Ellie and Sam had been best friends since high school, and their friendship unexpectedly blossomed into something deeper after graduation. Sam finally gathered the courage to confess the feelings he had kept hidden for so long. Ellie, surprised but overjoyed, realized how much she had always appreciated and adored him. So when Sam asked her to be his girlfriend, the only word she could say was, "Yes."

Ellie was a beautiful girl with long brown hair, often catching the attention of many boys at school. Sam, though more average in appearance, stood out in his own way - tall, intelligent, and well-known for his dedication as a former student council leader. His friendly nature earned him many friends.

As they prepared to begin college, they decided to attend different schools. For both Sam and Ellie, this wasn't a problem. They respected each other's goals and supported one another's dreams. During their vacation before college, they spent most of their time together and shared their first kiss while watching the sunset on the beach.

Everything seemed perfect. They exchanged promise rings and vowed to see each other every weekend, holding on to the love that had started with a friendship and blossomed into something beautiful.

However, just a few weeks into their freshman year of college, things started to change. Their communication grew strained, and time became a real challenge. Sam, now a busy biology major, struggled to keep up with everything on his plate. Ellie, who was studying Business Management, stayed true to her promise to make time for Sam on weekends - but it wasn't always easy.

Their relationship began to feel rocky and more complicated, especially after an unexpected moment of jealousy. One afternoon, Sam came to surprise Ellie and walk her home. As he waited near the school gate, he saw her walking out with a classmate - Ralph.

Ralph was the wealthy and well-known son of a mall owner, someone who was quietly harboring feelings for Ellie, though she had no idea. To her, Ralph was just a kind, reliable friend - nothing more. But to Sam, the scene in front of him told a different story: Ellie and Ralph laughing, chatting, their shoulders almost touching as they walked closely side by side.

It was the first time Sam felt truly jealous.

Ellie's face lit up when she saw Sam. She ran toward him, excited - but instead of greeting her, Sam turned away and walked off without saying a word, leaving Ellie confused and hurt.

Seeing the situation unfold, Ralph seized the opportunity. He offered to drive Ellie home. With a gentle smile, he opened the door of his Rolls-Royce, inviting her to sit in the front passenger seat.

As they drove, Ellie began to panic. She couldn't stop texting Sam, desperate to understand what had just happened. Seeing her distress, Ralph gently took her phone and placed it on the dashboard. "Relax," he said calmly. "Talk to him when you've calmed down."

A few weeks went by. Sam and Ellie talked on the phone almost every day, trying to reassure each other that everything would be okay. Ellie made most of the effort to keep their connection strong, while Sam was constantly busy, focused on his dream of becoming a doctor.

Then came Ellie's 18th birthday. Her family planned a big celebration in her honor, and of course, Sam was supposed to be her debut escort. But that night, Sam didn't show up - without warning or explanation. His absence nearly ruined what was supposed to be one of the most memorable nights of her life.

Fortunately, her family was there to comfort her - and so was Ralph, who stepped in as her escort at the last minute.

No calls. No texts. Just silence. It was a kind of emotional torture Ellie didn't know how to handle. She realized she was the only one fighting to keep their relationship alive - the only one making time, reaching out, and trying to hold everything together.

Two days later, Sam finally called. But by then, Ellie had reached her breaking point. Before Sam could explain anything, she quietly but firmly said, "Let's break up."

Years passed. Ellie graduated from college and opened her own boutique shop. Ralph remained in her life as a loyal friend, despite having been turned down several times. Still, he never gave up on her - not in a pushy way, but with quiet patience and unwavering presence.

On Ralph's 23rd birthday, Ellie received an invitation as usual. His birthday parties were always grand events with hundreds of guests. This year, the venue was a well-known upscale restaurant, as stated in the formal email he sent her.

To her surprise, when Ellie arrived at the venue, she found only a single table set for two. The restaurant was quiet and beautifully lit, creating an intimate atmosphere. Ralph greeted her at the entrance with a bouquet of red roses and a warm smile.

Ellie was stunned, still trying to understand what was going on, as Ralph gently guided her to her seat. They sat across from each other, and Ralph chuckled softly at the look of disbelief on her face. Then, with a subtle gesture, a violinist in the distance began playing her favorite song - "All of Me" by John Legend.

