The Day He Regretted Me Was the Day I Disappeared

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Five weeks. That was how long I had been carrying our childonly for it to be taken from me in an instant when my husbands adopted sister, Cassandra, shoved me off a cliff during a hiking trip.

I woke up in a hospital bed with my leg shattered, my ribs cracked, and my womb painfully empty. The doctors words landed like a sentence I could never appeal: there was no heartbeat anymore.

Marcus called it a tragic accident. I called it murder. I decided to press charges against Cassandra, determined to see her held accountableuntil a message arrived that turned everything upside down: my younger sister, Nina, had been kidnapped.

Panic took over. I tried calling Marcus, but he never answered. With no other option, I forced myself home despite my condition. That was when I overheard something I was never meant to hear.

If Aria finds out you were the one behind her sisters kidnapping, Marcuss secretary said through the phone, her tone uneasy, shes going to break completely. Shes already unstable after losing the baby.

I stopped just outside the door, my fingers tightening around my crutch.

We wont let her find out, Marcus replied without hesitation, the faint clink of ice in his glass echoing through the room. This is her fault anyway. She tried to send Cassandra to prison. She tried to destroy my adopted sister. No one attacks my family and gets away with it. If she doesnt withdraw the case, Nina stays right where she is. Thats our leverage.

I stumbled back a step, the rug muffling the sound of my crutch. It felt like I was falling off that cliff all over again, only this time there was no waking up.

Youre really going through with that?

A second voice cut insoft, playful, and painfully familiar.

Cassandra sat comfortably on the edge of Marcuss mahogany desk, swinging her legs as though nothing in the world could touch her. She looked flawless, untouched by guilt or consequence. Then the call ended.

Im really scared, Marcus, she said with a small pout, leaning forward to play with his tie. I didnt mean to push her well, maybe not that hard. She just gets under my skin. I cant help itIm jealous.

Jealous? Marcus let out a tired breath, leaning back in his chair.

Shes your wife, Cassandra replied, her voice softening into something almost seductive. And Im just your adopted sister. We may not be blood, but people still see us that way. I hate it. I want everyone to know what we really are that we belong to each other.

My stomach twisted violently, bile rising in my throat.

Cassandra, listen, Marcus said more gently now, his tone turning intimate. Weve talked about this. Not yet. It would destroy everythingour families would never accept it. You just need to wait.

Im tired of waiting. She suddenly got off the desk and climbed onto his lap.

I clapped a hand over my mouth to stop myself from screaming.

What if I gave you something worth waiting for? Cassandra whispered, her fingers tracing his jaw. I want your child, Marcus. She couldnt give you one. She was too weak. But I can.

Cassandra

Make me pregnant, she insisted, pressing herself closer against him. Give me a baby.

And then my husbandthe man who had once held my hand while we mourned our lost childgripped her hips and pulled her into a deep, consuming kiss.

Everything inside me tilted.

I didnt scream. I simply turned away, tears spilling down my face, and dragged my broken body down the hallway toward the guest room.

I collapsed onto the bed the moment I reached it, burying my face into the pillows as sobs tore through my chest. At some point, exhaustionor maybe the medicationpulled me under.

Aria?

A hand rested on my shoulder.

I jerked awake.

Marcus was standing over me, disheveled, his tie loosenedthe same tie Cassandra had been playing with earlier. His expression was filled with concern so convincing it almost fooled me.

You scared me, he said softly, sitting beside me. Why didnt you tell me you were coming home? The hospital said you left against medical advice. You should be resting, sweetheart. Your leg

My sister, I whispered shakily. Marcus Nina was kidnapped.

I know, he replied at once, his face tightening into something like concern. I just got the report.

Please, I cried, grabbing his shirt. Bring her back to me.

Were handling it, he said calmly, wrapping his hand around mine. Ive deployed my best team. I wont let anything happen to her. But you need rest. Youre not thinking clearly right now.

He pressed a kiss to my forehead.

The same lips that had just promised another woman a child.

