I stood there, hollow and empty, until a familiar figure walked into the ward.
Payton approached me with his usual gentle, caring tone, wrapping his arms around me as if to comfort me.
“Don’t be afraid,” he murmured. “I’ve already arranged the best funeral hall for Hallie. She’ll have the most dignified farewell. In another life, she’ll be born into a good family.”
His voice was calm—too calm, as if Hallie had merely caught a fever, not… died.
And the faint scent of Sherree’s perfume clung to him, making my eyes turn to ice.
The heart monitor had been unplugged—this must have happened while they were in the middle of their filth just moments ago!
I said nothing, only pushing him away in disgust.
His fingers twitched, a sudden unease flashing in his eyes. He opened his mouth as if to speak. In the end, he swallowed the words.
Behind him, Sherree smiled faintly, tugging open her blouse. Her pale skin bore a trail of red marks, fresh and fading.
I froze, my gaze locked on her smug, triumphant expression. My fingertips dug into my palms until they throbbed purple with hate.
The next thing I knew, the cremation was done.
When I left the crematorium, I cradled a small porcelain urn against my chest—Hallie’s ashes. My hands were so cold they’d lost all color, but I didn’t dare loosen my grip. It was all I had left of her.
Payton stood beside me, still on the phone with the funeral company, making arrangements.
I just ignored him.
I simply held the urn close and returned quietly to my parents’ home.
I acted so… normal, Payton didn’t notice where I’d gone.
When I came home, the house was empty. Taking the opportunity, I went straight to the study. In the drawer, my old spare phone still lay there.
I opened my contacts and found my lawyer’s number, sending every bit of evidence I had.
[Is this enough to put Sherree in jail?]
The reply came almost instantly. [More than enough. Child abuse leading to death, intentional homicide. She’ll spend the rest of her life behind bars.]
I pressed a hand to my temple, taking a deep breath.
[Then prepare the divorce agreement as well. Deliver it to the hospital.]
Payton, this is my last "gift" and "surprise" for you.
