In the Wake of Fate

She Needs Me by Her Side

"Carlee Hood, who do you think Dominic would save if we both crashed? My bet's on me!"

The moment five steel bars speared through my body, Paige Ryan, sitting in the passenger seat, calmly pulled her hands back from the steering wheel she had just yanked. She sneered, "Make sure you hang on a little longer, alright? Dying too fast would be such a bore."

The rain had been relentless lately, leaving the roads flooded and treacherous.

Up ahead, a flash flood came crashing down from the mountain, throwing everything into chaos. I was so focused on navigating the road that I barely noticed her.

I never imagined that the student I had been sponsoring, someone I thought I was helping, would harbor such malice toward me.

I glared at her, my anger rising.

Yet, she didn't even spare me a glance. She was too busy on her phone, calling my husband, telling him to hurry up and rescue her.

My husband Dominic Davis' car wasn't far behind ours.

The moment he got the call, he rushed over, braving the downpour like a whirlwind.

We had been together for ten years, married for seven. He practically lived in his lab. However, whenever he had free time, it was Paige he would spend it with.

I had once suspected he was cheating, and we had fought over it countless times. The disappointment and bitterness gnawed at me, wearing me down.

Still, the moment he saw me injured, it didn't matter how he tried to hide it, the sheer panic and worry on his face were unmistakable.

"Carlee, don't be scared! I'm here!"

His voice, mixed with the pounding rain, filtered through the shattered window, sending a chill down my spine.

The smell of gasoline inside the car was getting stronger, and I had no idea when it might explode. Moreover, with the flash flood raging down the mountain, who knew if it would sweep through the road at the base?

I wanted to tell him to leave me behind and run.

Just as I was about to speak, Paige wailed, "Dominic, my head hurts so much! I'm so scared!"

"Carlee, it looks like Paige is in worse shape. Hang in there, okay? I'll save her first and come back for you. Don't worry!" Dominic tried to reassure me.

Then, he rushed to the passenger seat without even a glance in my direction, scooping Paige into his arms and running off.

I had lost count of how many times he had chosen her over me.

I was the one who was his wife!

I wanted to call his name, but blood clogged my throat the moment I opened my mouth. Pain tore through my chest and stomach like a knife, and a wave of despair drowned me.

Everything blurred into a red haze, and I couldn't see or move.

I thought this was the end. But then, a team of firefighters fought to pull me out