Chapter 13 Only One Can Be Saved
610 Words
The next morning, Lucas took her to the church. Evelyn, feeling insecure, insisted on wearing a mask.
There were quite a few people coming and going, most there to light candles or sit quietly in prayer. Evelyn clutched Lucas's sleeve nervously, instinctively lowering her head and shielding her pregnant belly. She looked like a frightened little animal, trying to stay invisible.
Lucas gave her hand a gentle pat. "It's okay. Everyone's here to pray. No one's really paying attention to you."
Little by little, Evelyn began to relax. Lucas led her through the quiet halls of the church, past rows of wooden pews and flickering votive candles.
She took a deep breath as they stepped into the chapel garden, where a small fountain trickled softly and white roses bloomed along the stone path. A faint smile tugged at her lips. Maybe Lucas was right—maybe staying cooped up indoors all day wasn't helping.Because the mountain roads were narrow and winding, private cars weren't allowed. So, Evelyn and Lucas had to take the shuttle bus down.
But the good mood didn't last long. Just as they sat down, a familiar voice cut through the calm.
"Lucas? Evelyn? What are you two doing here?" Gina clutched her ticket stub, glancing back and forth between it and the seats.
What a terrible coincidence—the seats she shared with Fabian were right next to theirs.
Evelyn gripped Lucas's hand tightly. She didn't need to look to know who it was.
Gina sat down with Fabian helping her carefully into the seat. Her eyes drifted to Evelyn's swollen belly, and her face stiffened with jealousy.
It had been six months since she last saw Evelyn. Even wearing a mask and being pregnant, Fabian recognized Evelyn right away—and also caught sight of Lucas beside her.
Thinking back to how Lucas tried everything to stop their wedding, Fabian narrowed his eyes slightly.
Evelyn thought she was over Fabian by now. Eight months should've been enough. But seeing him and Gina so close, her chest still ached with bitterness.
She didn't want anything to do with Fabian anymore. All she cared about now was bringing this child safely into the world.
"Lucas, let's go." Evelyn said calmly.
Lucas nodded and held her hand to help her up.
But Fabian suddenly spoke. "This is the last bus. What, you planning to spend the night up here with that belly?"
Lucas reflexively tightened his grip on her hand and sat her back down.
Noticing their linked hands, Fabian's expression darkened with a strange edge of anger. "So... you two are a thing now?"
Evelyn kept her head down, not daring to meet his eyes. She stayed quiet.
But Lucas responded without hesitation. "Yeah. Evelyn and I have been together for a while now."
Fabian clenched his jaw. Judging by her belly, she must've gotten with Lucas right after the divorce. Got pregnant, too.
The thought made his chest burn with an inexplicable fury.
Suddenly, the rain started pouring outside, thunder crashing close by. Raindrops pounded against the windows.
Without warning, the bus jerked violently. Evelyn, seated by the window, watched helplessly as the vehicle skidded toward the guardrail.
"Ahhhh!!!"
Shrill screams filled the bus before it all went silent.
At the hospital, in the ER, both Evelyn and Gina were soaked in blood as they were rushed into surgery.
"Fabian! Fabian, help me!" Gina cried out in pain, holding her belly with a pale, twisted face.
Both women now faced the threat of premature birth because of the crash. The doctors were preparing for immediate surgery.
If only one could be saved... who would Fabian choose?
- Writer
