear you two apart. It wasn't intentional..." Janice's voice trembled, tears teetering on the edge, as if the weight of the world was on her shoulders. Colton spun around, his voice soft and soothing. "Don't speak like that. How could any of this be your fault?" Whitney could not bear to watch the scene unfold and turned to leave. That was when he noticed her leaving and hurried after her. "Whitney, where are you going?" "Just doing some errands." He scowled at the thought of her going out in the storm. "It's pouring outside. I'll take you." Before he left, he could not help but fuss over Janice. "Make sure Janice stays warm, so crank up the heat. She's been off her food, so keep dinner light. Stick to the doctor's orders for her vitamins, no improvising." He rattled off instructions for what felt like an eternity, leaving nothing to chance for the expectant mother. Whitney watched him from the doorway, a silent observer. At last, he finished his litany of orders and got into the car. Watching him, Whitney let out a small, knowing smile. "Colton, you're going to make a great dad someday." Colton paused, caught off guard by her words. He reached for Whitney's wrist, his voice laced with a pain he tried to hide. "Whitney, I'll only ever accept a child that's yours. You know I'm trapped in this situation. Can you not say things like that?" His hand was as warm as it had always been, but to her, it felt like it had lost all its heat. Without a word, Whitney gazed out the window, leaving the car in a heavy silence. The car eased onto the road, and in the thick of an awkward silence, Colton tried to break the ice. "Whitney, with the rain coming down like this, what's taking you to Regent Road?" Before she could answer, his phone rang. Janice's voice, laced with tears, came through the speaker. "Mr. Jones... I'm in so much pain..." Colton's expression shifted in an instant. "Don't worry, I'm on my way back!" He ended the call and turned to her in a panic. "Whitney, we're close to Regent Road. Can you manage a cab from here?" "Sure," she replied steadily as she opened the door and stepped out into the rain. The downpour drenched her in seconds. She stood by the road, watching his car speed away with a wry smile. 'You almost found out what I was up to, Colton,' she mused. The storm was relentless, and no cabs were in sight. Whitney trudged through the rain, her umbrella useless against the wind, tears indistinguishable from the rain on her face. When she finally arrived at the county clerk's office, she was a mess. "Hello. I need to file for divorce." She handed over the divorce papers, miraculously dry. The clerk gave her a once-over, then the papers. "After a one-month cooling-off period, you can come back for the divorce certificate." Outside, the rain had stopped. Whitney looked up at the clearing sky, feeling a bit of the heaviness lift from her heart. Maybe, just like that day, brighter days awaited her post-divorce. … Back at the villa, the hall was deserted. From upstairs, Colton's gentle voice floated down. "The Little Prince met a fox..." He was spinning tales for Janice's unborn child. Whitney's mind was a foggy mess as she dove under the covers, desperate for sleep. She had no idea how long she had been out when her throat scorched with dryness. "Water..." She croaked more than once, but the only response was the drone of a story being told in the room next door. "Mr. Jones, I just wish our kid turns out like you, so handsome and smart..." Janice's voice was dripping with sweetness. Colton's voice came through with a light laugh. "Don't sell yourself short. You're pretty great yourself, kind, gentle, and innocent..." Whitney did not need to see them to picture Janice blushing. They sounded like the perfect couple, dreaming up a perfect future for their perfect unborn baby. She tried to sit up to grab the glass of water, but her limbs were like lead, and she ended up knocking it over. The glass shattered on the floor, and as she bent to pick up the pieces, the world went black, and she crumpled to the ground. Her palm was a mess of cuts and blood. Gritting her teeth, she cleaned the wounds as best she could, then fumbled for some fever medicine and forced it down. All the while, the laughter from next door did not miss a beat. Back in bed, Whitney's mind wandered to a feverish night in college when Colton had stayed at her dorm to watch over her for three endless nights. His eyes had been red when he said, "Whitney, your pain hurts me more." 