ASTRID'S POV

I panicked, trying to take another step, but the contractions were too strong. Tears filled my eyes as I whispered, “Help… please… someone…”

But no one stopped. People walked past me, ignoring my pleas. No one knew who I was, and they didn’t care. I was invisible.

“See where avoiding me got you?” Ethan’s voice came from behind me. I turned, and for the first time in my life, I was relieved to hear him.

“Let’s get you somewhere safe,” he said, grabbing my arm and guiding me toward his car. I didn’t fight him. I couldn’t. He helped me into the car, and we sped off.

The...