Wait, is this really happening. After 12 years, has this story finally be updated?

Yes, after countless rewrites, I have finally updated this story!

And FYI, And for those of you that haven't noticed yet, the previous chapters have undergone complete rewrites as well. So you're more than welcome to check those out.

So, without further wait, I present to you the new chapter of Heartbroken.

ENJOY!

Chapter 31

"I can't believe it's already 7." Kagome sighed heavily as she turned away from her alarm clock. It had been quite some time since she had a sleepless night; not since she moved into the apartment five months ago. She would have thought that the party at the daycare yesterday would have been enough to exhaust her. Nothing was more exhausting than two years hyped up on birthday sweets. But instead of sleeping soundly for the night, she spent the entire night tossing and turning in her bed.

And it's all that bastard's fault. Kagome sat up in her bed, abandoning any hope of getting back to sleep. Another sleepless night, courtesy of that wretched Sesshōmaru's. Even after leaving my old life behind, he continues to torment me. She could feel the tears stinging just beyond her eyelids, burning to be shed. Kagome's blood boiling just recalling the night before.

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"Finally." Kagome said as she walked out of the bathroom, finally able to wash away that messy pink dye off Kiseki's hands and face. "Damn you Ayame and your cupcakes." Kagome cursed as she set Kiseki in her crib. Kagome had specified stated that if she were to bring cupcakes for Kiseki's birthday, they were to be cupcakes with white icing because colorful dye was a pain in the ass to wash away. But of course, Ayame would completely disregard her advice and get the brightest color she could find. Not only that, but she just had to get cupcakes with neon pink frosting, the toughest color to wash off. But as she set her daughter into the crib, she smiled. Though the cleanup was a pain, Kagome truly did appreciate the gesture from Ayame and the other girls at the daycare. Kagome had only been working at the daycare for a few months, but everyone had made Kagome feel welcomed, as if they had known her all their lives. The girls were so kind to her and Kiseki. They had even gone through the trouble of buying Kiseki a few presents. "We were sure lucky to meet such nice people, were we Kiseki?" As Kagome ran her hand through Kiseki's beautiful white hair, her phone send out a notification ring. As she read the message, she was surprised to see that a deposit had just been made to her account. She was positive that it wasn't Ayame; she just got paid earlier in the week. And no one else had her account number. No one, except for …

"It couldn't be Sesshōmaru." Kagome said to herself. Sesshōmaru's had made his child support payment a week earlier. And though $2,500 a month was chump change to a man as wealthy as Sesshōmaru, it probably infuriated that man every time he was forced to send his money to Kagome, a woman he considered beneath him. This payment was a punishment for all the wrong he had done to her; something she doubt that a spoiled brat like Sesshōmaru has had to deal with. And Sesshōmaru sending money for Kiseki's birthday would be completely out of character. As he had already stated before, Sesshōmaru felt nothing for the daughter he had forcibly created with Kagome. "What is that asshole up to?" Kagome quickly walked into the living room and sat down at her laptop that she had left on the coffee table. As she accessed her account, she saw that Sesshōmaru had indeed made a deposit to her account, $200 to be exactly.

Happy Birthday. The memo read, much to Kagome's disbelief. To my darling daughter. This was the first time Sesshōmaru had done anything fatherly to Kiseki, despite her being his only child. Perhaps this situation had given Sesshōmaru the humility he so desperately needed. But as Kagome read farther down, the hope that Sesshōmaru becoming a decent human were quickly dashed. The message he had written for her was full of so much malice, it was clear that this money was just another shot at Kagome. Kagome could feel her rage building up as she read every disgusting word that horrid monster had the nerve to type.

"Fuckin' Asshole!" Kagome screamed as she flipped the laptop off the table, sending it crashing to the floor. "How dare you!" She covered her face with her trembling hands. If Sesshōmaru's goal was to upset her, it had worked. She felt tears begin to form behind her eyes lids but tried hard to suppress them. She refused to waste even a single tear on such a vile creature. Kiseki's cry echoed through the apartment, she was probably disturbed by her mother's sudden outburst. Not wanting her daughter to see her in such a state, Kagome tried to regain her composer as she walked back into her bedroom; smashing the door behind her.

Getting out of bed, Kagome made her way to the living paused by the laptop that laid on the floor from the night before. It had suffered a cracked case, but it was still functional. Everything in her being was telling her not to read that message again for it would only upset again, but her curiosity got the better of her. She let out a heavy sigh as she picked up the computer before sitting on the couch. Accessing her account, she read the message once again.

