The Last Tears of the Forsaken Heart

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I loved Lucas deeply for five years.

He harmed himself to fight against his mother for me, promising to marry me.

But when his first love, Meredith Rivers, returned, he forced me to break up with him.

The most heartbreaking moment came when kidnappers took both Meredith and me hostage.

Without hesitation, he pointed at me, pregnant with his child. "Sara, you die. Save Meredith's reputation."

I nodded through my tears. As the blade pierced my body, my heart died completely.

After I left for Europe, I became the inventor of a breakthrough cancer drug and stood on the Nobel Prize stage.

My lover Enzo knelt on one knee, proposing to me with deep affection. I nodded with a smile.

At that moment, Lucas's hoarse, desperate voice came from below the stage. "Sara... don't marry him. I regret everything..."

I didn't even glance at him.

Sara POV

"Miss Sara, did you and Lucas break up?"

While packing Lucas's luggage for his business trip, the housekeeper suddenly asked.

I froze.

Lucas and I had indeed broken up, but only temporarily.

Five years ago, my only family, my brother Samuel, died saving Lucas. Lucas took me into the Knight family home. We developed feelings for each other and secretly started a relationship.

When his mother discovered us, she flew into a rage and demanded I be sent away. Lucas immediately stabbed himself in the abdomen, using self-harm as a threat to make me stay.

His mother was furious but helpless against Lucas's determination. She could only target me in secret.

She found excuses to slap me, and Lucas slapped himself ninety-nine times.

She "accidentally" spilled hot water on me, and Lucas immediately scalded his own hand until it blistered.

Over time, Lucas's mother had no choice but to accept us.

Lucas promised that once he successfully inherited the family business, he would marry me openly.

That was, until a month ago, when Lucas suddenly told me with red eyes.

"Sara, my mom is sick. The doctor said she can't handle any stress. I'm afraid something will happen to her. Can we break up for now?"

He held me, his warm tears soaking my clothes. He looked so pitiful and aggrieved.

Seeing him like that, my heart twisted into knots. I softened and agreed.

But this was just a temporary separation, not a real breakup. I hadn't planned to announce it publicly. Where did the housekeeper hear this news?

Meeting my confused gaze, the housekeeper slapped her thigh hard and said in frustration.

"The Rivers family has already announced the engagement! Mr. Knight is joining forces with Miss Rivers through marriage. The invitations are already printed. And you're asking me where I heard this?"

I felt like I'd been hit by a thunderbolt. My mind went completely blank.

The housekeeper sighed and shook my shoulders.

Tears were already streaming down my face. I jumped up and ran toward the club to find Lucas.

I ran the whole way. Just as I was about to push open the half-closed door, I heard the obscene sounds of a man and woman together.

My heart leaped to my throat. I pushed the door open just a crack.

"Lucas, be gentle."

Lucas, his eyes red, kept thrusting into the woman's body, gripping her hands tightly as if trying to merge her into his bones.

After a low groan, the man released inside the woman. The room fell silent except for their intertwined breathing.

"Meredith, do you know what these five years have been like for me? Five years ago, you left for abroad without a word, leaving me alone here. You're so cruel."

Meredith? The Miss Rivers who's engaged to Lucas?

Outside the room, I stood frozen, as if hit by a thunderbolt.

My phone lit up with a news notification: "Two major families,Knight and Rivers, unite through marriage."

I clicked on the news. A photo of Meredith and Lucas embracing pierced straight into my eyes.

Meredith wore an elegant dress. She was so beautiful that I couldn't even think to compare myself to her.

The voices inside pulled me back.

"I'm sorry, Lucas. My family wouldn't let me be with you. I had no choice."

Meredith cupped his face and planted a deep kiss.

"I won't let you leave again this time."

Lucas was silent for a few seconds before speaking softly, his tone filled with a carefulness I'd never heard before.

"The engagement news is already out. Don't even think about leaving me again."

"What about your girlfriend? If you've fallen in love with her, I won't interfere."

Lucas's veins bulged instantly.

"You want to leave? Impossible! Sara... her brother saved my life. I have a responsibility to her... I'll explain things to her."