Time passed in a blur of half-sleep and dread. Night eventually fell, and chaos erupted downstairs.

Aria!

The door slammed open.

Nina! I scrambled up, checking her frantically. Are you hurt?

I was so scared, she sobbed into me. They had guns I thought I was going to die.

Marcus walked in right after, looking satisfied. Behind him stood Cassandra, leaning against the doorway with a calm, almost amused expression.

She saved me, Nina said quickly, pulling back to point at her. Sister Cassandra. She paid the ransom. She came with Marcus to the warehouse. They both saved me.

I turned my gaze to Cassandra. She only inspected her nails, indifferent.

Its what family does, she said lightly.

Please, Nina begged, turning back to me with pleading eyes. Marcus told me everything. He said youre still confused because of what happened but you cant send her to jail. She saved me. Please, just drop the case.

Silence swallowed the room.

Marcus stood there watching me, one hand tucked into his pocket, silently daring me to resist. Cassandras lips curled faintly, waiting for me to breakwaiting for the unstable wife to fall apart.

They had already cornered me. If I fought, Nina would suffer for it. They had made sure of that.

I looked at my husband. I looked at the woman who took my child from me. I looked at my sister, now trapped in their game.

Something inside me went stillcold, distant, and empty, like sinking beneath deep water.

Youre right, I said at last, meeting Cassandras eyes. She did save you.

A quiet smile formed on my lips, hollow and wrong.

Ill drop the charges, I continued. Then I tilted my head slightly. But would you prefer I file for divorce instead?

Im sorry, I said softly, the words turning bitter the moment they left my mouth. I dont think I can be what you need anymore.

I lowered myself onto the edge of the bed, my injured leg pulsing with pain in rhythm with the ache in my chest. Every breath felt heavier than the last.

This is my fault, I continued, letting my voice crack just enough to sound believable. I had to make it convincing. I had to make him see a woman who was already falling apart, not someone quietly planning an escape. We lost the baby, Marcus and I ruined everything. I failed you. Im not useful anymore. You need an heir, someone who can actually give your family what they expect. Your father will never accept me after this.

My gaze dropped to my shaking hands resting uselessly in my lap. Maybe its better this way maybe we should end it. Just divorce me. You deserve someone who can give you a future.

I held my breath after that, waiting. Somewhere deep inside, the part of me that had loved him for seven long years still clung to hopethat he might agree, that he might finally release me so I could take Nina and disappear before everything got worse.

But instead of stepping away, Marcus moved closer.

Aria, he said quietly, his voice carrying something warm and carefully controlled. He knelt in front of me and took my cold hands in his, holding them like I was something fragile. Dont talk like that. Youre my wife. Whatever happens, we face it together.

His hand lifted to my face, gently wiping away the tears I had forced myself to shed. Yes, we lost the child but that doesnt change anything. Well try again. Youre not useless. Youre everything to me.

Then he leaned in and kissed me.

It was soft, almost tenderso carefully done it felt like a performance meant only for me. A lie wrapped in warmth. I had to fight every instinct in my body not to recoil. Instead, I let myself lean into him, playing the part of the grieving wife he wanted to believe in.

Its going to be alright, he murmured against my lips. I promise you.

From the doorway, Ninas voice suddenly broke the silence. She was standing there with Cassandra still attached to her arm, her eyes wide and uncertain as she looked between us. Sister you dont have to do that. You dont need to leave him. Marcus really loves you.

Even Cassandra joined in, her tone laced with practiced concern. Shes right, Aria. Dont make decisions like this when youre emotional. Its just stress maybe hormones. Were family, after all. We stay together.

I yeah, I said hoarsely, gently pulling myself out of Marcuss hold. Im sorry. I just need some time to think.

Marcus gave me a reassuring nod, as if nothing had shifted at all. Take all the time you need, darling. Just rest. Ill take care of everything.

He rose and guided Nina and Cassandra toward the door. Let her rest, he said quietly before stepping out. The door clicked shut, sealing me inside the suffocating silence.

