Chapter 21

Standing outside the hospital, William felt like someone had carved out a chunk of his heart with a knife—raw, bleeding, and hollow. He was still waiting on the DNA results, clinging to a sliver of hope even though deep down he knew it was pointless. The doctor walked out and gave him the final blow. Elizabeth was really gone. William didn't cry or scream. His face was expressionless as he silently made his way back to Elizabeth's hospital room. Even if she was just a lifeless body now, he still refused to let anyone else near her. "Elizabeth, let's go home.” There were footsteps outside, but William didn't care. His voice was soft, almost tender, as he spoke to the body already starting to smell. “Elizabeth's home is the Smith's residence!” A furious shout suddenly echoed through the room. William turned just in time to get slapped—hard—right across the face by Elizabeth's father. “You bastard, William! I must've been blind to let my precious daughter marry you! We spoiled her rotten