Ralph looked at her and said, "All I wanted for my birthday was to see you smile."

Ellie blushed, deeply touched by his words. Her heart fluttered from the sweetness and sincerity of the moment.

Then, Ralph stood up, walked beside her, and slowly got down on one knee. From his pocket, he took out a small red box, opened it, and revealed a sparkling diamond ring.

"Ellie," he said softly, "will you marry me?"

It was a crazy question - especially considering they had always been just friends. They had no official romantic relationship, no courtship in the traditional sense. Ellie froze. Her mind raced through all the memories she had with Ralph - his patience, his unwavering presence, his loyalty.

She knew Ralph had feelings for her, but she kept pushing him away. Not because she didn't care, but because she doubted whether she was truly good enough for someone like him. His family was wealthy, influential, and lived in a world far different from hers. She often thought Ralph deserved someone from his own circle.

But despite everything, Ralph never gave up on her. His consistent efforts and his ability to make her feel loved and valued began to outweigh her fears. In that moment, everything became clear.

A wild answer to a wild question - Ellie smiled through tears and said, "Yes."

Ralph stood up, eyes glistening, and embraced her tightly. Then he gently slipped the gold diamond ring onto her finger. Ellie glanced at it, still in disbelief. Who would've thought two close friends could become fianc?s?

When Ralph and Ellie announced their engagement, it stirred a wave of emotions in their families. Most were thrilled - but not everyone was genuinely happy. Among the few who disapproved were Amanda, Ralph's mother, and Trina, a family friend who had always hoped to be more.

Trina, the daughter of a powerful business tycoon and a close friend of Amanda, had been introduced to Ralph two years earlier. Amanda had always hoped their acquaintance would turn into something romantic. Trina herself had developed feelings for Ralph - captivated not only by his looks, but also by his gentlemanly nature and quiet strength.

So, the news of his engagement to Ellie came as a heavy blow. Disappointment was hard to hide, especially for Trina, who had imagined herself in Ellie's place.

But none of that mattered to Ralph. His heart belonged to Ellie, and nothing - not disapproval, not class differences, not expectations - could keep him from marrying the woman he loved.

A few months later, after careful planning, Ralph and Ellie were married in a beautiful ceremony. Surrounded by those who truly supported them, they exchanged vows and began their new life together.

On their honeymoon in the Maldives, they shared their first night as husband and wife. For Ellie, the most precious gift she could offer Ralph was her purity. For Ralph, despite having known other women before, he felt something he had never felt with anyone else - true fulfillment. With Ellie, everything felt right. Everything felt whole.

After returning from a week-long honeymoon filled with love and intimacy, Ellie and Ralph moved into their new home - a grand mansion that Ralph had purchased as the foundation for their future family. Despite Amanda's disapproval, Ralph stood firm in his decisions. No one, not even his mother, could sway him once his mind was made up. His father, Rodrigo, remained quiet as always. He trusted Ralph to manage his life and responsibilities on his own.

As the heir to a chain of malls with over 80 branches nationwide, Ralph carried great responsibility, yet he balanced his work and personal life with remarkable strength and grace. His leadership was admired - and envied - by many.

Despite being the wife of a successful and wealthy man, Ellie chose to continue pursuing her passion. She ran her own small boutique, a dream she had nurtured even before meeting Ralph. She felt fulfilled, happy, and content. Yet, every now and then, she found her thoughts drifting back to Sam - her first love. She occasionally wondered how he was and where life had taken him.

One stormy evening, a sudden thunderstorm hit the city. It was already 9 PM, and Ellie was still at her boutique. The power had gone out, and the streets were nearly empty. She usually took a taxi home, having refused Ralph's repeated offers to buy her a car. That night, however, she couldn't find a ride.

Worried, she called Ralph. He was still at the office but didn't hesitate. Despite the harsh weather, he rushed to pick her up. When he arrived, drenched and windblown, he wrapped his arms around her, shielding her from the rain. In that moment, Ellie felt what she always did in his embrace - safe.

As they drove through the storm, the roads grew more treacherous and visibility became poor. Then, in a split second, headlights flashed. A loud crash followed.