The moment they were gone, I broke.

I buried my face in my hands and sobbednot for the child this time, but for the version of myself that had existed before all of this. The girl who used to believe in love, in family, in safety.

My parents came rushing back into my mind, and the memory alone made my chest ache. I missed them so much it felt physical.

We had once been whole. The Grant familyrespected, wealthy, untouchable. My fathers shipping empire had once stood toe-to-toe with the Caldwells. I had grown up between private jets, coastal villas, and endless summers in Lake Como. Marcus had been there too, always close, our families intertwined long before we understood what that meant. It had felt like destiny.

But destiny had teeth.

When I turned twenty, everything collapsed. My parents died in a plane crashsudden, violent, and irreversible. And with their death came another truth I wasnt ready for: hidden debts, falsified records, money my father had allegedly siphoned away. Everything unraveled overnight.

All that remained was a mountain of financial ruinand Nina, only ten years old, terrified and looking to me for protection.

That was when the Caldwells intervened. Marcuss family took us in without hesitation. They cleared the debts, salvaged what was left of our name, and gave us shelter when we had nowhere else to go. I had been grateful beyond reason. So grateful I never questioned anything.

A year later, Marcus proposed. He said it would solidify both families, merging what remained of my fathers empire with his. I said yes without hesitation because I loved himhad loved him since I was sixteen. I truly believed he was the answer to everything I had lost.

I didnt realize I was wrong.

I didnt realize the knight in shining armor I believed in was only a carefully constructed illusion.

And I didnt realize that even as I planned a future with him, Marcuss attention had already drifted toward Cassandrahis adopted sister, brought into the Caldwell household when she was fivelooked at far too often, far too intensely, for something that was supposed to be innocent.

I wiped my face roughly, smearing the tears across my cheeks as if I could erase everything along with them.

Then I reached under the mattress and pulled out a phone I had hidden months agobought in secret when I first started suspecting the truth, though I never had the courage to confront it.

My fingers trembled as I dialed a number I hadnt spoken to in three years.

Professor Hartmann, I said, my voice steadier than I felt. Its Aria. I know its late, but I need to askdoes that offer still stand? The Vienna research position?

A long exhale came through the line. Aria that placement starts in three days. It requires full relocation. Youre married now.

Not for long, I said, my eyes drifting toward the closed door where Marcus had just lied to my face. I need out. I need a visa, a safe place, and enough funds to disappear. If theres space for me and my sister, Ill take it.

There was a pauseheavier this time. I can make a few calls, he finally said, more carefully now. But if you do this, theres no turning back. Youll be cutting ties completely. The project is classified. Youll be off the grid entirely.

My gaze fell on the wedding ring circling my finger. The diamond that once meant forever now felt like a restraint.

Let it burn, I whispered. Ill go.

Alright, he replied after a moment. Three days. Pack light. Someone will meet you at the airport. Dont miss it.

The line disconnected.

For a moment, I just sat there, my heartbeat loud and uneven, like something trapped trying to break free.

Then I pulled up another numberour family lawyer.

Mr. Pierce, I said when he answered. Its Aria Grant. Prepare the papers. I want a divorce from Marcus Caldwell.

Divorce? he echoed in disbelief. Mrs. Caldwell, surely this is some misunderstanding. Marcushe adores you. The merger alone

The merger is finished, I interrupted firmly.

Silence followed.

Theres something else, I added. Under my fathers willthe clause Marcuss father insisted on preserving to protect the Grant estatemy inheritance was held in trust until I turned twenty-five or until the marriage was dissolved, correct?

Yes, he answered slowly. That is correct. Though the assets are currently integrated into Caldwell Architecture.

Separate them, I said sharply. Liquidate everything tied to the Grant estate. Stocks, bonds, propertieseverything.

Transfer it to

No, I said, my eyes landing on the framed photo of my parents. Transfer every cent to my sister, Nina Grant. All of it. Complete it within three days.