Happy Birthday to my darling daughter. Kagome paused for a bit, almost as she was afraid to reread the next section. But she was compelled to continue. And to you, Kagome: Never forget the moment that led up to this day. May that memory forever haunt your nightmares, you callous bitch. Kagome calmly closed the laptop before falling back against the sofa.

"I hate that vile beast." Kagome stared up at the ceiling. Last night, that message had infuriated her beyond belief. But now that she was a bit more levelheaded, the message no longer filled her with rage, instead it greatly saddened her. To think that Sesshōmaru would stoop so low as to use their own daughter's birthday as a weapon against her. He even knew exactly how to upset her with nothing more than a few well-chosen words.

Especially when what he said was the truth.

Though she had long since forgiven Kiseki for being conceived when Sesshōmaru viciously raped her, she could never forget that awful act. To most first-time mother, a day like this would be a joyous occasion for it signified the greatest change in a mother's life. Unfortunately for Kagome, Sesshōmaru had taken that joy away from her. Kagome would probably never see her daughter's birthday as anything more than a remainder of what horrors she was forced to endure at the hands of that spiteful monster. But what truly hurt the most was his sole reason for destroying her life was to screw over his younger half-brother for something he had no control over.

"Inuyasha," Kagome picked up her phone that she had left on top of the couch the night before. She unlocked her phone and scroll down her list of contacts, until she stopped at Inuyasha's number. Against her better judgement, she had added her estranged husband's number to her new cell phone. She knew it was a mistake, but she couldn't help herself. Despite all the ugliness that had occurred between the two throughout their short-lived marriage, Kagome still loved Inuyasha. Yes, it was ridiculous of her to still care for the man who had broken her heart one too many times. But Inuyasha still held a special place in her heart as the first and only man she had truly loved. The longer Kagome stared at his number, the stronger the impulse of wanting to call him became. She left out a sigh of defeat as she sat up.

"Ok," she told herself as she tapped on the call button. "If he tells me he is sorry for everything, then I will go home." Kagome hated herself for being so willing to take Inuyasha back after a simple apology. It's not as if his apologies ever did Kagome any good. How many times had Inuyasha begged Kagome to take him back, only for him to cheat with Kikyo just a few months later? But as she gave it more thought, she realized that she really didn't have another option. As much it hurt her to admit it, the truth was that Kagome was broken. After everything that had happened to her, Kagome doubted that she could ever had a normal relationship with any other man. What man could possibly want her the way she was now? At least with Inuyasha, she would never have to worry about being alone. As she anxiously waited for her husband to answer, it just went to his voice mail. She tried again, but once more she was unsuccessful. She even tried calling the home phone, but still was no answer. "Perhaps he had left for work by now." She tried to give herself some assurance.

No. she thought to herself. It was time for Kagome to stop lying to herself. Inuyasha doesn't work on Saturdays. Most likely, her ex-husband was probably having fun with Kikyo. Frustrated, she tossed her cellphone across the sofa before burying her face in the armrest.

"I can't…" she said as the tears she tried so hard to contain since last night began flowing down like a river." I can't do this anymore!" Never in her life had she felt so defeated. The rape, nearly dying in child birth, having her rapist's daughter, and the cheating and heartbreak from the man she thought loved her; it was as if every terrible happening in her life was specifically designed to break her down. All this heartache, all this suffering, all this soul crushing isolation; Kagome was slowly drowning in a sea of anguish with no help in sight. No matter how hard she fought to stay afloat, she was constantly being pulled down deeper into the despair. And she had grown tired of struggling against the evitable. It was times like this that she wished she could just close her eyes and end all this suffering once and for all. Just stopping her car at the bridge that overlooked the river and standing on the edge, closing her eyes letting herself go. That way, at least Kagome would finally be at peace as she sank deep into the abyss. But the more she thought of ending her own suffering, the more she realized that she would being leaving Kiseki, the only person she had left in this world, behind. If Kagome took her life, Kiseki would be all alone in this world. She doubt that Sesshōmaru would step up and care for Kiseki; not like she would ever allow that monster anywhere near her child. And as for Inuyasha, who had rejected Kiseki as his daughter for something that was completely out of Kiseki's control, it was highly unlikely that her estranged husband would want anything to with the girl.

Kiseki still needs me, Kagome lifted her head. And that is enough reason for me to fight on, no matter how painful the journey is. As wiped her tears away, she couldn't help but smile slightly. It was almost comical how the being that was created from the moment that destroyed her life was now her only reason for living.

