Images flashed through my mind: Caleb’s indifferent shove, Heidi’s triumphant smile, her words about letting the old man die in prison.
Each one cut like a blade.
The baby was gone.
And the marriage I had fought so hard to hold together collapsed completely in that moment.
I opened my eyes. My voice was cold as a winter night.
“There’s no need to continue with the police report. Please help me preserve all medical records, emergency documents, and surgical reports.”
The doctor paused, surprised.
“Of course, but you need rest.”
“Don’t worry.” My tone was calm, yet so firm it allowed no refusal.
The doctor could only nod and leave.
After a while, the door to the hospital room swung open.
Caleb walked in. The sharpness in his expression had been carefully tucked away, replaced with something that almost looked gentle. His presence instantly drained the warmth from the air.
“Julia, I know you’re still angry about what happened yesterday, but I truly had no choice. Heidi was badly hurt. And your own wounds haven’t healed yet. Please, don’t make things harder for me, alright?”
His voice was soft enough to drip with sweetness, the tone a man uses when coaxing a child who doesn’t know any better.