9
378words
I needed Noah discharged. Now.
Evelyn twirled a pen thoughtfully. "Noah just had surgery. One more night for observation. Home risks complications."
I understood. But Charlotte’s collapse terrified me.
My employees stood guard. Cameras hidden.
That night, Amanda prowled outside Noah’s room. Seeing me awake, she vanished.
At 2 AM, I pretended sleep.
She crept in, waved a hand before my eyes, then grabbed the gurney rails.
My hand clamped over hers.
Men emerged from behind curtains.
Lights blazed.
Amanda shrieked. "What are you doing?!"
"I just wanted to see my son!"
I ignored her, leaving guards with Noah.
I drove her to the police station with the video evidence.
She wailed about just wanting to see Noah after our fight.
The evidence wasn’t enough for charges. But the report was filed.
I sent the video and proof of her affair with Harrison to the Hospital Board. Let them handle Harrison.
At dawn, I discharged Noah.
My parents arrived.
The divorce was swift.
She got nothing. Noah was mine.
Leaving court, Amanda hissed, "You’ll regret this."
Months passed peacefully.
Noah returned to preschool. My parents and I took turns escorting him.
Still, she snatched him.
My parents’ panicked call: "Ethan! The teacher said… his mom picked him up for the park!"
My mind blanked.
"Call the police! Tell them Amanda and Harrison Sterling are suspects!"
A blocked number called. Harrison.
His voice was unhinged. "Your fault! If you’d donated, Charlotte would be alive!"
Shock hit me. I knew she might die… but not this fast!
I tried to reason. "Some things are fate, Harrison. Noah’s kidney wasn’t a perfect match anyway..."
A chilling laugh crackled. "Charlotte’s gone. Why should Noah live?"
"Won’t donate one? I’ll carve out allhis organs for someone worthy!"
I shouted into the phone. "Amanda! He’s your son! Your flesh and blood! Please!"
Amanda snatched the phone. "Your fault! Your child ruined everything!"
"I lost my job! Can’t pay rent! He deserves to join Charlotte!"
I typed frantically on another phone, keeping her talking.
"Amanda, think! Charlotte hated you. She took it out on Noah. Was she worth it?"
"And Harrison… if he was too scared of his wife before, why isn’t he with you now?"
