People gathered around, all talking at once, trying to piece together how two pregnant women ended up in a heated argument that turned physical, leaving one of them sprawled on the ground.


    The crowd''s whispers painted Selena as the culprit, having supposedly pushed Margot, whoy there looking every bit the victim, naturally drawing sympathy.


    Margot clutched her belly dramatically, crying out, "Selena, you''re about to be a mom too, how could you be so cruel... sniff, sniff..."


    A sharp-eyed bystander recognized Margot, the famous pianist, and was ovee with righteous indignation, shouting, "You heartless viin! Beautiful on the outside but cold as ice inside. I''m going to make sure everyone knows what you did!" They quickly whipped out their phone to record Selena.


    But Selena stood her ground, not flinching, meeting the camera''s gaze with steady eyes. "Did you actually see me push her? Do you have proof? If not, you''re making things up and viting my privacy. Spread lies online, and I''ll see you in court." The person, surprised by her brazen confidence, muttered, "Rich folks always think they can scare people withwsuits. You think I''m afraid of you?"


    Despite their bluster, the phone was tucked away.


    Others also discreetly shifted their attention, realizing no viral video was worth awsuit.


    Only then did Selena turn her gaze to Everett, who had been silently watching the whole scene. His eyes were dark and unreadable, his lips set in a thin line, his presence almost suffocating. Selena swallowed hard.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    She wasn''t sure what he believed-did he think she had really pushed Margot, or did he trust her?


    She was about to speak when someone''s shout cut through the tension, "Blood... there''s blood..."


    The crowd, which had just settled, erupted into panic again.


    Someone pointed at the blood pooling beneath Margot, screaming in terror.


    Selena turned sharply to see Margot, pale and slumped on the ground, her earlier usations now overshadowed by this rming turn.


    With shaky lips, Margot called out to Everett, "Everett, my... my stomach hurts so much... I think... I think I''m having the baby..."


    Everett''s eyes flickered with


    rm-her due date wasn''t for another two weeks-but he didn''t hesitate. He rushed over, scooped Margot into his arms, and hurried away, leaving Selena standing there, forgotten once more.


    She steadied herself against a table, refusing to let anyone see her falter.


    As the crowd dispersed, a bitter smile crept onto Selena''s face. She paid for her coffee and stepped out into the street.


    Derick came rushing over from


    across the road, wiping sweat from


    his brow under the zing sun, barely catching his breath as he said, "Ma''am, I''m d I caught you. Mr. Everett asked me to make sure you got back to Moon Bay safely."


    She wasn''t sure if this was really Everett''s doing or just Derick being thoughtful, but she knew she couldn''t just walk away. "No, I''m not going back. I''m heading to the hospital!" she announced, striding past Derick towards the upscale private clinic.


    Selena nced up.


    Derick, worried, caught up with her trying to reason, "Ma''am, maybe it''s not the best time for you to be there. If anything happens to Ms. Margot, ME Mr. Everett might..."