Sorry, My Darling

Sophia's POVThe mall collapsed, burying both Jared's first love's daughter and my daughter under the rubble.Jared Anderson was my husband and a firefighter. He chose to rescue his ex's daughter, leaving our little girl behind...."Sweetheart, hang in there." I knelt over the debris, cupping Molly's face in my hands.She lay trapped beneath a thick slab of concrete, her tiny, delicate face covered in dust. Blood was trickling from scratches on her cheeks.Only her head and one hand were free, and that hand was clutching a bear toy—one she'd carefully picked out as a birthday gift for Jared."Will Daddy still get my present?" she whispered, her voice quivering.Today was Jared's birthday. We were supposed to go pick him up from the fire station after buying his gift.But the moment we stepped out of the store, there was a deafening crash, followed by clouds of choking dust. Fragments of the ceiling rained down, one hitting my head hard.We were trapped under the rubble. I'd

Sophia's POV'Jared, don't you dare try to brush me off again! You owe me a reasonable explanation,' I thought, gritting my teeth.I had always loved him. But ever since Charlotte returned, he felt like a stranger to me. My love for him was slowly crumbling.I supported his kindness and respected his career, but I couldn't accept how he was neglecting Molly. In a life-or-death situation, he didn't even spare a glance at her.I quickly ran in the direction he had disappeared. He walked to a luxurious hospital room and swiftly pushed open the door.I peeked through the window to observe the situation inside.An elegant figure sat with her back to me, sobbing quietly. Her golden hair cascaded down, brushing against Jared's arm, making them look even more intimate."Jared, the doctor said she's badly injured, and I'm afraid..." she trailed off, crying even louder."Don't be upset, Charlotte," Jared said, patting her back gently. "She'll be fine, I promise. This is the best children

Sophia's POVI slowly sat down on the edge of the bed."Mom, I feel much better. Can we go find Daddy now?" Molly asked, coughing lightly and flashing me a weak smile.I nodded numbly, but my mind was still reeling from the doctor's words. He had told me that due to multiple organ failures, Molly's life was now on a countdown.All medical measures were just to ease her pain. I couldn't face this reality."Mom, don't cry. I'm getting better," she said, lifting her hand to wipe away the tears on my face."I know, my angel is the best," I whispered, gently holding Molly's hand and nuzzling her knuckles with my cheek."Mom, I want to go home," Molly whispered to me.My heart ached again. I wanted so badly to take her home, but the doctor had given her the final notice.I choked back a sob. "When you get better, I will take you home. We'll go to the amusement park, buy your favorite strawberry cake, and get you the newest dolls."I sniffed, trying to maintain a smile. "Is there an

Sophia's POVI stared at Molly, her small form so still that she seemed merely asleep."Don't worry, my little angel. Daddy is on his way. He'll be here soon," I whispered, clutching her hand.I rubbed it between my own, trying to coax some warmth back into it, as if by doing so, she might open her eyes and smile at me again."No, don't leave me, please." I pulled the dust-covered Teddy Bear into my arms, and hot tears slipped down my cheeks.A sudden knock on the door jolted me from my daze. I sprang up, wondering if it was Jared.I hadn't given up all hope, not yet. 'Maybe all of this is some awful misunderstanding. Maybe Charlotte lied. She is capable of it, so easily able to deceive Jared. Why not me?'I clutched the Teddy Bear close to my chest. I would give Jared the gift Molly had picked out for him. I wanted him to see what he'd done.I took a deep breath and threw open the door.But when I saw who was outside, the doll fell from my hands. "It's you guys.""Ma'am, we'

Sophia's POVJared had to know the truth."Molly is already..."But my words were interrupted by the ringtone of his phone."Sorry, just a moment," he said, anxiously picking up his phone.I had to swallow back the words I was about to say."What? Okay, I understand. I'll be right there." He hung up the phone, looking at me with urgency. "I'm sorry. Something urgent came up. I have to go.""You told me you had everything sorted out. How can there be another damn emergency now?" I broke down."I'm sorry, but I really have to go." His expression was as sincere as ever.He stepped closer, wrapping his arms around my shoulders and pulling me into his embrace.I leaned against him, but it only made me feel worse."You always say so." I trembled, pointing at him. "You can't keep doing this to me.""Thank you for understanding. Tell Molly I’ll be back soon, okay?" he said, stuffing the doll back into my arms.As he hurried out of the house, he said, "I'll bring gifts for both of