“It's all my fault. If you want a child, we'll have another, as many as you wish.

I'll take care of you all."

Bowing her head, Raegan sank her teeth into his arm with a fierce tremor.

The audacity of his mentioning having another baby left her in disbelief.

With the metallic taste of blood in her mouth, she bit down harder, holding on until exhaustion overtook her determination, and finally, she released her bite.

Mitchel's shirt, once white, now bore the stark stain of blood, yet he seemed oblivious, his embrace unwavering.

In Raegan's eyes, a storm of resentment brewed.

"Mitchel, do you even deserve this?" she challenged.

Hatred laced every word she uttered.

Her accusations struck Mitchel, not with the sting of hatred, but with a deep ache for her suffering.

In a voice heavy with sorrow, he declared, "Raegan, do what you will, but leaving me is not an option."

The mere thought of her absence constricted his heart Like an unseen force, stealing his breath.

He resolved not to release her, ready to stoop to any low to keep her close.

Raegan, drained, didn't bother to use another bite to break free from his embrace. She merely gazed blankly at his shoulder and firmly stated, "Mitchel, a divorce is inevitable."

"No! We won't!" Mitchel retorted, his response instinctive, without a hint of doubt.

His embrace softened as she leaned against him. Believing she had conceded, he whispered, "Raegan, please, stay by my side. You can do anything. Just don't leave..."

Raegan remained silent, yet Mitchel's heart soared in hope, convinced time would sway her.

He couldn't let go of Raegan. Never in this lifetime. With this thought in mind, he tightened his hold, only to feel dampness seep through his shirt, tainted with the sharp smell of rust.

Releasing her, he was confronted by his once white shirt, now marred with the red of Raegan's reopened wound.

Time seemed to freeze.