Chapter 4

When Evelyn woke again, she was back in a familiar hospital ward. A sharp, splitting pain shot through her hand, and only then did she realize she couldn't lift it at all. Panic surged through her as she sat up. Her right hand ached sharply, and she couldn't summon even the slightest strength in it. "What's happening to me?" Tears streamed down her cheeks. She scrambled to get out of bed, but the noise alerted Howard. He leaped off the sofa and rushed over, pulling her into his arms with frantic concern. "Eve, I'm so sorry. The mastiff tore your wrist tendons. You won't be able to hold a scalpel again." Evelyn stared down at her hand. Her lips parted, but no sound came out. The hand she had always been most proud of—the hand that had built her career in medicine—was ruined. How was she supposed to accept this? For the next several days, Howard stayed by her side constantly, tending to even the smallest tasks, including helping her wash up. Evelyn remained in the hospital for a full week before being discharged. On the way home, she stared out the window in silence. Howard reached over and held her hand gently. "Eve, I arranged a memorial service for your mother and Layla tomorrow. We'll make sure they leave this world with dignity," he said softly. At the mention of the memorial service, something in Evelyn's expression loosened. She was about to respond when Howard's phone rang. She glanced at the caller ID. It was Anne. "Howard, Mom's chest is hurting again," Anne said. "I don't know what to do. Can you come stay with me?" Howard slammed on the brakes. "Don't worry, I'll be there soon." After he hung up, he looked at Evelyn with a heavy expression. "Eve, can you take a cab home? Anne needs someone with her." Evelyn let out a cold laugh. "Are you a doctor now? What exactly can you do for her mother?" Howard's face darkened. "Evelyn, her complications were caused by your poor surgical technique. I'm only trying to help ease the burden of your mistakes." With that, he got out of the car and yanked her door open. "Get out." Evelyn stared at him, stunned by the absurdity of it all. His so-called love was nothing but a cruel act. As she got out of the car, Howard drove off without a second glance, leaving her alone on a deserted stretch at the edge of town. The streets were empty and quiet, and there wasn't a cab in sight. Twilight deepened as Evelyn took a step forward, only to see several burly men emerge from the alley ahead. A cold sense of foreboding gripped her. She spun to flee, but one of them blocked her escape. "Well, if it isn't the sister of that little pornstar who's been all over the gossip channels," one of the men sneered. "Layla sure knew how to put on a show. I bet her sister isn't bad either." One of them grabbed her hand. Evelyn tried to yank it back, but she had no strength in it at all. "Do you have any idea who I am?" she snapped. "If you touch me, I swear you'll regret it." Her resistance only made them laugh harder. They dragged her deeper into the alley. "Relax. We'll make sure everyone has a good time tonight." Evelyn screamed until her throat burned, but their excited laughter was the only answer. "You can scream all you want. No one's coming." One of them grabbed her clothes and yanked hard. Desperate, Evelyn bit down on his hand with everything she had, then bolted toward the street. They scrambled after her, and in the next instant, their laughter burst forth with wicked delight. "We're on the outskirts. Behind you, there's nothing but Crestmond Lake!" Evelyn glanced over her shoulder. Beyond the railing lay the dark, wide stretch of the lake. Without a second thought, she leaped. The icy water swallowed her whole. As she sank into the freezing depths, she thought she heard shouting from the shoreline. "He said to ruin her, not kill her! If something happens, who's supposed to take the blame?"