Ellie woke up in a hospital bed. Her parents were sitting beside her, their eyes red from crying. As soon as she stirred, her mother embraced her tightly, sobbing into her shoulder. Ellie, still groggy, tried to recall what had happened. And then it hit her.

She remembered the accident. She remembered Ralph. Frantically, she asked where he was.

Her parents hesitated. Her parents couldn't look her in the eye. Ellie insisted on knowing the truth. Her father took her hand tightly, his grip trembling, and slowly began to explain what had happened.

Ellie had been unconscious for four days.

Ralph had fallen into a coma... and didn't make it.

Their marriage, which had just reached its first anniversary, was cut short in the most painful way imaginable.

Ellie was in disbelief. The reality felt too heavy to process, and her thoughts were spiraling - what now? What was she supposed to do next?

She hadn't even been able to attend Ralph's funeral. Amanda, still cold and distant, sent Ellie a letter telling her to focus on her recovery. The family would handle everything regarding their son's death.

Ellie spent two weeks in the hospital before being discharged. Weakened in body and spirit, she returned to her parents' home. Devastated and lost, she decided to close her boutique. Her passion felt meaningless now. She cried for days - until there were no more tears left to cry.

A year passed.

With the support of therapy and time, Ellie slowly began to heal. She completed her sessions with her psychologist and felt emotionally strong enough to start again. Wanting peace and simplicity, she moved to a quiet countryside town and opened a small boutique shop - a fresh chapter.

On an early morning, before her two new staff members had arrived, Ellie was inside the boutique arranging her things when a familiar face stopped at the door.

Sam.

It had been six years since they last saw each other - back when they were both in their second year of college.

He looked more mature now, a bit stockier than before, but he still had those same bright eyes and that familiar quiet charisma.

"Need a hand with that?" he asked casually, as if no time had passed. His tone was light and unbothered - too casual for someone who had ghosted her after her 18th birthday.

Ellie was stunned.

He was here, in front of her, acting as though nothing had happened. She didn't answer. Instead, she turned and continued carrying boxes inside.

Sam didn't wait for permission. He simply picked up one of the boxes and helped her move everything inside.

Ellie didn't know how to react. She let him help but avoided eye contact and conversation. Though years had passed, the disappointment lingered. He had been her best friend all throughout high school, and while their romantic relationship hadn't worked out, he hadn't even left her with closure. He had just... vanished.

Once everything was inside, Sam gave a polite farewell and walked away.

Ellie watched him go, questions swirling in her mind. What was he doing here in this small countryside town? Was he still studying to become a doctor? Or had life taken him on another path?

Later that night, curiosity got the better of her. She searched for him on social media but found nothing useful - just photos of random dogs.

Her first day of reopening the boutique was a huge success. Exhausted but satisfied, Ellie returned to the counter to find a bouquet of tulips waiting there. She turned to her staff, Mindy and Alena, and asked if they had brought them. Both shook their heads.

A wave of emotion hit her.

Tulips. Sam's signature flower. The same ones he used to give her years ago.

Ellie brought the bouquet home to her apartment and placed it in a vase. Her room was still a mess, but she didn't have the energy to clean. She lay down on her bed and played a song on her phone - "All of Me."

It was the song that calmed her soul. The song Ralph had played when he proposed. The memories are still stung. She missed him - every day.

Healing wasn't linear, and she knew she still had a long way to go. Losing a husband wasn't something you just "move on" from.

Ellie had chosen this small town to reset her life, but seeing Sam here complicated everything. Maybe this was a sign. Maybe it was finally time to confront the questions she had buried for years.

A few days later, after the boutique had settled into a good rhythm, Ellie decided to explore the area. The town square was small but lively. It had everything - grocery stores, markets, clinics, a butcher, and a vet clinic.

The vet clinic caught her eye just as Sam stepped out of it.

Curious, Ellie quietly followed from a distance. She watched as he moved through the streets, greeted warmly by almost everyone. It was clear - Sam had been living here for some time.

Then he stopped at a small local restaurant and was welcomed by a woman around his age. She had long black hair, warm eyes, and dimples on both cheeks. The way she smiled at Sam made Ellie pause.

Who was she?

