My father's expression froze . He looked away from me . " Just focus on resting for now . " A cold weight dropped in my stomach . " Dad ! Look at me ! " Tears blurred my vision , spilling uncontrollably . " The baby ... we didn't lose her , did we ? " He took a deep breath , gripping my hand tightly . " Sweetheart ... the doctors said the baby was without oxygen for too long . " His voice faltered . " By the time she was delivered ... she was already- " " No ! " The scream tore from my throat , raw and ragged . " No , that's not true ! She was still kicking inside me - she was still moving ! " My father wrapped his arms around me , letting my tears soak through his uniform . " Cry , Sophia ... it'll hurt a little less if you let it out . I clung to his collar , sobbing until I could hardly breathe . That tiny life - who never even got to see this world - was gone forever . My hands twisted the bedsheet , nails digging into my palms until they hurt . Hatred curled in my chest like a venomous snake . I hated Vanessa's malice , hated how she had snuffed out my child's life for her own amusement . I hated Ethan's cowardice and betrayal , hated that he could abandon his own flesh and blood for a chance to climb the social ladder . But most of all , I hated myself . Chapter 8 16.83 % For being blind enough to love such a cold , selfish man . For hiding my family's name and lowering myself for the sake of "love . " For failing to protect my baby , letting her slip away before she could take her first breath . " Sweetheart . " My father's voice was gentler now as he wiped the tears from my cheeks . " This wasn't your fault . " I shook my head , my voice hoarse . " Dad , I want them to pay . " " I want their blood for my child's blood . " One look from my father , and two soldiers hauled Ethan into the room . He was bruised from head to toe , blood staining his clothes - there was no trace left of the arrogance he once wore like a crown . " Sophia ! " The moment he saw me , he dropped to his knees with a loud thud and began slapping himself hard across the face . " I'm not human ! I deserve to die ! " His cheeks swelled almost instantly . " I was blinded by greed - please , just give me another chance ! " He shuffled forward on his knees , reaching for the railing of my bed . " Our baby ... our baby can't grow up without a father! " I stared at his pathetic act and let out a cold , humorless laugh . " Our baby ? " My voice was so soft it was chilling . " Didn't you stand there and watch while Vanessa shot my stomach with a water gun ? Didn't you laugh and say , ' Nice shot ' ? " The color drained from his face . His lips trembled as he tried to stammer something . " I ... I- " " Enough ! " My father's sharp voice cut him off . " Get him out of here . " Chapter 8 16.83 % I lifted a hand . " Dad , let me speak to him alone . "