Aria, Cassandra began, her voice carefully trembling as if she had rehearsed every syllable in front of a mirror. She placed her fork down with deliberate gentleness and turned to me, her eyes already glossy. I just I really wanted to thank you. For forgiving me.

Across the table, Marcus stopped eating. His gaze shifted between us, cautious and unreadable, like he was watching a scene he couldnt yet control.

I never intended to hurt you, Cassandra went on, a tear slipping down her cheek at just the right moment. The path was slippery, I lost my footing, and I accidentally collided with you. Ive been reliving it every night since. Im just relieved we can finally move forward as a family.

I chewed slowly, forcing down the bitterness rising in my throat. Liar. She had met my eyes before she pushed me. She had smiled. But I couldnt afford to expose her yet. Two days. I only needed two more days.

So I softened my expression, letting a calm, forgiving smile settle on my face like a mask.

Its alright, Cassandra, I said gently, my tone almost sweet. Things like that happen. Theres no point clinging to whats already behind us. I slid my hand over Marcuss, squeezing it lightly as though we were united. Besides, Marcus and I are focusing on what comes next. We have plans for the future.

Marcus looked at me, momentarily taken aback by the sudden warmth in my voice, before something like approval flickered in his expression. We do?

Of course, I said brightly, shifting my gaze to Cassandra and holding it. Were going to try again for a baby. Isnt that right, darling?

The effect was immediate. The color drained from Cassandras face so quickly it was almost satisfying. The glass in her hand trembled violently, spilling water onto the tablecloth.

Aanother baby? she stuttered, her eyes darting to Marcus for reassurance.

Yes, I continued, leaning in slightly as if sharing a secret. The doctor says my recovery is going well. And Marcus needs an heir. Well start as soon as Im fully healed. Isnt that what we agreed on?

I didnt wait for Marcuss response. I reached up, grabbed his lapel, and pulled him down into a kissdeep, deliberate, and claiming.

It wasnt affection.

It was declaration.

I felt him stiffen at first, then slowly respond as his pride took over, feeding on the attention. When I pulled away, I saw it clearly in Cassandras facethe sharp, burning fury she couldnt hide anymore. She looked like she wanted to shatter the glass in her hand and drive it through my chest.

Thats wonderful, she managed through clenched teeth, gripping her napkin so tightly her knuckles turned white.

I think so too, I said calmly, lifting my wine glass. To new beginnings.

**

The following morning, I woke with a clarity I hadnt felt in weeks. Time was running out, and every second mattered. If Cassandra thought she had already won, she was about to learn how wrong she was.

I called the Caldwell family jeweler, Mr. Beaumont, and requested his entire new collection be brought to the estate. By midday, the living room table was lined with velvet trays overflowing with diamonds, emeralds, and sapphires that glittered under the light.

Ill take this one, I said casually, pointing to a diamond choker that cost more than most homes. And the matching earrings. Oh, and that bracelet over there as well.

Aria?

I turned. Cassandra stood in the doorway in a silk robe that barely reached mid-thigh, her arms crossed tightly as she scanned the table. Her gaze sharpened when it landed on the jewelry.

What exactly do you think youre doing? she demanded.

Shopping, I replied lightly, lifting a ruby ring to the light as if I had all the time in the world. Marcus told me to treat myself. Said it would help with recovery emotional trauma and all that.

That necklace is fifty thousand dollars, she said sharply, stepping further into the room. You cant just spend Marcuss money like its nothing.

Actually, I said, my voice cooling, I can. Im his wife. What belongs to him also belongs to me.

I turned back to Mr. Beaumont. Add the emerald pendant as well.

Cassandra stormed closer, her face flushing. This is ridiculous. Youre only doing this to provoke me. You know Marcus is trying to secure funding for the resort project. Youre being irresponsible.

Me? I let out a short laugh, sharp and humorless. I lost a child, Cassandra. I nearly lost my leg. Forgive me if I want something beautiful for once. Unlike some people who contribute nothing here except noise.

I am a Caldwell! she snapped. Im his sister!

Adopted, I corrected quietly, my tone cutting. And if were being honest, youve never exactly behaved like one, have you?