A bone chilling cold swept through me from head to toe.

Five years of living together, of tender affection. Was it all just because he felt responsible for me?

I didn't have the courage to keep listening. I turned and rushed out of the club, running wildly home in the freezing wind.

Back at the villa, looking at the familiar bed, I remembered that night three years ago when Lucas carried me to bed like I was precious, asking softly.

"Is this okay? Sara, I'll love you forever."

Even though the man was burning with desire, he carefully waited for my permission. Looking into his sincere eyes, I nodded gently.

That day, his clumsy movements weren't comfortable for me, but my heart was full of contentment.

But it was all fake!

There had always been another woman's shadow in his heart.

I laughed lowly and wiped the tears from my face.

I decided I didn't want Lucas anymore.

I picked up my phone and dialed a number I'd buried in my memory.

"I agree to join you. Please process the paperwork."

"We're honored, Miss Sara. Processing the relevant documents will take fifteen days. I'll contact you then."

Sara POV

I put down my phone and looked at the dark moon outside the window, remembering when Lucas held me and said.

"I wish I could take you to the moon. Then it would be just the two of us."

My heart felt crushed by an invisible hand. Suddenly, a strong wave of nausea surged up. I rushed to the bathroom.

Five minutes later, I stared at the pregnancy test in my hand showing two lines, frozen on the toilet.

We'd used protection every time. How could I be pregnant?

"Sara, when we get married, let's have two children. A boy who looks like me and a girl who looks like you, okay?"

I remembered Lucas lying on my stomach, looking at me with eyes full of hope, planning our future together.

But given the current situation, this child's timing couldn't be worse.

I gently touched my stomach but ultimately couldn't bring myself to be cruel. I decided to give Lucas one more chance.

That evening, Lucas came home from outside. The kiss marks on his neck painfully stabbed my heart.

"Lucas, explain this to me."

I pushed my phone in front of him, showing news about the Knight and Rivers families' upcoming partnership.

Lucas was silent for a moment, then stepped forward to hold me, his voice full of helplessness.

"Sara, I have no choice. Mom's condition has gotten worse. Marriage is her last wish."

"Then how do you explain this?"

I pointed at the red marks on his neck.

"The company business requires some socializing. I couldn't avoid it."

I pulled myself out of Lucas's embrace, my eyes scrutinizing the man before me.

Lucas thought I was just angry. He smiled and ruffled my hair with the same indulgent smile as always.

"Are you mad? Tell me what I need to do to make you feel better."

My heart grew colder. I felt like I'd never truly known this man. His acting was terrifyingly good.

"Take me to Meredith's birthday party tomorrow. Then I'll believe you."

I'd seen the news online that he would make a high-profile appearance at Meredith's birthday celebration tomorrow.

All those past moments weren't fake. Lucas wasn't completely without feelings for me. But if he had to choose between me and Meredith, who would he pick?

A secret hope rose in my heart. I couldn't believe these five years had left no mark on him.

Lucas was silent for a few seconds but finally agreed.

The next day, I wore a formal dress I'd never worn before and arrived at the evening party.

As soon as Lucas entered, he became the center of attention. The Rivers family called him over to greet guests with Meredith.

I, his date, could only stand awkwardly in a corner, enduring curious, scrutinizing, and malicious glances from all directions.

I watched the two of them dancing a waltz in the ballroom. The man was tall and handsome, the woman charming and beautiful. The pain in my heart kept churning.

I turned to leave, but Meredith's group of friends blocked my path.

"Isn't this Lucas's mistress? How dare she attend Meredith's birthday party?"

I didn't want to deal with them. I silently tried to walk around them, but someone grabbed my arm.

"Don't rush off. Lucas and our Meredith are getting engaged. If you know what's good for you, get out of the Knight family."

Everyone around noticed the commotion. Countless eyes swept over.

"I've never seen this girl before. Lucas's new woman?"

"Another one trying to climb the social ladder. I wonder how her parents raised her. No shame at all."

Harsh voices flooded my ears. I jerked my arm free from Linda's grip.

"Get lost! My relationship with Lucas is none of your business!"

