Building Her Throne Burying My Heart (Claire) novel Chapter 53

The moment the knife plunged into my chest, the pain was so sharp it felt like my heart was being torn out. I stared at her, stunned, barely able to believe what was happening.

“Why?”

Her eyes blazed with fury as she spat out the words. “Because I hate you. I want you gone.”

That look in her eyes chilled me to the bone. Her hatred was real, but underneath it, I caught a glimpse of something else—grief and heartbreak. The world around us faded to black, swallowing us whole. All the memories we’d ever shared seemed to crumble away, lost to the darkness.

Suddenly, I jolted awake, heart pounding. I was back in my hospital bed, the room pitch black and silent except for my ragged breathing. Sweat soaked my clothes, and I felt like I was drowning. It was just a dream. None of it was real.

***

The next morning, I went straight to Darleen’s doctor and handed over the payment.

“Doctor, please move forward with her treatment as soon as you can. The money’s ready.”

He pushed up his glasses and nodded. “We’ll arrange everything right away. Just try to keep her spirits up.”

“I will. Please, just get started as soon as possible.”

He gave me another nod and left with the medical team for their meeting. I walked back to Darleen’s room.

She looked up when I came in and stared at me, almost in shock. “Lambert, you’ve lost so much weight lately. Are you working yourself too hard?”

Maybe it was the stomach problems. Maybe it was just not sleeping enough. Either way, I knew I looked exhausted.

“It’s nothing, Mom. I stayed up too late playing video games last night, that’s all.”

“What is it? Did you get everything sorted out already?”

“No, it’s something else.”

She didn’t even try to hide her annoyance. “Then get to the point.”

I hesitated, then finally said, “I really appreciate you lending me the money, but I can’t cut things off with her. I just can’t.”

Claire’s voice shot up. “Wow, take the money and then go back on your word? That’s so like you!”

“It’s not what you think. The money is for Darleen’s treatment. You know my situation. My adoptive mom is sick. I can’t just leave her now.”