He Gave Her My Eyes A Story of Final Sight novel Chapter 18

Theresia finally learned that it was Patti who had taken her artwork and entered it into the competition. Furious, Theresia went to confront her, but Leila snapped at her like she had lost her mind.

"You stole eighteen years of Patti's life. So what if she took a painting from you? Besides, you're going blind. You'll never paint again. Patti is doing you a favor by using your art for the competition. You should be grateful, not ungrateful."

The very next day, Leila marched into Harrisburg Academy of Fine Arts and withdrew Theresia from school. Just one more year, and she would have graduated. Just one more year.

Theresia drew in a shaky breath, biting down hard on her lower lip as her whole body trembled.

The officer's voice cut through her thoughts, sharper now. "Theresia, answer the question."

She lifted her head after a moment, her eyes dark and unwavering. "Until my lawyer arrives, I have the right to remain silent."

Two hours later, Theresia walked out of the police station.

She waited by the entrance, listening as Hanson exchanged polite small talk with the officer handling her case. After a few words, Hanson turned to leave.

They stepped outside together, but as soon as they were out the door, Hanson's patience snapped.

"Theresia, don't move."

She stopped in her tracks. Hanson stormed up to her, his voice tight with frustration. "If you hadn't been arrested today, how long were you planning to keep this from me?"

Theresia's face was drained of color, her expression empty and exhausted. "I wasn't trying to hide it from you."

That was all it took. The tears Theresia had been holding back finally burst free, spilling down her cheeks. For the first time since she learned the truth, she let herself cry as hard and as long as she needed. All the pain and frustration she had bottled up finally had a way out.

When she was finally spent, she climbed into Hanson's car. He handed her a tissue, his eyes suddenly sharp as he remembered the people who had hurt her. "Theresia, what are you going to do about those two?"

Just because she was quiet didn't mean she had no ideas.

Once she had pulled herself together, Theresia spoke calmly. "Patti set up the car accident. I've already hired someone to look for witnesses. And Lawrence worked with those doctors to steal my corneas. There's no way they can cover everything up. I'm going to find the evidence and make sure the law takes care of them."

Hanson was still upset, but his worry for her was stronger than his anger. After a pause, he asked, "And what about the baby? Are you going to keep it?"