And why did it bother Ellie more than she expected?

Ellie paused and asked herself why she was even following Sam in the first place. Shaking her head, she turned around and started walking back to her boutique. As she did, Sam caught sight of her and smiled quietly, watching her walk away.

Later that day, after closing the shop and saying goodbye to Mindy and Alena, Ellie caught a glimpse of Sam from the corner of her eye. She did her best not to look directly at him and walked briskly toward her usual route home. But she noticed Sam walking on the opposite side of the road, heading in the same direction.

As she reached her apartment building, she realized with a growing unease that Sam was still walking alongside her. They entered the same building, took the same elevator, and even got off on the same floor. Ellie's discomfort grew, and just before reaching her door, she spun around and snapped, "Can you please stop following me?"

Sam, who was just about to enter his own apartment, was startled by her outburst. He looked surprised, then let out a small laugh. "I live here," he said, holding up his key. "I'm not following you."

Ellie felt her face burn with embarrassment. Without saying another word, she hurried inside her unit and slammed the door shut, locking it. Her heart was pounding. She leaned against the door, hand on her chest, mortified by the misunderstanding.

A few minutes later, there was a knock.

To her surprise, it was Sam - holding her phone.

"You dropped this," he said. Ellie hadn't even realized it was missing.

Flustered, she tried to retreat to her room, but in her rush, she slipped and fell hard, bruising her knee. Sam stepped inside without hesitation and helped her up, handing her the phone.

"Are you okay?" he asked, genuinely concerned.

"I'm fine," Ellie muttered, wincing.

Sam gently guided her to the sofa. Seeing her scraped knee, he said, "Wait here," and left. Moments later, he returned with a first aid kit. Without a word, he began cleaning her wound.

Ellie watched him in silence, then finally asked the question that had lingered in her mind for years. "Are you still pursuing medicine?"

Sam shook his head. "Not exactly," he said. "I'm a veterinarian now. Still healing - just animals instead of people."

There was a short pause. Then Sam asked, "What about you? What are you doing here? I thought you married a rich businessman."

Ellie blinked. "You knew I got married?"

Sam nodded slowly. "I kept in touch with some of our mutual friends. But after I heard you got married, I stopped asking."

Ellie hesitated, then told him. "Ralph? passed away. It's been over a year now."

Sam's hand paused over her bandage. His eyes widened in shock. "I didn't know. I'm so sorry, Ellie."

There was a heavy silence between them. Then Ellie looked up, her voice shaking. "Why did you disappear after my 18th birthday, Sam? You just left without a word. You never called. Never showed up."

Sam looked away, silent.

Ellie couldn't hold it in anymore. Hurt and frustrated, she pushed him toward the door. "If you're not going to answer, then leave!"

She shut the door and collapsed on her bed in tears. After all these years, she still didn't have the closure she needed. And yet, despite everything, it felt like he still cared. That was what confused her most.

The next day was her day off. Limping slightly from her fall, Ellie began tidying up her apartment. As she stepped out to throw the garbage away, she found a box at her door.

Inside were her favorite snacks and drinks.

She hadn't ordered anything. The only person who could've left it? was Sam.

Ellie marched over to his apartment and knocked. When Sam opened the door, he looked half-asleep. She tried to hand the box back to him.

"I didn't ask for this," she said.

"If you don't want it, just throw it away," he replied calmly.

Annoyed, Ellie walked into his apartment and placed the box on his kitchen counter. But as she turned to leave, she heard the door shut and lock behind her.

Her heart skipped.

She froze.

Then she felt his presence - his warmth - as he wrapped his arms around her from behind.

Her body stiffened, her breath caught.

"Sam?" she whispered.

"Let me explain," he said softly. Still holding her, he finally told the truth.

"I was on my way to your 18th birthday that night. I borrowed my brother's motorcycle. But a black car started following me? and hit me on purpose. I was hospitalized and couldn't move for a day."

Ellie gasped.

"I later found out? My parents were bribed by Ralph. He paid them not to tell you anything. He wanted me out of the picture. Before I could explain everything to you on the phone, you were already slipping away. I lost my chance."

He tightened his hold, his voice breaking. "I ran away from home after that. I've been here ever since, building a quiet life? but I never stopped thinking about you."