'What about now, Colton? Do you remember saying that?' she wondered. Her tears were silent as they soaked into her pillow. She shut her eyes, surrendering to the engulfing darkness. Chapter 3 "Whitney! You're awake at last!" When she opened her eyes the next day, Colton was there, lying next to her. He touched her forehead, his eyes filled with worry. "Why didn't you call me when you got a fever? Do you have any idea how freaked out I was to find you passed out?" 'Would calling you have made a difference? You were busy with Janice and your kid, weren't you?' she thought bitterly. "I'm fine now," she said, her voice raspy as she brushed his hand aside. Colton's brow creased with concern. "You're not happy?" "It's nothing." "I know when you're not happy," he said, bending down to plant a gentle kiss on her hair. "Remember how you've always wanted to go horseback riding at the ranch? Let's go, okay?" He spoke with a tenderness that harkened back to better days, and began to assist her in getting ready with a soft touch she could not resist. Just as she was dressed and about to head out, Janice peeked in shyly. "Mr. Jones, Mrs. Jones, are you off to ride horses? I'm so jealous. I've never been. Can I come along?" She caressed her swollen belly, her eyes filled with hope as she looked at Colton. "No, you're pregnant," Colton said firmly, his brows knitting together. Janice's lip quivered. "I really want to... It's not good for the baby to be cooped up all the time..." Her voice trailed off, laced with a subtle plea. Whitney could not bear to hear any more and turned to leave. She knew Colton all too well. He was a sucker for that kind of doe-eyed begging. Sure enough, as she stepped outside, she heard Colton give in with a resigned sigh. "Fine, but you have to do exactly as I say." Once in the car, Whitney saw that Janice had indeed tagged along. Colton was ever the gentleman, helping her in and keeping a protective hand on her back as if she were made of glass. However, once they arrived, his attentiveness was all for Janice, as he seemed to forget who he was there to comfort. "Watch the steps. "The sun's strong, so wear your hat. "Take it easy, don't overdo it." Each word of caution was a cut to Whitney's heart, each one sharper than the last. Whitney slipped away to the stables, her hands deftly saddling a calm mare. Colton had taught her those skills himself, on a day she would never forget. On her twentieth birthday, they galloped across his private racetrack from dawn until dusk. However, the man who had once shown her the reins was preoccupied, lavishing attention on another. He was full of care and concern for Janice, adjusting her gear with a tenderness that made Whitney's heart ache. He clung to Janice's reins as if they were a lifeline, not once loosening his grip, until his phone buzzed. A frown creased his forehead as he checked the screen. "Mr. Jones, don't let me keep you," Janice said sweetly, releasing him from his duty. "I've got the hang of it now. I can manage on my own." Colton hesitated, double-checking Janice's position before he stepped away to take the call. Whitney watched him from the sidelines, the sun casting a long shadow behind Colton as he tapped his phone in that familiar, absent-minded way she knew so well. "Mrs. Jones," Janice called out, her voice dripping with honey as she rode up close. "Ever wonder what happens when two horses crash into each other? I've always been curious." Without waiting for an answer, Janice spurred her horse hard. In a flash, the horses collided, the mare rearing up in panic. Whitney's grip on the reins was iron, but it was no match for the frenzy that took hold of her steed, who bolted towards the fence, screaming. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Janice's grip 'slip', and she tumbled from her mount. "Janice!" Colton's voice tore through the air as he lunged to catch her, just in time. Meanwhile, a thundering herd, spooked and wild, broke free, charging straight for Whitney. "Colton... Save me!" she cried out. Whitney's cry was lost in the tumult of galloping horses. She caught a glimpse of him cradling the limp form of Janice, bolting for the edge of the arena without a backward glance. A cloud of dust kicked up by the stampede stung her eyes. The reins slipped through Whitney's fingers, and as she was catapulted into the air, a memory flashed before her: Colton's words at that very racetrack when she was 20 years old. "Whitney, just call out to me, and I'll always turn back." The ground rushed up to meet her, and the world went dark. Through the haze of pain, the last thing she saw was Colton's retreating figure, rushing Janice to the car with desperate haste. The