A sudden knock broke Kagome away from her deep thought. Someone at the door this early in the morning had be none other than Koga. As Kagome went to the door, she tried desperately to wipe away any lingering tears. Kagome knew how much it bothered Koga to see her so upset.

At least somebody cares. She told herself as she opened the day.

"Morning, Kagome." Koga greeted with his usual pleasant smile and warm aura. He was carrying a large box wrapped in pink gift wrap and topped with a red bow. "Hope I didn't wake up."

"Not at all." Kagome replied, forcing a smile as she let him in. "I've actually been up for a few hours now. I take it that gift must be for Kiseki."

"Not unless you want a pink ride-on toy." Koga teased as he let himself inside. "Ayame told me the little cutie still has trouble walking. So I figured this toy could help her."

"Trust me, that child had no trouble walking. Kiseki just likes being carried around like a little princess." Kagome received the present from him before setting it on the coffee table. "But I'm sure she'll love it none the less." She gave Koga a warm smile. "Thanks Koga. That's really considerate of you. But you didn't have to buy Kiseki a present."

"Sure I did. It's my way of saying Sorry for missing Kiseki's birthday party yesterday. That boss of mine is a real asshole. I swear if I didn't need the job, I would have told that jackass to shove it years ago."

"I already told you that it was fine. I understand that you had to work." Kagome sat by Koga. "Besides, it wasn't as if you missed something too extravagant; just cupcakes and juice for the kids and some pizza for Ayame and the other girls."

"Wait. You guys had Cupcakes and pizza." Koga sighed heavily. "Damn it all, it sounds like I miss out big time. Damn you old man!" Kagome couldn't help but genuinely laugh at the young man's disappointment over something as small as a child's birthday party. She could always count on Koga to lift her spirits.

"I have some leftovers in the kitchen." Kagome offered as she stood up. "That is, if you don't mind day old pizza and cupcakes."

"Like I'm going to say no to free food."

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As Kagome stood in front of the microwave, she felt a bit more at ease. As if the overwhelming tension building up from last night had completely vanished.

Thanks to Koga. Kagome smiled to herself, something she thought impossible after Sesshōmaru's underhanded attack last night. If anyone had asked her what she thought of Koga when she first met, Kagome would have considered Koga nothing more than a pest who needed to mind his own business. But now she thanked god every day for that fateful day Koga saved Kagome's life. Since then, Koga had become an important part of her life. He was very caring not just to Kagome but also Kiseki, who adored her beloved KoKo. He constantly when out of his way for her whenever she needed him. And in all honesty, Koga was probably the only thing keeping Kagome sane. Had it not been for him, Kagome couldn't even imagine where she and Kiseki would be now.

But at the same time, Kagome felt guilty for keeping this man around as her friend. Because Kagome was certain that Koga had developed feelings for her. She knew from the moment he had come into their lives was that Koga had fallen for her and he had fallen hard. And though Kagome had made it clear from the beginning that she would never be interested in pursuing a relationship with him, that didn't seem to discourage the eager Koga. Maybe that was why Koga was always willing to go out of his way to help; he was desperately trying to pull himself out of the friend zone and prove he was leagues above her ex.

I wish Koga would stop. It's not like I think Inuyasha is better than him. Kagome thought to herself as she reached for a plate. The truth is that Koga could easily do better than me.

Even Kagome had to admit that Koga was attractive in more ways than one. He was a gorgeous man with a shunning personality to match. He was fun, outgoing and just about everyone who came to know him thought he was the greatest. And what could Kagome say about herself? She was nothing but a single mother to a little girl with a ton of baggage to deal with, both physical and emotional. What could Koga possibly see in Kagome, when Kagome couldn't see anything worthwhile? Especially when Ayame obviously had a thing for him. Ayame would make a better girlfriend than Kagome ever could.

"If only Ayame had the nerves to ask Koga out…" Kagome sighed as she served the food and carried it to the living room. "Anyone would be better than me."

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"Breakfast is served." Kagome chirped jokingly as she sat next to Koga. "I hope four slices is enough to fill that empty pit you call a stomach."

"Thanks Kagome." Koga smiled, taking a hot slice and devouring it. As she set the plate on the table, she couldn't help but notice her cellphone was sitting on top of the coffee table. Kagome was sure that she had left lying in between the sofa cushions before she had let Koga in. Maybe he had set in on the table.

Did he… Kagome quickly glanced towards the young man. Surly he wouldn't have looked through my phone without permission, would he? She asked herself before an unpleasant notion suddenly popped into her mind. Did he see that my last call was to Inuyasha? Kagome did notice a slight change in his demeanor. He seemed more somber than he was just a few minutes ago.