Ellie stood in stunned silence. Her heart ached with confusion, with sorrow? and something else.

The truth had finally come out - but what was she supposed to do with it now?

Ellie couldn't believe what she had just heard. The realization hit her like a tidal wave - Ralph had intentionally torn her and Sam apart just to have a chance with her. She was overwhelmed with confusion and heartbreak. The man she had once loved, the man she had married, had lied to her? manipulated her entire life.

As soon as Sam finished explaining, he gently released her from his embrace. Ellie, unable to contain her emotions, ran back to her apartment. She collapsed onto her bed and cried uncontrollably.

Memories began to flood back - how her other suitors in the past had suddenly lost interest, how potential relationships ended without reason. It all made sense now. It had been Ralph all along. He had been behind everything - bribing, threatening, even sabotaging people's lives - just to keep Ellie for himself. He hadn't loved her in a healthy way. He had been obsessed.

The truth devastated her. The image of Ralph she once held shattered into pieces.

Meanwhile, Sam gave Ellie space, letting her process the truth on her own. But as the days passed and he saw no sign of her - not even at the boutique - he grew increasingly worried. On the second day, he finally decided to check on her.

He knocked gently on her door. No answer.

He tried the handle. It was unlocked.

Inside, he found Ellie lying motionless on her bed. She looked pale, withdrawn, lost in her own world.

Without hesitation, Sam went to her and gently pulled her up. "Come on," he said softly. "Take a bath. Get dressed."

Ellie remained silent, trying to look away.

"I swear," he warned playfully but firmly, "if you don't move, I'll bathe you myself."

That got her to stir. Slowly, Ellie stood up and walked toward the bathroom.

After her bath, Ellie came out in a plain white dress. Her face was bare, her hair tangled.

Not satisfied, Sam stepped in. He combed her hair carefully, applied a little powder to her cheeks, and added a hint of lip tint. Ellie didn't protest - she just let him care for her.

When he was done, he took her hand and led her out of the apartment. They walked hand in hand, Ellie not asking where they were headed. She simply followed.

Their path led uphill. The concrete road soon ended, giving way to a dirt trail winding through the trees. After about thirty minutes of walking, they reached a small log cabin nestled on a hillside.

A large mango tree stood nearby, with a swing hanging beneath its sturdy branches.

Sam guided her to the swing, and Ellie sat quietly as he headed into the cabin. He returned moments later with a foldable picnic table and a backpack full of food. One by one, he laid out the meal - sandwiches, boiled eggs, fresh fruits, juice bottles.

Ellie gave a small, genuine smile. She remembered how good Sam was at cooking, even back in high school.

They sat together, and Ellie eagerly grabbed a sandwich and egg. Sam laughed and handed her a bottle of juice.

As they ate, they talked. Slowly at first, then more freely. They reminisce about high school - the silly pranks, the long afternoons studying together, the shared secrets. Sam eventually pushed Ellie gently on the swing, both of them laughing again like the old days.

But the laughter softened when their conversation drifted to the day of their first kiss. Everything grew quiet.

Ellie stood up, turning to face Sam. There was sadness in her eyes, but also understanding. She realized how much Sam had endured, how much he had lost because of Ralph's obsession.

Her eyes welled up again. She was about to cry -

But Sam stepped forward and kissed her.

Soft. Deep. Familiar.

Ellie didn't resist.

She kissed him back, fully, with all the emotion she had kept locked away for years.

In that moment, she knew - no other man had ever truly loved her the way Sam did. Despite everything, he had waited. He still cared. He had come back.

Maybe it wasn't too late.

Maybe this was the second chance they both deserved.

Ellie and Sam decided to live together, and Ellie finally became lively and happy again. Sam continued working at the vet clinic while Ellie focused on improving her boutique. Mindy and Elena were happy for their boss's new relationship.

One day, when Ellie and Sam went out to a nearby beach, Sam noticed from a distance that Ellie had removed her old wedding ring from Ralph and thrown it into the ocean. Ellie wanted to start a new life with the man who truly loved her.

