My Lawyer Boyfriend Defended the Man Who Took My Scalpel

We carried on a secret relationship for seven years. Our marriage registration failed eighteen times.

The nineteenth time, I thought the suffering was finally overthat my boyfriend and I would at last walk into marriage together.

Instead, what waited for me was near death.

I was the youngest genius ophthalmologist in Cleveland, someone the entire medical field had placed enormous hopes on.

But that day, a fruit knife pierced straight through my palm. Blood poured everywhere, and from that moment on, I could no longer hold a surgical scalpel.

The attacker was the father of Randall Hendershots childhood sweetheart.

I had just finished a seven-hour, extremely high-risk surgery for him. Yet because he was unhappy that I had taken away the son-in-law he wanted, he barged into my office while I was completely exhausted and tried to kill me.

After barely surviving, I immediately reported the crime and filed a lawsuit.

But my boyfriendRandall, a lawyervoluntarily chose to defend the culprit.

And he won.

I stood outside the courthouse. The gauze wrapped around me was soaked through with blood. My entire arm trembled uncontrollably, yet I couldnt say a single word.

When I insisted on filing an appeal, Randall reached out and stopped me.

Tara, if you insist on appealing your brother might end up going to prison for molestation.

My heart sank hard. What do you mean?

Randall wasnt in a hurry. He calmly took out his phone, swiped once, and held a surveillance video in front of me.

The moment the screen lit up, it felt like I had been plunged into ice water.

My brother is my only family.

He ranked first in the entire school. His recommendation spot was secured. He was the hope our parents entrusted to me before they diedthe one person I was told I had to protect no matter what.

But now, his face was flushed, his eyes unfocused, his entire body leaning uncontrollably toward a girl not far away.

The girl tried to push him away, but she couldnt.

I knew exactly this was a crime!

If that girl reported him for molestation, my brothers entire life would be ruined!

But he had always been sensible. How could he ever do something like this?

My whole body turned ice-cold, trembling all the way to my fingertips.

Nik how could this happen? Who drugged him?

Randalls expression remained calm.

Thats not something you need to worry about. You only need to decide whether to withdraw the appeal. Once you do, everything will be taken care of.

Something clicked in my mind. My heart clenched violently.

This was arranged by you?

The man I had loved for seven years slowly lifted his eyes. There wasnt a trace of panic in them.

It was as if he were merely handling the most ordinary case.

My throat felt like it had been ripped open. The entire world collapsed in that instant.

My brother is only eighteen! Hes one step away from his dreams! How could you

Because youre doing something that puts me in a very difficult position.

Randall cut me off, his voice even gentle as he spoke.

Tara, if you continue with the appeal, I wont interfere. Your brother will be left with a permanent criminal recordhis future completely destroyed.

His tone was so detached that it made my stomach churn with fear.

He continued calmly.

But if you take a step back and withdraw the appeal, then no one will ever know about this. Nothing will happen between your brother and that girl.

All my strength drained away. The man standing in front of me felt terrifyingly unfamiliar.

Youre threatening me for Samanthas father?

Thats not a threat, he corrected lightly.

Its weighing the pros and cons and choosing the lesser harm. Your brothers futureand our future happinesswill always be worth more than sending an elderly man who made an accidental mistake to prison.

He slipped his phone back into his pocket and gently lifted my pale chin with his fingers.

Ill give you one minute to think it over. As long as you give up the appeal, we can still live happily together.

He even said it tenderly. You dont have to be a doctor anymore. You can stay home as a housewife. I can support you.

At that moment, every drop of blood in my body froze.

I couldnt believe the man who once told me, The way you chase your dreams is dazzling, could ignore my future for someone elseand even try to destroy my only family.

I could no longer hold a scalpel, yet in his mouth, it was reduced to a casual accident.

Ten seconds, Randall began counting, certain I wouldnt persist.

Nine.

My brothers guaranteed admission, his honor, his entire futuresuddenly, all of it hung in Randalls hands now.

Eight.

My brother knew nothing. I could already imagine how much pain he would feel once he sobered up.