agony in her ribs was sharp, but it paled next to the shredding pain in her chest. Curled up on the ground, the drumming of hooves drawing near, Whitney let her eyelids fall. Chapter 4 Whitney awoke to a stabbing pain. Blinking open her eyes, she found herself in a hospital room. A slight turn of her head revealed Colton at her bedside, dark shadows under his eyes. "Whitney, you're awake," he said, leaning forward, his voice heavy with relief. "Are you hurting anywhere?" Her throat was parched, and she could not speak. The last thing she remembered seeing was Colton's back as he carried Janice away and the thunderous approach of the horses. "Janice got hurt," Colton blurted out, urgency lacing his words. "She's got a bleeding disorder, and the hospital's out of blood..." Whitney's heart sank. Colton gripped her hand. "You're the only match. Whitney, can you give some blood to her?" The request was utterly ludicrous. Whitney jerked her hand back, the sudden movement aggravating the wound in her side and making her wince sharply. He had just stood by as she was knocked down, offering no explanation, and then, he expected her to go to Janice's aid, battered and bruised. "I won't do it," she rasped, each word slicing through her like a blade. Colton's brow was creased with worry. "Just hang in there for the baby's sake, okay? Once the baby's here, it'll all be over." An icy shiver ran down Whitney's spine. She looked into Colton's eyes, hoping to find a flicker of remorse or tenderness, but those eyes she had adored for two decades held nothing but a frantic push. "Mr. Jones, Ms. Moore isn't doing well..." the nurse whispered from the doorway. Colton shot up and nearly dragged Whitney to her feet. "Please, Whitney. I'm begging you." Whitney was escorted to the phlebotomy room. As the needle slid into her vein, the pain was so intense it took her breath away. The nurse was puzzled. "Is it really that painful? I was as gentle as I could be." Whitney just shook her head, her tears falling freely. She used to dread needles, and Colton would always be there to cover her eyes and soothe her gently. "Hang in there, Whitney, it'll be over in no time," he used to say. However, Colton stood outside as her blood was drawn, impatiently checking his watch, not even sparing her a glance. With 400ml of blood gone, Whitney's world began to spin. The nurse had her sit and rest, but Whitney's gaze followed Colton as he hurried back to Janice's room without a backward glance. She followed unsteadily and paused at the half-open door. Janice lay on the bed, her complexion ghostly, her wrist swathed in thick bandages. Colton was at her side, holding her hand with a tenderness that seemed to overflow from his eyes. "Don't worry, it's all over now," he soothed in a low voice. "The kid's doing great too." Whitney's eyes landed on Janice's wrist, and then she froze. There it was, the silver cross bracelet she knew too well. She had picked it out herself three years ago in an old church, while she prayed for him. Colton had put it on with such care, vowing, "I'll never take this off, not in my lifetime." However, that same bracelet was clasped around another woman's wrist. He had given away the bracelet she had bought as a symbol of their blessed future to Janice. A sharp pain stabbed through Whitney's heart, and she could not stand to look any longer. She spun around and stormed out. Back in her hospital room, she curled up on the bed, her tears drenching the pillow. She discovered the hard truth that a shattered heart could physically ache, making it hard to even breathe. The nurse came by for her rounds. "Mrs. Jones, could you finish up your medical history report?" the nurse asked, handing her the form. Whitney filled it out on autopilot, her pen hesitating just a moment at 'marital status' before she pressed down hard and wrote 'single'. "Mrs. Jones, is there a mistake here?" the nurse questioned, puzzled. "You've put down 'single' when you're married to Mr. Jones, aren't you?" "I'm not," Whitney replied, her voice steady. "He won't be my husband much longer." "Whitney, what did you say?" The door to the room burst open, and there stood Colton, disbelief etched across his face. Chapter 5 The room went still, charged with tension. The nurse, clutching the medical record, made a quick exit, leaving Whitney and Colton staring at each other, a silent standoff at the doorway. "Still upset about the blood test?" Colton seemed to catch on to something as he moved closer, reaching out to caress her cheek. "Life and death, Whitney. I had no other choice." Whitney dodged