Just five months after living under the same roof, Sam was surprised by Ellie's news that she was pregnant. Ellie had wanted to marry Sam before the baby was born, but Sam prioritized their baby's safety. He didn't want Ellie to get stressed with all the preparations for their wedding. Sam promised to marry Ellie as soon as she gave birth. He was the most caring partner and was incredibly excited about their first child. At night, he would massage her legs and talk to her belly as if speaking to their baby.

A few months later, Ellie was now five months pregnant. She finally told her parents about the pregnancy, and they were planning to visit her soon to talk in person.

One afternoon, Ellie was eagerly waiting for Sam to get home from work. After her monthly check-up that morning, she already knew the baby's gender - she was having a baby girl, which was exactly what Sam had wished for. Everything seemed perfect, and her life was finally on a clear path.

Suddenly, a loud knock echoed through the door. Ellie rushed to open it, expecting Sam. But to her surprise, it was Ralph.

She froze in her tracks, feeling as if she were seeing a ghost. Ralph looked her over, and as his eyes landed on her baby bump, he couldn't stop staring. "What did he do to you?" Ralph asked, as if he already knew who the father was.

Ralph dragged Ellie out of the house and forced her into his car. He drove off immediately while Ellie begged him to stop. Fifteen minutes passed, and they were already heading down the highway, seemingly on their way back to the city where they used to live.

Ellie was crying uncontrollably, trying to explain that she thought he was dead. Ralph suddenly pulled over to the side of the road but asked her to hear him out first. Before he could speak, Ellie cut him off.

"I already know everything!" she shouted, explaining how she had discovered that Ralph had ruined her relationship with Sam.

Ralph began to cry and pleaded with her to listen. "You don't know anything, Ellie," he said in a weak, defeated voice.

He reached for her hand. Even though she tried to pull away, he held on and continued to speak.

"It was Amanda, Trina, and Sam," Ralph explained. "I didn't die in that car crash - I was in a vegetative state for months. It was torture not being able to be by your side. Trina tried to seduce me so many times, but she was nothing to me - just trash. Amanda told me you had left because you couldn't take care of a useless husband. I never believed her. So I did everything I could to recover quickly. Then I found out that Trina and Sam had been in contact, exchanging information about you."

Ralph's voice grew more intense. "Sam is still obsessed with you. He wanted to win you back. Trina gave him everything - details about your boutique and where you lived."

Ellie shook her head, refusing to believe him. But then Ralph said something that made her pause.

"Do you still think it was just a coincidence that you met in a small, far-off town and ended up living in the apartment right next to him?"

The question hit her hard. The chances of such a coincidence happening were almost nonexistent. Her tears began to fall again. Was it all a lie?

Seeing her doubt begin to turn into realization, Ralph continued.

"The day before your 18th birthday," he said, "I saw Sam flirting with another girl. I couldn't stop myself - I punched him in the face. That's why he didn't show up at your party. He was too ashamed. I didn't tell you because I didn't want to ruin your birthday."

Ralph's voice softened. "I loved you, Ellie. I cherished our friendship. I never stopped."

He took a deep breath before finishing. "After the accident, my mom lied to you and your family. She told you I was dead. But I was alive - trapped in a body that wouldn't move. I could hear everything. I heard her tell Trina to contact Sam about your whereabouts. Trina told him you planned to move to the countryside."

Ralph looked at her, eyes filled with pain. "I started working on my recovery without anyone knowing. Then one day, I overheard Amanda and Trina talking. They said you were already pregnant and that they could begin processing our annulment. That's when I knew I had to find you."

He added, "I wasn't fully recovered, but I drove six hours to get here. The apartment Sam lived in? It wasn't even his. The real tenant was a girl who works at a restaurant - her name's Macy."

Suddenly, Ellie remembered. She had seen that girl once at the restaurant. It all started to make sense.

To confirm what Ralph had told her, Ellie asked him to take her to the restaurant. There, she searched for a girl named Macy. When she finally saw her, Ellie approached with trembling hands and a shaky voice.

"Are you the owner of the unit where Sam stayed before?" she asked.

Macy looked puzzled but replied, "Yes. He offered to rent it for three months - for double the price."

Ellie's knees gave out, and she collapsed to the floor. Fragile and pregnant, she was quickly rushed to the hospital by Ralph.

