Chapter 3 Sia

Natalie's POV: I snapped my head up, rage igniting in my eyes as I glared at Mike. My hands moved quickly, furiously—signing over and over, demanding answers, demanding the truth. I pointed straight at the child. Mike understood. He just didn't say a word. But then, a voice cut through the silence from beside him. "Long time no see, Natalie." I turned toward the woman, fury churning inside me. And for a moment ... I was stunned. It was her. Sia. I couldn't believe my eyes—Sia, of all people. The daughter of the hospital director where Mike worked. She had chased after Mike for years, never hiding it. She even confronted me once, bold and shameless, saying she didn't care if Mike was married—he'd be hers eventually. Back then, I hadn't taken her seriously. I was so sure of Mike, so sure of his love. But now, she'd won. And judging by the little girl's age, she hadn't just won recently—she had won a long time ago. "This is Felicia," Sia said sweetly, a smug smile playing on her lips. "Mike's and my daughter. She just turned three." <article></article> <article>It was as if her smile was saying, "You're just a loser. No one loves you. Now see who's come out on top. It's me." </article>Mike cradled the little girl and stepped over to stand beside Sia. The three of them stood there—like a perfect, picture-book family—watching me with eyes full of pity. My body trembled, tears pooling in my eyes, and it felt like their gaze was a blade, stabbing straight into my chest. Why didn't I just die back then? Why didn't I just die during those pirates ... If I had died there, I wouldn't have to face this unbearable shame. Back then, no matter how much the pirates tortured me, I never broke down. But this—this—was far worse. This was pure agony. "You were always flying overseas, barely around, not doing your part as a wife," Sia said, her voice trembling, her eyes suddenly red. "Mike was so lost—he drunk constantly. He made one mistake, just once, but he still loved you. When he heard you had gone missing, he went mad trying to find you and drank excessively. It was me who stayed. I gave him a reason to live." "I'll admit it—I didn't play fair to get Mike," Sia said, chin lifted high, pride gleaming in her eyes. "But I don't regret a thing. I love him. I gave birth to his child ... and I don't care if his heart was once yours. I believe, one day, he'll love me back." She sounded so sure of herself, like she had already won the prize. "I chose to keep the baby. When he was falling apart, when he thought he'd lost you forever, I stayed. I comforted him, and supported him. I touched his heart. That's why he agreed to be with me—so the child could grow up in a whole family." Then, with a smug smile, Sia lifted her daughter into her arms like a trophy. This shameless pair! I clenched my fists, struggling to keep myself from storming over and slapping Mike across the face. "This is my home." I scrawled the words across the paper, my hand shaking as I pressed the pen down hard. "I know you and Mike bought this place together. But... things have changed. Legally, everything's his now. You'll have to face the truth. "I'm his wife now. I hope you can respect that ... and give us your blessing." Give you my blessing? How could she have the nerve to say that with a straight face? She was only this bold because she knew the law was on her side—there were no legal precedents here for a wife returning from the dead to reclaim what was once hers. "Mike and I already packed your stuff. It's in the storage room downstairs. If you want it, go pick it up from there. There's no need for you to step inside." After saying that, Sia carried the child back to the room. I stood frozen at the doorway, my chest tight and hollow, staring through the small gap in the door. Inside, the living room walls were decorated with smiling photos of Mike, Sia, and their child—right where our wedding picture used to hang. This was once my home. Now, I wasn't even allowed to step inside. How could they do this to me? I suddenly remembered—my parents helped pay for this place too. Based on how we split the cost, part of this house belonged to them as well! I quickly scribbled on the paper, "Take me to my parents' house!" They'd stand up for me. But Mike just stood there, motionless. His eyes filled with pity, not action. "I'm sorry ... " My whole body went stiff. I stared at Mike, completely dazed. "Your parents ... they passed away during the second year after your accident." It felt like a thunderclap exploded inside my skull. My vision dimmed, and pain crashed through me like a wave—deep, sharp, and unbearable. I fumbled for my pen, my hands trembling as I scrawled out, "What happened?" They were both strong, dedicated military officers—fit, healthy, full of life. How could they suddenly be ... gone?