A genius teenager, forced into becoming the protagonist of a malicious crime.

Three.

I withdraw the appeal.

Tears blurred my vision.

For my brother, I signed the agreement to give up the appeal.

But when I rushed to the hotel, my brother had already climbed onto the sixth-floor window ledge in despair.

He cried out to me.

Tara, I dont want to be a bad person Im not a bad person but I feel so awful. My body isnt getting out of my control! I really cant hold on

The next second, his body fell backward.

I couldnt even scream.

All that remained in my eyes was that horrifying streak of red.

In the hospital corridor, I sat there holding my brothers clothes for a long time.

Then, by chance, I heard Randalls friend talking to him nearby.

This really blew up, didnt it? The time before that, you set fire to the marital house. Last time, you sold Taras dog and said it ran away. You dragged things out so many times. Didnt expect it to blow up this time.

My entire body stiffened.

Randall replied calmly, I really did want to register the marriage with her. Who knew Samanthas father would suddenly act impulsively and make such a mistake. Ill make it up to her in the future.

What did that mean?

I numbly raised my head. The blazing sun shone down on me, yet I couldnt feel even a hint of warmth.

Youre really going to marry that woman from the countryside? What about your childhood sweetheart?

Randalls voice didnt waver at all.

Tara has been with me for many years. I owe her a proper status. Nineteen delays in registering the marriageconsider it my greed. As for Samantha were fated but not destined. We can only be siblings.

My mind felt like it had been struck by lightning.

Seven years.

Seven years of love.

I had believed Randall and I shared the same heart, that we were running toward the future side by side.

But neither of us ever imagined that all nineteen failed attempts at registering our marriage had been meticulously designed by him himself.

Before the first registration, he was suddenly retaliated against by a defendant, and I injured my leg, spending three months recovering.

Before the second, I was suddenly assigned multiple urgent patients and couldnt rest for months.

Before the third, I was scratched by the cat belonging to Randalls childhood sweethearts family and sent to the hospital.

It turned out that today was the only accident he hadnt anticipated.

And Samanthas father almost killed me.

Yet Randall defended him.

He even used my brother as leverage!

Through tears, I dialed a number I never thought I would call.

Senior

My voice was hoarse, barely recognizable as my own.

You said before that you wanted me to go to the United Kingdom for further study and become a professor. I agree.

But I have one condition. Arrange the best lawyer for me.

I spoke each word slowly, using every ounce of will I had left.

In seven days, I want Randall to pay the price.

One week later, I would transfer my brother abroadand then refile the lawsuit against Samanthas father!

There was a brief silence on the other end of the line, followed by a firm response.

Alright. Ill take care of everything for you.

Doctors worked on my brother for a full day and night before he was finally pulled back from the brink of death.

Even so, he remained in a deep coma. No one could say whenif everhe would wake up.

I stood beside his hospital bed, staring at his tightly shut eyes, my throat feeling as though it were clogged with sharp thorns.

This was all because of me.

My brother ended up like this because of me.

Randall walked into the room, his voice carrying a trace of apology.

Your brothers condition was an accident. I didnt expect him to do something so extreme.

My nose stung suddenly, and my nails dug hard into my palm.

As long as you withdraw the lawsuit, he said, Ill bring in the best specialists. Ill make sure he wakes up.

My fingers trembled, a wave of nausea surging so violently it almost burst out of my throat.

What right did Randall have?

What right did he have to stand here, wearing the posture of a benefactor, trying to patch up the hell he himself had created?

Every inch of the pain my brother and I were suffering was the result of his careful calculations.

But he hadnt always been like this.

Seven years ago, he had been nothing more than a student who dreamed of becoming a lawyer.

To stick to that path, he fought bitterly with his parents, moved out on his own, and rented a tiny apartment in the most remote part of the city.

That same year, my cat was poisoned to death.

I held that small, lifeless body and stood outside the police station for a long time. After that, I went from one law firm to another, knocking on doors, explaining what had happened over and over again, begging for nothing more than an answer.

Every response I got was a rejection.

Every one, except Randall.