Don't be silly. Kagome thought as she dismissed that idea. Koga doesn't even know the name of her ex-husband. For all Koga knew, Inuyasha could be just a random person she knew. And even if he did know who Inuyasha was and he did see that Kagome had called him, what would it matter to him? Koga was only a friend. Why would he care if Kagome tried to contact him? I'm just overthinking things again.

"So," Koga broke the silence as he finished off the last slice of pizza. "What's the plan for today?"

"Plan?" Kagome replied. "Plan for what?"

"For the kid's birthday, what else?"

"Oh, that." Truth was that Kagome wasn't really planning on celebrating Kiseki's birthday. It felt that the wound was still too fresh. "Well, since the girls threw her a little party yesterday, I figure that was enough for her."

"Kagome!" Koga shot back. "Are you seriously not going to do anything for Kiseki today?"

"It's just that…" She thought of what she could say to Koga that wouldn't upset him. Of course she sounded heartless for not to celebrate her only daughter's first birthday. If only Koga knew the real reason why this day was so difficult for her, maybe he would understand. "Kiseki is only a baby. I just don't see the humor in making a big deal for something she isn't even going to remember."

"Well," Koga thought for a moment. Kagome did have a point. But it just didn't seem right to completely ignore a day that should be special for both Kiseki and Kagome. "If not for Kiseki, then you should at least celebrate this day for yourself."

"For myself."

"Yeah, I know that sound stupid. But hear me out." "My mom was also a single parent. The old man ran off right after he knocked her up. Even though life was tough, she was still able give me a pretty decent life. I remember one year around my birthday, money was tight. So I told her that she didn't need to do anything for me that year."

"And let me guess," Kagome replied cynically. "She told you no because it was your special day."

"Close." Koga said with a grin on his face. "First she smacked me upside the head and told me not to be a dumbass. But then she explained my birthday was more than just celebrating my birth. It was her special day too."

"I don't understand."

"My mom was just a dumb teenage when she had me. Everyone was so sure that she was going to bomb hard, even her own parents tried to convince her to either have an abortion or put me up for adoption. But my mom was just as stubborn as me. She wasn't just going to lay there and take that sort of disrespect. She wanted to prove all of them wrong. And she did just that. My birthday was more than just me growing a year old; it was proof that she was no failure."

"Koga," It started to all make sense now. Why Koga was always so concern about her and her daughter's well-being. He wanted to give the support that his mother and he were probably never given.

"Kiseki's birthday should be more than just about her. If I were you, I would think of this day as a big middle finger to your ex; showing him that you don't need his dumbass to make it on your own."

"Your mom sounds like a very strong and wise woman, Koga." Kagome said as she placed her hand over Koga's. Koga was right. This day was supposed to be a happy day. It meant that Kagome survived Sesshōmaru's attempt to destroy her. That she pulled through all the heartbreak. And despite all the odds against her, she and Kiseki made it through their first year together, without the help of Inuyasha or Sesshōmaru. "I just wish I knew what to do for her on such a short notice."

'It doesn't have to be anything expensive." Koga pulled his hand away from Kagome's, his cheeks flushed. "We can always go to the zoo. It's just a couple towns over. I think tickets are half priced on Saturdays. And kids under 5 get in for free."

"The zoo, huh?" Kagome said. "Well, Kiseki does love animals. And the forecast does call for clear skies."

"Great." Koga shot up and headed to the door. "I'll go get Kiseki's car seat set up."

"Koga," Kagome called, stopping Koga before he reached the door. "Thank you," she gave him a slime. "For everything."

"No problem. What are friends for?" Koga answered before leaving. Kagome could swear she caught just of hint of melancholy in his reply.

Kagome picked up her phone and unlocked the screen. As she stared at Inuyasha's phone number, she was tempted to call him once more. But instead, she powered off her phone.

"Today is about us." She said as she shoved the phone into her purse. "Not about you, Inuyasha." She was unaware that at this very moment, Inuyasha, the man she once loved, was tethered on the edge of life and death.

A/N: And there you have it. The update for this story. I'm so sorry that this update took 12 years to come out. And trust me, I was considering ending the story with this chapter. However I felt that was the easy way out and that wouldn't be fair for those who have stuck around for the long run for years.

How long does this story have until it is completed?

I have no idea. I've had to completely change the original story line I plotted out years ago. So I don't know how much I have left. But what I do know is that I plan to give the true ending this story deserves. Not a cheap cop out just to say it's over and done with.

And I promise, it won't take another 12 years.