Chapter 5: No One Left to Save Me

My parents’ house sat on the edge of town, white siding and a wraparound porch that felt more imposing than welcoming. Not a single light was on. I let myself in, footsteps echoing on the wood floor.

The silence pressed in, thick and suffocating. I realized Annie had woken up, so my parents and brother must be at the hospital too—all their hopes pinned on her. I was just a ghost in my own home.

I curled up on the sofa, hugging my knees. I scrolled through old photos on my phone—birthday candles, Annie’s laughter, the porch swing at dusk. Every memory felt like it belonged to someone else. When the tears finally fell, I let them. The ache was sharp and real.

That day in the studio—Ethan’s anger left me dizzy, his disgust echoing in my mind. “If Annie hadn’t asked me herself, do you think I would have gotten engaged to you? Lauren, I don’t hate you. You should consider yourself lucky.” His pity was colder than hate.

I ran home, desperate for answers. My family’s faces twisted, and their words hit me harder than any slap. I realized then—no one was coming to save me. “If it hadn’t been to save you, Annie wouldn’t have had the car accident. She wouldn’t be like this now. The one who should be engaged to Ethan is Annie, not you. You’ve already gotten the benefit—what more do you want?”

It was as if my grief didn’t count. My feet carried me down the block in a daze, rain pouring down, memories blurring with the sound of tires on wet pavement. I struggled, I fought to breathe. But in the end, I never broke the engagement. I clung to being Mrs. Caldwell for five long years, each one heavier than the last.