After listening to my story, he handed me a tissue, his voice deliberately gentle.

Youre crying so hard I can barely hear what youre saying.

I lowered my head, my voice shaking. I know cases like this arent worth much but it was still a life.

He squatted down so we were eye to eye.

I know. And thats exactly why someone has to take it.

I hesitated before asking, This case can it really be fought?

He looked up at me, his gaze unwavering.

I cant promise well win. But I promise Ill do everything I possibly can.

That lawsuit dragged on for several months.

Randall stayed up all night researching, rewrote the complaint again and again over the smallest details, and even though his bank card had been cut off and he was desperately broke, he still comforted me.

Dont worry about the money. Lets finish what needs to be done first.

In the end, we won.

The perpetrator didnt go to prison, but he was fined for intentional property damage and forced to issue a public apology.

The outcome wasnt perfect, but it was the best ending I could have imagined at the time.

It was only later that I learnedthat case had been the very first lawsuit Randall ever won.

On the day the trial ended, he hugged me outside the courthouse. He smiled like a boy, bright and unrestrained, his voice impossible to hold back.

Tara, did you hear that?

He admitted he was wrong.

So persistence really does mean something.

In that moment, I was struck by his kindness, and deeply moved by his almost clumsy devotion to justice.

But seven years had passed.

The boy who once argued fiercely over just a cat, who celebrated a single victory by hugging someone and cheering, was gone.

He had become just like those peoplewilling to use any means necessary as long as he won the case.

I forced myself to grit my teeth and calm down.

I forced all the surging emotions back into the deepest part of my heart.

Because I knew that, right now, I still couldnt go up against him. The support my senior had arranged for me hadnt arrived yet.

I heard myself speak in a voice that was almost eerily calm.

Randall, lets break up.

The air went dead silent.

Unable to help myself, I deliberately brought up the nineteen failed attempts at marriage registration.

Look at us. Every time we try to register our marriage, something goes wrong. Maybe it really is fate telling us were not meant to be together.

When those words left my mouth, my chest hurt so badly I nearly couldnt straighten up.

Letting go of a seven-year relationship was never easy. My brother and I depended on each other, and before all this, Randall had been my second family.

But I thought breaking up was the wisest way to protect myself.

Wasnt he deliberately tormenting me under the excuse of repaying a debt of gratitude, just to delay the marriage?

Then I would give him his freedom outright. I would let him return to the person he truly wanted to be with.

But the very next second after I finished speaking, he suddenly reached out and pulled me tightly into his arms.

What nonsense are you talking about?!

His tone was forceful, domineering, and absurd, as if it had never once crossed his mind that Iwho loved him so deeplywould propose a breakup.

I struggled in disgust, but he only held me tighter.

Dont use breaking up to provoke me, okay?

Ive already compromised. What more do you want from me?

I was just trying to scare you a little. I didnt expect your brother to jump off the building. I didnt want this either. Seeing your brother like that hurts me more than anyone.

This is my fault. Ill make it up to you.

Trust me. Well go register next week. Once were married, everything will be perfect, and your brother will be treated properly and recover safely.

My body was still too familiar with his embrace. For a moment, I couldnt push him away.

The remnants of love and pain tangled together, leaving me almost unable to breathe.

Just as I struggled to shove him aside, his phone rang.

Almost reflexively, he released me.

The moment he answered the call, his tone changed completelygentle, patient, even indulgent.

Mmm, I know.

Tara has already agreed to withdraw the lawsuit. Uncle wont go to prison, so dont worry.

My gaze shook violently, my heart feeling as if it had been scooped out in an instant.

I knew who was on the other end of the line.

It was Samantha.

I didnt know what Samantha had said on the phone, but the next second, Randalls expression changed.

Youre at the hospital? Whats wrong? Where do you feel uncomfortable?

He only had time to say one hurried sentence to me. Tara, calm down. Ill go check on Samantha and come right back.

Then he turned and left.

He didnt see the hand I was clutching with gauzealready soaked through with blood from rushing back and forth.

He didnt ask if it hurt.

