He and Howard stared at the image of the single remaining kidney, the weight of realization settling over them like a cold shadow.
Brad’s breath slowed as he turned toward the hospital bed.
Nikki lay there, pale and weak, yet even in unconsciousness, her fingers remained tightly wrapped around that wedding ring.
For the first time, an uneasy guilt stirred inside him.
Howard’s gaze lingered on her frail hand, a complex emotion flashing through his eyes.
Near the door, Lora watched them, her face pale. She bit her lip, her voice trembling with guilt.
"It’s my fault," she whispered. "If I weren’t weak, if I weren’t sick... my sister wouldn’t have needed to donate her kidney. Howard and Brad wouldn’t have been forced into this, manipulated by her step by step into a marriage trap..."
Her eyes reddened as she suddenly turned away.
"Maybe... Maybe I should just give the kidney back to her. That way, I can have peace of mind, too..."
She made to leave, but before she could take a step, Howard and Brad moved at the same time, blocking her path.
Howard’s frown deepened. "Lora, you’ve suffered enough. How could this be your fault?"