his hand, leaving it hanging awkwardly in the air. Colton pulled back and softened his voice. "Once things settle down, how about we escape to the mountains for a little getaway?" She closed her eyes, too tired to reply. He waited, but silence hung between them. "So, when do you get out of here?" he prodded. A twinge of suspicion nudged her, and she opened her eyes to look at him. "What's going on?" He paused, then admitted, "Janice is craving your cream of mushroom soup... She swears by your recipe." Shock rooted her to the spot, a whirlwind of emotions, anger, pain, and the ridiculousness of it all, threatening to spill over. She wanted to scream at him, demanding to know if she was nothing more than Janice's personal chef in his eyes. However, all she managed was a whisper. "Got it. I'll make it and send it over once I'm out." His face brightened, and he leaned in to plant a kiss on her forehead. "You're always so understanding, Whitney." She felt nothing as his lips touched her skin, her thoughts bitter. Yes, she was the understanding one, was she not? Understanding enough to cook for his mistress while nursing a broken rib. "All I want is for her baby to be born healthy," she whispered. Colton's brow creased with concern. "You used to be so against that kid, remember?" A hollow smile crossed her lips. "Not anymore." Deep down, Whitney hoped that their twisted family would remain intact, all three of them. He studied her face, searching for something, but eventually, he just glanced at his watch and stood up. "Janice needs her meds. I'll check on you later." The door clicked shut, and she eased back onto the hospital bed, eyes drifting up to the ceiling. A chuckle escaped her lips. Colton had vanished for five whole days. Back home from the hospital, Whitney kept her word and simmered a pot of mushroom soup, asking the driver to take it to the hospital. Next, she started packing her passport, ID, and a few favorite outfits. Their photo together still sat by the bed. She stared at it for a moment before flipping it facedown on the table. On the sixth night, Colton reappeared out of the blue, Janice conspicuously absent. "Janice didn't come back with you?" Whitney blurted out. "She's still in the hospital," Colton replied, his gaze piercing. Whitney frowned. "She's not out yet after all this time?" He gave a noncommittal grunt, then stepped closer. "It's better she's not here, Whitney. Remember that snow mountain getaway I promised? It's all set. Time to go." Before she could even reply, Colton was yanking her by the wrist, pulling her out the door. His grip was firm, sending her off-balance, a flicker of unease in her gut. Colton's face was unreadable, his eyes icy as frost. The car ride was eerily silent. Colton's hands were clenched on the wheel, knuckles bone-white. Outside the window, the world blurred by, Whitney's heart pounding in her chest. They reached the snow mountain resort at dusk. As they were about to head up to the summit, Colton stopped. "Whitney, I forgot something in the car. Wait here." She nodded, shivering as the wind screamed around her, huddling in her coat for what turned into three long hours. Darkness swallowed the sky, and she finally got through to Colton's phone. "When are you coming back?" she asked, her voice quivering against the howling storm. However, the line was dead silent. After what felt like an eternity, Colton's voice came through, icy as the winter chill: "I'm not coming back. The car's gone. If you want to return, you're on your own." "What are you saying?" "It's your punishment," he said, his voice a frost she had never felt before. "I told you to hold on until the baby was born, but you went and put abortion pills in Janice's soup, nearly causing her to lose the baby. Whitney, how did you turn into this?" His words, steeped in a bone-chilling disappointment, made Whitney's blood turn to ice. Abortion pills? A near miscarriage? "I didn't do it!" Colton erupted, "You're still lying?! You made that soup, didn't you? Who else could it be? Janice? She treasures that baby more than her own life!" The storm was picking up, ice forming on Whitney's lashes. "So you don't believe me..." His voice was calm but heavy. "How could I? Make your way back and think about what you've done." The call ended, and Whitney was left alone in the snow, her fingers clutching the phone numb and purple. Colton's words haunted her, sharp as a blade, making her whole body throb with pain. She flashed back to the day they registered their marriage, when he had cornered her against the wall of the city hall with an arm, his