Chapter 2
The anesthesia had no effect on my body.
Every movement of cold surgical instruments felt like being torn me apart. The pain eventually pulled me
into darkness.
When I opened my eyes, Hudson was there, his eyes red from crying. His voice was soft with a mix of concern and hidden guilt:
“Reese, thank God you’re finally awake. How’s your feeling now?”
“I’ve been outside the OR the whole time. God, Reese, losing Noah… it’s killing me. If I lost you too, I just… I
couldn’t handle it.”
“Babe, the doctors told me… the stab wounds damaged your uterus. You won’t be able to have more kids.” He squeezed my hand. “But don’t worry – I’ll take care of you forever. Being childless isn’t so bad.”
I looked down at my bandaged abdomen. The hollow emptiness inside reminded me that my chance at motherhood had been permanently stolen.
“Where’s Noah?” My voice was barely a whisper.
Hudson’s face tightened with grief mixed with something darker: “He’s been cremated. The funeral’s
tomorrow.”
“Reese, I’m so sorry – I failed him. Failed both of you.”
My heart clenched, but I didn’t expose his lies.
On the bedside table sat a elegant box containing a protection pendant.
“Hudson… it’s Noah’s birthday. We never gave him his present. Could this pendant stay with him? To keep him safe, wherever he is?”
Hudson’s brow twitched almost imperceptibly. “Hon, that’s actually a commission I’m handling for a
client’s kid. We can’t give away someone else’s piece.”
“Besides, it’s meant for the living. Noah’s… he can’t use it now.”
“And honestly, it’s not special enough for him. I’ve ordered all the premium items for the funeral. H have everything he needs.”
I stayed silent, my heart turning to stone.
09:31
The Black Swan’s Final Revenge Pirouette: The 99th Gra
All Along.
74.0%
Chapter 2
Hudson had forgotten my years as a luxury jewelry authenticator before becoming a stay–at–home mom.
That pendant was platinum and diamonds, custom–designed, worth well into six figures.
The inscription read “Forever Protected” – a testament to parental love.
For two months, I’d caught glimpses of Hudson in his study, meticulously designing that pendant. I’d thought it was Noah’s birthday gift.
Now I understood – in his heart, we were the ones who were unworthy.
At my insistence, Hudson arranged my discharge and took me home.
He dismissed the private nurse, insisting on caring for me himself – bathing me, washing my hair, carefully working around the wounds.
He even blow–dried my hair, playing the attentive husband to perfection.
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