What is going on here?

Marcuss voice thundered through the room as he entered, briefcase in hand, his expression already tight with annoyance. His eyes flicked from the jewelry to me, then to Cassandra.

Before he could say anything else, Cassandra rushed to him. She collapsed against his chest, instantly switching from fury to fragility.

Marcus, she sobbed, shes being cruel to me. Shes buying all of this just to hurt me. And when I tried to stop her, she said Im not even real family.

Marcus exhaled heavily, like a man burdened by constant conflict. Then he looked at the jewelry, then back at me.

Aria, he said sharply, disappointment already creeping into his tone. Is this really necessary? You know the board meeting is coming up. We need liquidity right now.

Im just buying a few things, I replied softly, forcing my voice to sound wounded. You told me to rest. You said I should take care of myself. Why is she suddenly the one deciding what I can or cannot do?

Because shes protecting this family! Marcus snapped, sliding an arm around Cassandra as if shielding her. Shes right, Aria. This is reckless. Tell the jeweler to leave.

Heat rushed to my face, not from shamebut from clarity. It was never about the jewelry. It was about where I stood in his life. Even now, even after everything, I was still second.

So thats it? I said slowly, pushing myself up with my crutch. She cries, and you believe her? She objects, and you obey?

Shes my sister, Marcus said firmly, his voice dropping into something colder. Stop trying to compete with her. Its embarrassing.

Embarrassing? I repeated, stepping closer despite the pain shooting through my leg. Im your wife, Marcus. Im the woman who carried your child. Ive been with you through everything.

My hand lifted, trembling, pointing directly at Cassandra, who was now smirking against his chest.

She pushed me off a cliff, I said sharply, and you protected her. But I buy jewelry, and suddenly Im the problem?

Enough, Aria, Marcus warned, his eyes darkening. Youre being irrational.

Im not irrational! I snapped back. Im finally seeing clearly. You defend her. You excuse her. You choose herevery single time.

Silence pressed between us, heavy and suffocating.

I looked at him straight on, my heart pounding violently.

Im your wife, Marcus, I said more quietly now, each word deliberate. Shouldnt that mean something?

Marcus didnt answer immediately. His arm stayed around Cassandra, unmoving, possessive.

His expression hardened.

Aria, he said at last, voice low and final. Dont make me say what you already know.

Marcus came into the bedroom carrying a large bouquet of deep red velvet roses. For a moment, he looked like something out of a romantic novelhandsome, polished, and playing the role of a remorseful husband who knew exactly what to bring.

Im sorry, he said quietly, his voice low and rough at the edges. He set the roses down on the nightstand before sitting on the edge of the bed and reaching for my hand. About earlier. I shouldnt have spoken to you like that.

My eyes drifted to the flowers. They were flawless. Expensive. Carefully chosen. And completely meaningless.

Its fine, I replied evenly, keeping my tone steady. I was emotional too.

I know, he said with a sigh, gently rubbing his thumb across my knuckles. Listen, Aria you know how Cassandra is. Shes always been difficult. My parents spoiled her because of her past, and I guess Ive carried that over too. But that doesnt change anything between us.

He leaned closer, searching my face as if trying to locate forgiveness there. Youre the one I choose. Always. Youre my wife, my partner. Cassandra is just family. My responsibility.

Then he kissed mesoft, lingering, carefully crafted to erase the memory of how he had chosen her over me less than a day ago in front of the jeweler.

I promise, he murmured against my lips. Ill do better from now on. Ill make this right.

I nodded slightly and gave him a small, practiced smile. Alright, Marcus. I believe you.

The lie left a bitter aftertaste, but he looked relieved. He stood, smoothing out his jacket like a man reassured, and headed toward the door. I have a board meeting. Ill see you at dinner.

The moment the door clicked shut, my expression collapsed.

**

That afternoon, Cassandra found me in the sunroom. She was holding fabric swatches in one hand and a tablet in the other, looking every bit like someone trying very hard to appear sincere.

