Chapter 4

Memories of her sister surged up all at once, and Claire's tears fell uncontrollably. Gavin wrenched the urn open with brute force, pinching a small handful of ashes between his fingers and letting them scatter onto the floor.

"Claire, you're a smart woman. You know what choice to make."

For the first time, Claire, always so proud, broke down completely. "I'll apologize. I won't pursue it anymore; I swear I won't!"

She dropped to her knees, begging over and over again, her eyes fixed on the urn in Gavin's hand. "I was wrong. I know I was wrong! Gavin, please-please give me back my sister's ashes. They're the only thing I have left in this world."

Gavin tilted her chin up and sneered. "Do you realize how pathetic you look right now? Claire, your dignity isn't worth a dime. If you'd learned that lesson earlier, you wouldn't be in this state today."

He made as if to hand the urn back to her-

But Marissa, who had stood silently off to the side all this time, suddenly stumbled forward with a dramatic fall.

Without a moment's hesitation, Gavin dropped the urn to catch her. The porcelain container hit the floor with a sickening crack, shattering into pieces, just like Claire's heart.

Ash rose in a pale cloud before her eyes. She froze, staring blankly at the ruin.

Meanwhile Gavin slipped an arm around Marissa's waist, guiding her back protectively. His voice softened to a tender murmur. "Stay back. Don't soil your dress."

Claire snapped. She lunged at him like a madwoman, fisting his collar and screaming, "I did everything you asked! So why? Why did you let go-why!"

Gavin's brows knit. He kicked her aside with ruthless force. "I've been more than patient with you, Claire. Don't push me any further."

Then, turning to Marissa, his face melted back into gentleness.

"Are you alright? Did I scare you?"

His phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen.

"There's been an incident at the hospital."

And with that, he left, arm in arm with Marissa, without a backward glance.

Claire's vision burned red as she watched their retreating figures. Warm fluid trickled beneath her, but she felt no pain. Instead she dropped to the floor, clawing the ashes together bit by bit into her arms-holding them the way Nina had once held her.

For the last time, she embraced the only family she had left, desperate to cling to last bit of her sister's existence.

When the pain finally cut through, Claire looked down. A pool of bright blood had seeped into the dust and fragments-so grotesque it stole her breath.

A guard coming off his shift stumbled upon the sight and nearly fainted from fright.

Claire seized his trouser leg with trembling fingers and whispered, "Please... save me."

The ambulance arrived at last. But at the hospital, the on-duty doctor shook his head, barring the emergency staff from the OR.

"Marissa's adoptive father had a relapse. Every available surgeon has been called in for him. There's simply no one left to operate."

The nurse gaped. "All thirty-some doctors for one patient? That's insane!"

Cold dread spread through Claire. Her only thought now was survival. Her hands shaking, she dialed Gavin's number.

But he only sighed, almost helplessly. "Claire, stop making a scene. Marissa is my sister. Helping her care for her adoptive father is my duty. Even as a joke, you've gone too far."

The line went dead. When she tried again, she was already blocked.

The on-duty doctor hesitated, pity in his eyes. "If you can manage it, transfer to another hospital immediately."

"There's no time to transfer!" the nurse snapped. "Can't you do it? We'll assist you!"

"I can't!" The doctor paled. "I'm just a resident; I've only assisted in a few procedures with my mentor. I've never led one."

With the last of her strength, Claire reached out, clutching his sleeve. "I don't want to die. Please... save me."

When she woke again, the nurse told her flatly-the baby was gone.

Claire closed her eyes as a single tear slid down her cheek. Maybe it was better that the baby was gone. At least, when she finally broke free, there would be fewer chains holding her down.

She ignored the doctor's advice to remain in the hospital for a few more days.

For one, she had no money. Every account under her name had been frozen, and her shared assets with Gavin were locked under strict spending limits.

For another, she was desperate to uncover the meaning behind Nina's last words.

On the day of her discharge, a company guard rushed over with a plastic bag in hand.

Inside lay Nina's ashes.

Claire forced a smile of thanks, but the guard only looked uneasy.

She thought he wanted money and was about to give him the last of what she had, but instead he said, "Mrs. Fulton, your sister's death is a mess you don't want to get involved in. Just... live your life well. That's what really matters."

And with that, he bolted away.

A mess?

Did that mean Nina hadn't just been attacked by one person that night?

As Claire stood frozen in thought, a familiar voice drifted to her ears.