"You bitch, how dare you talk to me like that?"

Linda raised her hand and slapped my face. She used all her strength. I was knocked to the ground, hitting a nearby table. Red wine spilled all over me.

I looked for Lucas to help me, but couldn't find him anywhere.

The slap left me dizzy. Through blurred vision, I saw Meredith walking elegantly toward me.

"Miss Sara, I'm sorry. Linda and the others didn't know about your relationship with Lucas. I apologize on their behalf."

I looked up, finding Meredith's smile unbearably glaring.

"What, are you admitting to being the mistress?"

Meredith froze.

"It's normal for men to have some affairs before marriage. Lucas has promised he'll only love me from now on."

As she spoke, Meredith bent down to help me up. When the two of us got close, she whispered in my ear.

"Don't you think you and I actually look quite alike?"

So I'd been Meredith's substitute all along!

Endless jealous rage burned away my rationality. I flipped over and straddled Meredith.

Just as my hand was about to strike down, Lucas burst out from the crowd and shoved me away.

My lower back slammed hard against the table edge. Excruciating pain shot through me from behind. I could only use all my strength to protect my stomach.

"Sara, what are you doing!"

Lucas comforted Meredith in his arms while shouting angrily at me.

Seeing Meredith with tears in her eyes, forcing herself to endure the pain, the heartache in Lucas's eyes quickly dissipated. When he looked at me again, his eyes were ice cold.

"Sara, I thought you'd be sensible. I didn't expect you to attack Meredith at the party. Those who make mistakes must be punished."

Lucas raised his hand to signal the bodyguards.

"Kneel outside until the party ends. Consider it your apology to Meredith."

I opened my mouth but found I couldn't make a sound because of the pain.

A flash of heartache crossed Lucas's eyes. He was about to stand and check my injuries when Meredith spoke from his arms.

"Lucas, I'm in so much pain. Should I not have come back?"

The bodyguards lifted me by my arms. I watched Lucas carry Meredith away. I wanted to say something but ultimately chose silence.

Light rain began falling outside the banquet hall. I shivered in the rain.

But the cold on my body was nothing compared to the bone-chilling cold in my heart.

I was wrong. I shouldn't have had any expectations of Lucas.

I'm sorry, baby. I might not be able to bring you into this world.

Sara POV

After kneeling in the rain for four hours, my vision went black and I collapsed.

When I opened my eyes again, I was back in my room at the Knight residence. The housekeeper sat by the bed. Seeing me wake, she quickly brought water to my lips.

"Mr. Knight said to confine you for seven days. I think that's actually good. Look how much weight you've lost these past few days. Stay here and rest. I'll feed you until you're nice and plump."

I knew she felt sorry for me, but I couldn't help asking.

"Lucas, he..."

The housekeeper hesitated but spoke under my insistent gaze.

"Mr. Knight said Miss Rivers was traumatized. He took her to the Maldives to relax."

"Mr. Knight also said that if he didn't punish you, the Rivers family's anger isn't something an orphan like you could bear. He's saving you."

An ugly laugh escaped my throat, but tears wouldn't stop sliding from the corners of my eyes.

If he'd always loved Meredith, why did he treat me so well?

It wasn't that I couldn't bear the Rivers family's anger. Clearly, he just wasn't willing to protect me anymore.

For the next seven days, I stayed in my room without saying a word.

Besides eating and sleeping, I packed my belongings. In five years, this room held too many memories of Lucas and me.

The plushie we won at the amusement park on our first visit, the necklace Lucas made for me by hand, photos from our travels around the world...

I asked the housekeeper to sell the expensive bags and luxury goods. I donated useful things to charity and threw away the rest.

When I walked out of the room, it had returned to its original state.

"Miss Sara, hasn't your condition been very poor recently? When the mother is extremely sad, the fetus will choose to stop developing. You must have a dilation and curettage procedure immediately."

Holding the doctor's report, I walked into the operating room.

My tears had long since run dry.

Without my knowledge, the child had already chosen not to be born into this world.

Maybe this was for the best. In the next life, she could go to a happy family.