voice clear. "Whitney, if you ever try to leave me, I'll keep you by my side forever." However, he had cast her out into the snowy wilderness. As the blizzard intensified, she pulled her coat close and started descending the mountain, only to be stopped by a muffled rumble from afar. The dial tone and the howling wind merged into one. It was an avalanche. She spun around to flee, but the snow swallowed her whole, and as she was buried, a sharp pain shot through her right leg. Her hands shaking, Whitney pulled out her phone and desperately tried Colton's number over and over. On the seventh attempt, it finally rang through. "Colton! There's an avalanche! I…" However, she only heard Janice's overly sweet voice. "Hello? You're breaking up. What's that again?" Through the roar of the blizzard, Whitney could just make out Colton's soft voice asking, "Who is it?" "Wrong number," Janice giggled. "Mr. Jones, this meal is amazing. Since that scary incident with the food poisoning, your cooking makes me feel so much safer." A slab of snow slammed into Whitney's back, and she could not bear it any longer, slowly falling into the snowy ground. As she was losing consciousness, she had a fleeting vision of their wedding day of Colton on one knee, vowing, "Whitney, if I ever fail you in this life, may I..." The snow came down, burying all the vows left unsaid. Chapter 6 When Whitney's eyes fluttered open again, Colton was there by her hospital bed, his eyes red with fear. He clutched her hand, his voice a shaky whisper. "Whitney, I had no idea about the avalanche... I'm so sorry, so very sorry..." His fingers were icy, yet his palm was slick with sweat, as if he were afraid she would slip away. "Yell at me, hit me, do whatever you need to do..." Suddenly, the door to the room burst open with a loud bang, and Janice stumbled in, her eyes puffy and red. "Mrs. Jones, this is all my fault. Please don't be mad at Mr. Jones..." Her tears flowed freely, painting her as the picture of misery. "Mr. Jones was out of his mind with worry for you. When he heard about the avalanche, he didn't think twice before running into danger to find you, and now he's all bruised and battered..." "Stop!" Colton cut her off, spinning around to pull her into a comforting hug. "This isn't your fault, and the doctor said tears are bad for the baby." Whitney watched them, a bitter laugh escaping her lips. The irony was not lost on her. She had just dodged a bullet, cheated death, and there he was, fussing over another woman's tears. Whitney rasped, "Leave. I want everyone out." Colton froze, "Whitney..." "Out, I said!" Her hand shot out, seizing the water glass from the bedside table and hurling it to the floor where it shattered, shards flying. Finally, Colton retreated with Janice, glancing back at Whitney repeatedly before the door closed behind them. In the days that followed, Colton tried everything to win her back. He sent flowers flown in from who knows where and designer bags. He constantly checked in with her, but she stayed quiet. She was not mad anymore, nor did she offer him a smile. She looked at him as if he were a stranger. On discharge day, Colton showed up to take her home. Dragging her suitcase, Whitney beelined for a cab. Colton had been waiting since dawn at the hospital doors. She had no intention of riding with him and turned to walk away. That was when he pulled a whip from the trunk and held it out to her. "Whitney, go ahead. Hit me." She froze. His voice was rough. "If it'll make you feel better, if it means you can forgive me… Hit me all you want." He paused, then softened his demeanor. "We've got a family dinner tonight. Let's not fight, okay?" She looked at him, the urge to laugh rising again. Did he really think they were still the same? That he could mess up, she would get mad, he would sweet-talk her, and all would be forgiven? He was so wrong. She did not take the whip. Instead, she turned around and climbed into his car. She had not forgiven him. She simply did not care anymore. All along the ride, Colton kept the conversation going nonstop. He chatted about everything from the latest office gossip to funny childhood memories, even teasing about the time Whitney took a tumble into a fountain on their first date. In the past, she would have turned beet red and playfully shushed him. However, she just gazed out the window, wordless. The old Jones mansion was all lit up. The moment Whitney walked into the living room, she spotted Janice cozy on the couch, chatting with Colton's grandmother, Tessa Scott, who was holding her hand with warmth. Colton quickly