On the hospital bed, Ellie slowly regained consciousness. Ralph remained by her side the entire time. As she woke up, she began to cry, clutching her belly. Ralph's eyes welled with tears too. He gently asked, "Do you? want to abort the baby and start a new life?"

Ellie couldn't say a word. She had been used, her feelings toyed with, her heart betrayed. She reached into her pocket and pulled out her phone. Dozens of missed calls from Sam flashed across the screen. It was already midnight - he must have been worried since she had left home so suddenly.

Ellie felt lost again. She didn't know which path to take. Should she stay with her husband? Or accept the cruel truth that she had been blindsided by someone obsessed with her?

All she could do was whisper, over and over, "I'm sorry," to Ralph.

Suddenly, the hospital room door opened. Sam stepped inside.

He smirked upon seeing Ralph at Ellie's side. Ralph stood up and grabbed Sam by the collar.

"I'm glad you're finally awake," Sam sneered, "so you can see that your wife is now pregnant - with our baby."

Ralph couldn't control his anger. He threw a punch, but he was still weak. Sam easily dodged and freed himself from Ralph's grip.

Then Sam turned to Ellie. "Do you want our child to grow up without a father? My love for you is real, and I know you feel it too."

It was the hardest question Ellie had ever faced. Ralph had just suggested she abort the baby. He couldn't accept the situation. Sam, despite everything, wanted to be part of her child's life.

Ellie knew there was no turning back. She couldn't lose her baby.

So she made a choice - not out of love for Sam, but out of love for Ralph and their daughter. With tears in her eyes, she turned to Ralph and said, "I want you to be happy... and free."

Ralph stared at her in disbelief, devastated. Tears streamed down Ellie's face as Sam stepped in and forced Ralph out of the room.

Ralph stumbled out, broken and overwhelmed with pain. He sat in his car, unable to drive, and cried alone in the dark parking lot - too weak to leave, too heartbroken to stay.

The next day, Ellie was discharged from the hospital and went home with Sam. As they drove away, she noticed Ralph's car still parked in the hospital lot. She gazed at it for a moment, her heart aching, then looked away in silence.

Weeks passed, and Sam's behavior began to change. He became more aggressive, his obsession with Ellie turning into something dark and dangerous. Ellie grew distant, refusing his advances and rejecting physical affection. Her coldness only enraged Sam further.

What started as controlling behavior soon turned violent.

Despite being in her third trimester, Ellie endured punches and slaps nearly every day. Her once peaceful life had turned into a waking nightmare. She couldn't take it any longer.

With no one else to turn to, Ellie secretly reached out to Ralph. They began speaking in hushed tones over the phone whenever Sam was away at work. Finally, they came up with a plan - to run away, to disappear where Sam could never find them.

On a quiet mid night, Ellie and Ralph agreed to meet near a lake park. Ellie had already packed a small bag the day before, hiding it carefully under the kitchen counter cabinet. As Sam lay in deep sleep, she slipped out of the house and made her way toward the lake, walking as fast as her body would allow.

But unknown to her, Sam had discovered the hidden bag earlier that evening. He had followed her silently, an axe clutched tightly in his hands. If he couldn't have her, no one would.

Suddenly, Ellie heard footsteps pounding behind her. She turned and saw Sam charging toward her, wild-eyed and ready to strike.

She ran - heart racing, lungs burning - but her pregnant body couldn't keep pace. Sam was only inches away, raising the axe for the final blow when -

BANG!

A gunshot echoed through the empty streets.

Sam's body crumpled to the ground, blood pouring across the pavement. Behind him stood Ralph, breathing heavily, a gun still smoking in his hand.

Ellie screamed and ran into Ralph's arms. Without looking back, they fled the small town, leaving Sam's lifeless body behind.

From that night on, Ellie and Ralph vanished. News of Sam's death spread quickly, and the couple became wanted fugitives. But they kept their whereabouts hidden, moving from place to place, careful never to stay in one town too long.

Eventually, Ellie gave birth to a healthy baby girl, whom she named Laura.

Ralph, with unwavering love for Ellie, accepted Laura as his own. He became a devoted father, and despite the chaos of their past, they found a quiet peace in each other - a second chance at life, love, and family.