I walked slowly into the Knight residence. The silent cramping in my lower abdomen reminded me of what I'd lost.

In the living room, Lucas held Meredith while watching a movie. Seeing me enter, they stood up unhurriedly.

"Miss Sara is back."

Meredith's eyes curved as she smiled in greeting.

I had no mood to deal with them and walked straight past.

"Sara, don't act like a child. Meredith is greeting you."

Lucas looked displeased, but seeing me, he couldn't help softening his tone.

"Sara, what's wrong with you..."

Before he could finish, Meredith interrupted.

"Miss Sara went to a bar, didn't she? Linda said she saw you there. I didn't believe it."

Lucas's expression hardened.

"Sara, if you want to stay in the Knight family, behave yourself."

"Meredith shares your major. She just returned from abroad and needs a paper to establish herself in the family. Give Meredith your research paper on pancreatic cancer drugs."

"Consider it your apology for being rude to her at the party."

I looked at Lucas in disbelief.

"Just how grave was my crime? I knelt in the rain for four hours, and Miss Rivers still hasn't forgiven me?"

"Sara, you really need to fix that temper. Meredith didn't hold it against you because of me. If it were anyone else, it wouldn't have been just four hours of kneeling."

I opened my mouth but said nothing in the end. I was tired and didn't want to argue anymore.

"Fine."

Not expecting me to be so cooperative, Lucas froze, then smiled.

"You've really grown up. Now I can relax as your big brother."

In this relationship, I never had a choice.

"Miss Sara, I'll compensate you. Here's a card with five million dollars. Take it."

Meredith placed a black card in my palm.

Seeing me accept the card, Meredith's lips curved.

"To avoid future academic disputes, I need Miss Sara to sign an agreement acknowledging that all your previous research plagiarized my experimental results."

I looked up at Meredith, feeling ice cold all over. Meredith was making sure I could never raise my head in the medical field again!

I turned to look at Lucas.

"Did you agree to this too?"

Meredith turned and threw herself into Lucas's arms.

"Lucas, if I don't show medical talent, the Rivers family won't acknowledge me as their daughter. Sara is gifted. With support from both our families, she can achieve other results quickly."

I watched him look at me with a somewhat pleading expression.

I said nothing, just stared straight at Lucas.

The three of us were at a standstill for a long time. Finally, Lucas raised his hand to signal the housekeeper forward.

"I'm sorry. I'll compensate you."

With that, Lucas had the housekeeper forcibly press my hand down to stamp the document.

I collapsed helplessly on the ground, watching their departing backs. I don't know how much time passed before the housekeeper dragged me to the stables.

"Miss Sara, the master has decreed that from now on, you'll live in the stables."

Sara POV

A week after the rain, the temperature dropped sharply. The stables were drafty on all sides, causing my already weakened body to develop a high fever.

Delirious with fever, I seemed to see a figure appear before me.

It was Meredith.

"Why won't Lucas just let you leave the Knight family? Even though you're living like a dog in these stables, barely surviving, just seeing you makes me uncomfortable."

I was planning to leave the Knight family, but no one would listen to me.

Since Meredith's return, I hadn't had a single healthy day.

"Oh, right. Lucas has published news across the internet that you plagiarized my research. You'll never be a doctor again."

Meredith shoved her phone in front of me. The words "plagiarist" stabbed into my eyes.

More glaring than that were the red marks on Meredith's collarbone. I knew those marks too well. They were left by Lucas when he was aroused.

I thought I'd completely given up on Lucas, but why did my heart still hurt so much?

My barely maintained consciousness snapped under the final straw. I gradually lost consciousness.

When I woke again, I was in a hospital room with Lucas sitting by my bed.

"Lucas, please let me go. Let me leave, okay?"

My voice came out hoarse.

No matter what, I was grateful Lucas had arranged my brother's funeral and, whether sincere or not, had given me such a happy period of time.

I didn't want anything anymore. I just wanted us to part on good terms.

Lucas frowned.

"Samuel's dying wish was for me to take care of you. From now on, you're my sister. As long as you don't provoke Meredith, the Knight family will always have a room for you."

