A Mother's Final Gift

Chapter 3 The Unraveling

"Juliet, I'm really sorry! But I haven't been unfaithful towards Prof. Miller, no matter what blunders I might have committed elsewhere! How many times do I have to explain? You completely misinterpreted what you saw! Concerning Mrs. Foster's death or my dealings with Prof. Miller, my conscience's clean!"

Fury boiled over, and I almost lunged at her, but Hunter stepped in to shield Claire, landing a brutal kick to my stomach.

"I'm saying it again, Juliet! No doctor would run a heart surgery on your mother on a whim! You've gone off the rails!"

Agony tore through my abdomen, blood started flowing out, and I couldn't endure anymore. I passed out.

Panic flickered across Hunter's face, "Juliet! What's happening?"

When I finally regained consciousness, the devastating news hit me. I had lost the baby.

The baby slipped away before I even knew it was there.

Maybe it didn't want a father like him either.

Hunter's face was a portrait of regret as he turned to me. "Juliet, how are you holding up? I'm truly sorry, I had no clue you were expecting. Don't despair. We can try for another!"

I shook my head firmly, "There won't be another!"

I would cut all ties with Hunter. I would make him and Claire answer for their crimes!

Hunter, however, was oblivious to my resolve. He produced a death certificate for me to sign.

"Juliet, I've already launched an investigation. As it stands, Nate's operation was handled correctly. I trust Claire, but I promise to look further to set your mind at ease! The dead can't return, and you need to stop this fantasy. You don't want your mom looking down on you, seeing you believe an illusion, do you?"

I fiercely shook my head, pushing Hunter's hand away.

"You're the delusional one! I refuse to sign! This was murder! I want an autopsy! I won't stop until the truth is revealed!"

Hunter sighed, his gaze turned icy as he crushed my defiant hand in his own.

"You're clearly not giving me a choice, are you?"

He twisted my arm so roughly that I actually heard the bone make a sharp cracking sound, but he wouldn't release his grip.

Forced by his determination, I scribbled my name on the document.

"Hunter, you're committing murder by forcing my hand! You think you can accuse me of lies, of self-deceit, and then wash your hands of it all? Do you dare to unveil the truth yourself?"

Exasperated, Hunter thrust a donor agreement in my direction.

"Juliet, I've been trying to help you through this, first losing your mom and now a miscarriage, but you refuse to face reality! Look closely! This is Nate's organ donation consent. See for yourself if your mom's name is there as the donor!"

In utter disbelief, I checked again, peering at the paper over and over. It was true. My mother's name wasn't listed.

Yet, it couldn't be the truth! My mind was haunted by the graphic memory of her lifeless, open chest. That image resurfaced repeatedly, even when I lost consciousness!

"No, it can't be true! It can't!"

Claire entered my ward, standing at my side. "Juliet, blame me all you want, but my child bears no fault! You're staring at the agreement. It's there in plain text. How can you still deny what's written right before you?"