Aria, she said gently. Do you have a minute to talk?

I lowered my book slightly. What do you want, Cassandra?

I just wanted to apologize again, she said as she settled across from me on the sofa. I really crossed the line earlier. I shouldnt have interfered with your shopping. I know youve been through a lot.

She inhaled slowly, widening her eyes in a way that looked carefully rehearsed. To make up for it, Id like to help with your anniversary celebration in two days. Since youre still recovering, I can handle the decorations. I want it to be perfect for you and Marcus. Think of it as a gesture of goodwill.

I studied her quietly. The sheer nerve of it almost impressed me. She wanted to design a celebration for a marriage she was actively trying to tear apart.

Thats very considerate of you, I said calmly. Alright. Do whatever you think is best.

**

An hour later, a courier arrived at the service entrance and handed me a thick sealed envelope before leaving without a word. I brought it upstairs, locked the door behind me, and sat on the edge of the bed.

My hands trembled slightly as I opened it.

Inside were the finalized divorce papersexactly as I had instructed Mr. Pierce. The transfer of assets to Nina had been completed. The trust was dissolved. The Grant fortune was no longer under Caldwell control.

But there was something else.

A small flash drive slipped out as I unfolded the documents. I stared at it for a moment before plugging it into my laptop. My cursor hovered before I finally clicked the first file.

Footage appeared on the screengrainy, distant, but unmistakable. Marcus and Cassandra inside a hotel room in Paris during what he had called a business trip. They were arguing at first. Then suddenly kissing. Not restrained, not accidentalintense, familiar, practiced. Moments later, Cassandra laughed as she pushed him onto the bed.

Aria?

I shut the laptop so fast it almost slammed.

Nina was standing in the doorway, her eyes wide with confusion. She had slipped in so quietly I hadnt even noticed her.

What are you looking at? she asked, stepping closer. Why are you crying?

My fingers touched my cheek. Only then did I realize I was.

Nina, I said softly, my voice shaking. Come here.

She climbed onto the bed beside me. I took a steady breath, opened the laptop again, and turned it slightly toward her. I need you to see this. And I need you to understand why we cant stay here.

But Nina whispered, tears forming in her eyes. Hes your husband. And shes his sister. Thats thats not normal.

It isnt, I said gently. And it goes beyond that. The kidnappingNina, they arranged it. Marcus paid them off to protect her. You were used to control me.

I dont want to stay here, she cried, burying her face against my shoulder. Theyre horrible people.

Were leaving, I promised, brushing her hair back. Everything is already prepared. The papers are signed. The money is secure. Its just us now.

Okay she sobbed. Lets go. Please.

Then the doorknob turned.

I went still.

Go where, exactly? Marcuss voice came, calm but edged with something sharp underneath. He stepped inside and closed the door quietly behind him. Aria. Where were you planning to go?

Oh, I let out a small, shaky laugh, forcing my body to relax. You scared us. We were just talking. Ninas been overwhelmed latelyshe cant sleep properly. She keeps thinking about what happened. Its affecting her.

I looked up at him, letting my eyes soften as if pleading. I suggested maybe a short trip. For the anniversary. A change of scenery might help her recover.

He exhaled, the tension in his shoulders loosening. A faint, uneasy laugh escaped him. Right a trip. That actually sounds like a good idea, honey.

He walked over and sat beside me, taking my hand again like nothing had happened. You really scared me for a second there. The way you said leaving I thought you meant something else.

I forced a small, amused smile. Leaving you? I tilted my head. Dont be ridiculous, Marcus. I wouldnt do that.

A pause.

Unless you were cheating on me.

I held his gaze as his expression shifted almost imperceptibly.

Which youre not right?

Of course not, he said smoothly.

But that night, I saw the truth anyway.

Marcus and Cassandra were together again, tangled in the sheets like there had never been a promise made to me at alllike my existence didnt interrupt their world for even a second.

Cassandra wanted an anniversary celebration.

Then I would give them one. One they would never survive remembering.