took Whitney's hand. "Grandma really wanted to see her. I was worried you'd be upset, so that's why I kept it to myself..." Whitney pulled her hand away softly. "It's fine." She really did not mind anymore. Tessa, still holding Janice's hand, beamed with affection, but her smile faded to a frosty expression when she turned to Whitney. "After all this time married and not a single child! Janice, on the other hand, is such a delight. Janice, make sure you visit me more often..." Whitney's hand froze for a second. There was a time when Tessa had doted on her just as much. When did things start to change? It was probably the moment she admitted she did not want kids. However, the decision to remain childless was not hers alone. She could still recall the stormy night after he proposed; her anxiety about marriage had her hiding out at her best friend's place, avoiding Colton. He had scoured the city for her in the pouring rain, finally breaking into her friend's house at three in the morning, kneeling before her, soaking wet. "Whitney, what did I do wrong?" She was a mess of tears. "I'm scared... I'm scared it'll hurt... I'm scared of getting married, and I'm terrified of having kids..." What had Colton said back then? He cradled her face, promising her with every word. "Then, we won't have kids. If our folks give us grief, I'll just say I'm the one who can't." However, the man who had once vowed he would never father a child was gently mixing prenatal formula for Janice. Chapter 7 Whitney could not stand another word and walked out to the backyard pool. The night air was refreshingly cool. She had just settled by the poolside when Janice came up behind her. "Mrs. Jones," she said, stroking her swollen belly with a sweet smile, "Mr. Jones promised to buy me a villa in Springfield after the baby's born. "And did you know," she whispered conspiratorially to Whitney, "why Mr. Jones couldn't control himself that night after he got drugged? At the party, I wore a white dress, just like your favorite one. He thought I was you. So, in a way, I have you to thank for my good fortune..." Whitney was about to respond when, Splash! Janice toppled headlong into the pool, water spraying everywhere. "Help! My baby……" Her desperate cries rang out as she thrashed in the water. By the time everyone rushed over, they were met with this sight: Janice flailing in the water, Whitney standing by the pool, her face a mask of indifference. The whole Jones family was in an uproar. Colton dove in to rescue Janice, but not before Tessa's slap struck Whitney across the face. "You wretch! Apologize now!" Whitney's head snapped to the side, blood trickling from her lip. She turned back slowly, a smile playing on her lips. "Fine, I apologize." With that, she seized Janice, who had just been pulled out of the water, and shoved her back in! A scream pierced the air. It was Tessa's. Whitney slid the bracelet off her wrist, a precious heirloom of the Jones family that Tessa had clasped on her the day she became one of them. With a flick of her wrist, she sent it crashing to the floor. The sound echoed sharply in the silence. Bracelet skittered across the tiles, its sparkle pale and lifeless in the moonlight. She did not look back, even as Colton's voice, filled with disbelief, called out to her. She had barely set foot inside her house when the door slammed open. Colton stormed in, his suit soaked, his hair dripping, a clear sign he had come after her without a second thought. He was out of breath, his eyes a whirlpool of anger and fear. "I did nothing wrong," Whitney said, her voice icy. "If you need an apology that badly, then maybe we should just get a divorce." The word divorce hit him like a physical blow, draining the color from his face. "Don't you dare say that!" he blurted out, desperation edging his voice. He closed the distance between them and pulled her close. "You know that would kill me!" She could not help but laugh bitterly at the look in his eyes. "And what about me?" she whispered. "Did you ever think about my life, Colton?" He froze, the words catching in his throat. "I get it, you're torn about Janice and the baby, with grandma's ultimatum and owing Janice for saving your life. However, where do I fit into this, Colton? Can't you see my side?" He opened his mouth, maybe to argue, maybe to explain, but nothing came out. Instead, he just wrapped his arms around her, holding on as if she were his lifeline. "Everything's going to be okay," he whispered, his hand softly patting her back like he was soothing a fussy child. "We'll get past this. I'll talk to Grandma. Once the baby's here, things will go back to the way they were..." She nestled into his arms, inhaling the cool pine scent that was so distinctly him, and felt a wave of weariness wash over her. His arms were still a haven of warmth, his heartbeat a steady drum, but her heart was icing over, bit by bit. There was no turning back. Never again. 