"Where else could you go if you left? You can't be a doctor anymore. The Knight family doesn't lack the money to feed you."

With that, Lucas turned and left the room.

I covered my head with the blanket and cried silently.

He was the one who fought desperately to be with me. Now he's the one calling me his sister. Lucas had turned me into a complete joke.

I stayed in the hospital for two days recovering, then checked myself out.

The foreign company had already messaged me. In three more days, my documents would be ready and I could leave.

Before leaving, I needed to pay my respects to my brother one more time.

Just as I walked out of the hospital entrance, someone suddenly covered my mouth from behind.

A pungent smell filled my nostrils.

My vision went black, and I lost consciousness.

Sara POV

When I woke again, I found myself hanging from the rafters of an abandoned warehouse with Meredith.

After a huge explosion, Lucas emerged from the smoke.

"Meredith!"

Seeing this scene, the veins on Lucas's forehead throbbed. His eyes bloodshot, he looked at the kidnapper.

"If you have a problem, come at me. Let Meredith go."

The kidnapper laughed wildly.

"Let her go? Of course I can. But I'm livestreaming for my brothers. We've got to give them a show."

"Two women, you choose one. Strip her down for my brothers to see!"

Only then did Lucas notice me, also tied up above.

My heart filled with bitterness. In this kind of choice, Lucas would never choose me.

"I'm only giving you ten seconds to decide. Ten."

"Nine."

"However much money or women you want, the Knight family can provide it. Just let both of them go!"

Lucas roared.

"Six."

The kidnapper ignored his words and continued counting down.

Lucas's gaze shifted between us, finally settling on me.

He spoke with difficulty.

"Sara, Meredith is the daughter of the Rivers family. Her reputation can't have any stain."

"Don't worry. I'll compensate you. No one in the Knight family will know about this."

Lucas raised his hand and pointed at me.

Seeing this, the kidnapper walked straight to me.

"Looks like you're very unlucky. This gentleman's feelings for you are pretty lukewarm."

The man's greasy hands roamed over my body, removing my clothes piece by piece until I was completely naked.

The moment Lucas pointed at me, I closed my eyes.

Cold wind blew across every inch of my skin. Tears silently slid from the corners of my eyes.

No matter what, I had to survive. This was my brother's wish and my only desire now.

Even if I suffered every humiliation and lost all dignity, I had to survive.

"Can you let them go now?"

Lucas shouted at the kidnapper.

The kidnapper shook his head.

"Years ago, your father took my wife and daughter and played a game with them."

"He said only one of them could live. If one volunteered to die, the other could survive."

"Now I want to play this game with you. If one of these two women volunteers to die, the other can live."

The kidnapper toyed with the knife in his hand, waiting for Lucas's answer.

"Again, ten seconds."

Hearing the kidnapper's words, Meredith cried out to Lucas.

"Lucas, I don't want to die. We grew up together. You even bought me my first sanitary pad. Because of our families, we've already missed five years. Lucas, I really want to be with you forever."

Lucas's heart shook. Without any hesitation, he shouted at me.

"Sara, I will definitely rescue you. Tell the kidnapper you're willing to die first. Stall for time."

I opened my eyes and stared straight at Lucas.

The man who once was willing to harm himself and defy his mother for me was now asking me to die.

"Five."

The kidnapper's countdown continued.

"Sara, your brother's grave is still in my family cemetery. If you don't agree, I'll have someone blow it up."

I never imagined Lucas would use my brother's grave to threaten me.

"My brother died because of you. How dare you?"

"Two."

"For Meredith, there's nothing I won't dare do. Are you sure you want to bet on this?"

Looking at Lucas in his manic state, I knew at this moment he would do anything for Meredith.

I closed my eyes and nodded in resignation.

"I'm willing to die."

Two streams of tears ran down my cheeks.

Meredith was released as promised. Lucas held her tightly, carefully examining the injuries on her body.

The kidnapper took out dozens of throwing knives and threw them at my body one by one.

The blades cut across my body. Before long, I was covered in blood.

The blood loss made me feel weaker and weaker.

Before losing consciousness, I seemed to see someone rushing toward me.

"Sara!"