UNWANTED DEVOTION

WITHOUT HER THERE IS NO ME...

Please love me, Birdy, please..."

The night passed like that, wrapped in each other's arms. Kian held me close as I curled into his chest, the silence speaking louder than words.

My fingers traced soft circles on Kian's bare chest, while his fingers mirrored the motion on my back.

"Good night, Birdy..." he whispered, and I hummed in response before closing my eyes.

The next five days passed in the same routine, and then the sixth day arrived. Kian had left for work, and I found myself staring out the window. The world outside seemed peaceful, but my mind wasn't. I was confused—how did we end up in bed together? Didn't I hate him?

When I woke up that morning, Kian's presence startled me. A frown formed on my face as I instinctively pulled away, but my body jerked backward, nearly making me fall. Suddenly, Kian caught me by the waist and said, "Careful, you're pregnant, Birdy..."

Pregnant... When? How? The questions filled my mind, and then it all came flooding back—the memories of my pregnancy. Yes, I was pregnant. How could I forget?

"Kian..." I whispered his name and smiled softly, shaking my head. I went about my day, doing all the tasks I could manage. Once I finished, I decided to rest. But as soon as I entered my room, darkness closed in. Blood... wide, lifeless eyes...

I froze in shock. My heart raced, and I tried to distance myself from the terrifying vision. I didn't realize my feet were slipping until I caught the stair railing just in time.

"Oh my God..." I gasped, sitting on the stairs, trying to catch my breath. What was that?

Once I calmed down, I walked back to our room cautiously. This time, everything was quiet—just peaceful silence. I scanned the room, finding nothing. I blinked, then looked out the window at the serene view.

But as I stepped back, something flickered in the window's reflection. I spun around, but no one was there. My breath hitched, and I closed my eyes, trying to steady myself. When I opened them, Mrs. Well's face was inches from mine, smiling eerily.

Her mouth opened, and she spat out blood from the corner of her lips. My eyes widened in horror as she looked down. I followed her gaze, seeing a knife buried in her stomach. She screamed.

"You... bitch!"

The knife twisted, and her body collapsed onto me. I looked forward, crying, and saw Kian standing there, blood dripping from his hands, his eyes filled with tears.

"Why..." I whispered, my vision fading. This time, my eyes didn't open.

Kian's POV

I arrived home, pressing the doorbell and waiting for Crystal to answer. But there was no response. Frowning, I pressed it again and again, each moment without an answer causing fear to creep into my chest.

Frantically, I searched my pockets, pulling out the key to unlock the door. The house was deathly quiet.

"Crystal!" I called, but the silence persisted. Panic surged through me as I ran through the house, checking the kitchen, then racing upstairs. My heart shattered when I found her—lying unconscious on the floor.

"Birdy..."

I collapsed beside her, trembling hands checking for her breath. Relief hit me like a wave when I felt it. Gently, I lifted her head onto my lap, my tears falling uncontrollably onto her face.

"This is all my fault... because of my selfishness... It's all my fault..." I sobbed, brushing her hair from her face. "I wanted to keep you with me, Birdy... Please, don't hate me. Please..."