'Colton, I'm going to start a new life, one that doesn't include you,' she vowed silently. Chapter 8 Colton must have felt the shift because he clung to Whitney like a shadow in the days that followed. He was always there, right down to waiting outside the bathroom door for her. Even when Janice stood in the corner, eyes brimming with tears, he would just furrow his brow and look away. One morning, excitement lit up his eyes as he handed her a fancy invitation with a golden seal. "Whitney, our school's hundred-year celebration is today. Our friends want to catch up. You've been cooped up here for days, it's a perfect chance to get some air and reconnect. What do you say?" Her gaze lingered on the shiny school emblem, and memories flooded back. Ten years ago, he had been just as eager, waving basketball tickets at her in the doorway. "Whitney, you coming?" 'I might as well go. It'll probably be the last time anyway, she thought. At the class reunion, Colton's hand was locked with hers the whole time. Their old classmates joked about how the campus heartthrob and beauty were still a perfect match, reminiscing about the time Colton had lined up all night to get her a rare album. He chuckled, pulling her close, his fingers tracing her waist in a silent plea for favor. Tina, the former class president, interrupted, presenting a box. "Remember our time capsule with the letters we wrote ten years ago? It's time they finally made their way back home." The crowd surged forward, each person eager to claim their piece of the past. Whitney was about to open her own package when Colton stopped dead in his tracks. His phone rang, and 'Janice' flashed on the screen. With a hesitant look at Whitney, he stepped into the hallway to take the call. When he returned a minute later, his face was ashen. "Whitney, she's had a fall. She's in the hospital now..." Whitney replied, cutting through his panic. "Go. The child comes first." He kissed her forehead, a weight lifted. "I'll be back before you know it." As Whitney watched him rush away, she turned to the time capsule and found Colton's letter. [To twenty-six-year-old Colton], the envelope teased. Despite her hesitation, curiosity won, and she opened it. The paper was tinged with age, yet the words stood out bold and clear. A younger Colton's exuberant handwriting sprawled across the page. [Hey there, twenty-six-year-old Colton. By now, you've surely made Whitney your wife, haven't you? I'm jealous of you, living the dream I can't wait to reach. [Listen up. You'd better treat Whitney right, cherish her with everything you've got, or else, I'll be coming for you. [Don't forget her daily warm milk since her stomach's always been touchy. Take her to Icelandia for those Northern Lights she's never stopped dreaming about. [She despises rainy days, and cilantro? It's a no-go; she's allergic. Remember, she's scared of the dark, so never let her walk home alone at night.] Tucked at the end was a smaller sentence, meant only for her eyes. [Whitney, if I'm not treating you right ten years down the line, walk away, and never look back.] Her fingers traced the words, and the dam broke, tears streaming down her face. She whispered to no one, "Alright. I'll take your advice." The party wound down, and she embraced each classmate, saying her goodbyes. With tears welling in her eyes, Tina said, "Promise we'll reunite at the next school reunion, okay?" However, Whitney knew there would not be a next time. She left and hailed a cab to the county clerk's office. That day marked the day her divorce was final. She could pick up her divorce papers and close the chapter on her marriage. The clerk asked her one last time, "Ms. Thompson, are you sure about this?" "Yes, I'm sure." She watched the official stamp hit the paper, feeling an emptiness in her chest but also an odd sense of freedom. Before she left, she wiped the slate clean, canceling all her cards and buying a one-way ticket out of there. As the plane took off, the sunset bled through the window. Staring out, she remembered him at eighteen, blocking her path after school, saying, "Whitney, you're mine. You can't run from me." 'Colton, you were so wrong. This time, I'm the one who got away. I'm never looking back,' she vowed to herself.