Allison’s POV.
The sound of conversations blended with the smooth, soulful jazz playing in the background, creating an atmosphere that was both relaxed and intimate. The bar wasn't crowded, with only a few people scattered around, engaged in quiet conversation. My team and I occupied a cozy corner, a round table filled with drinks and laughter.
Mia, always the life of the party, waved me over with a grin. "Allison, come on! You need to loosen up. Have a drink with us. It’ll calm your nerves."
I shook my head, forcing a tight smile. "No thanks, Mia. I'm good." My focus remained on the dartboard, or rather, the picture of William I had pinned over it. His smug, deceitful face stared back at me, and my whole body shook with a hatred so intense it was almost palpable.
As I took aim and threw another dart, the memory of that fateful night played in my mind like a broken record. I had gone to Jessica's house, unsuspecting, only to find William there, having sex with her. The betrayal had shattered my heart, and in my rush to escape the scene after the harsh and hurtful words, I hadn’t seen the car that hit me. The accident took everything—my health, my peace, and my baby.
I had carried that child for three months, nurturing a secret joy, a hope that maybe, just maybe, things would turn around. William didn’t even know about the baby. The bastard didn’t deserve to.
I threw another dart, my hand trembling. If only I hadn’t lost the child. I pictured how life would be different. I would have a beautiful infant now, someone who depended on me, who loved me unconditionally. The thought of what could have been filled me with a deep, aching sorrow. Tears welled up in my eyes, but I blinked them away, focusing on the dartboard.
"Allison, are you okay?" Mia’s voice cut through my thoughts, softer this time, filled with concern.