In his eyes, my injury and my brothers life meant nothing compared to a single sentence from Samantha: I dont feel well.

But I clearly remembered how things used to be. Back then, if I so much as nicked the skin beside my nail while cooking, he would notice immediately, panic setting in, his eyes turning red with worry.

How did it ever become like this?

When did the lie really beginseven years ago, or after Randall moved back to his parents home?

Randall. Why wont you agree to break up?!

Those questions crushed over and over in my mind.

No matter how hard I tried, I couldnt make sense of it.

Just then, my phone rang. It was a call from the obstetrics and gynecology department, reminding me to pick up my follow-up test results.

In that instant, my head buzzed.

My memory snapped uncontrollably back to the fifteenth time our marriage registration had failed.

That time, I had been knocked to the ground by a dog that suddenly went berserk on my way home. Blood everywhere. The child I had just conceived was gone before I even knew I was pregnant.

I slowly placed my hand over my lower abdomen.

A chill seeped into my limbs like poison.

And yet, I still couldnt help thinking, Maybe that time really had been an accident.

No matter how cold-blooded someone was, they wouldnt lay a hand on their own child right?

But when I reached the obstetrics department, I saw Randall and Samantha walking out side by side.

They didnt notice me at all.

Randall, Im already pregnant with your baby, Samantha said softly, her voice tinged with grievance. But I can only stay with you like thiswithout a name or a status.

Randall lowered his voice as he comforted her. Theres no choice, Samantha. Our relationship cant see the light of day.

Back then, my dad and your mom were foster siblings who loved each other. With that kind of history, we can never go public.

Samantha pouted, refusing to let him hold her.

Randall just smiled. He lowered his head and kissed the top of her hair, his tone gentleand cruel.

Its fine. Even if I cant marry you, so what?

My child will only ever be born by you.

As for Taras, didnt I already arrange for a rabid dog to take care of it? And I wont let her get pregnant again in the future.

Samantha asked coquettishly, What if she gets pregnant again by accident?

Randalls answer stabbed straight into my heart like a knife.

She wont.

Ive been adding contraceptives to the vitamins she takes every day. The dosage is high.

She cant get pregnant.

After she marries me, shell look like the glamorous wife of Atty. Hendershot to the outside world. But only well know the truthmy lover is you, and my only heir will be your child.

A piercing wave of tinnitus crashed over me. My legs gave out, and I slid to the floor.

And suddenly, I understood why he had refused to break up with me earlier.

At this moment, there was no room left for self-deception.

That childs death had never been an accident. It wasnt fates cruel joke.

It was a result that had been precisely calculated long in advance.

Done by Randall himself.

He hadnt just plotted my life and manipulated my choices. Without my knowledge, he had slowly destroyed my body, piece by piece.

He had even used medication to cut off my ability to become a motherturning me into someone who posed no future risk to him at all.

As that realization spread through my mind, I could barely breathe.

It felt like something heavy was crushing my chest. Seven years of memories surged forward all at once. Every detail I had once believed was tenderness and care now revealed its sharp, hidden edge.

Whether he had ever truly loved me no longer mattered.

All I knew was that the harm he had done to me was real.

I trembled with hatred, retching uncontrollably.

If I had a knife in my hand at that moment, I would have stabbed him without hesitation.

Just as my emotions were about to shatter what little reason I had left, a pair of polished leather shoes stopped in front of me.

A shadow fell, blocking the harsh corridor lights.

Ms. Barnhart, we finally found you.

The mans voice was steady and restrained, carrying a presence that was impossible to ignore.

Im the lawyer who will be representing you in your upcoming case.

He reached out and helped me up from the floor, his movements polite yet firm, then placed a business card in my hand.

I didnt need to look down to recognize who he was.

Erwin Millstein.

Randalls former classmateand one of the peers he had feared most over the years. A rising star at a world-renowned law firm, famous for his calm precision, sharp tactics, and utter lack of mercy.

There was a professional smile on his face, but his eyes were deep and nearly cold, as if he had long grown accustomed to staring directly at the ugliest sides of human nature.

At that moment, I felt an unexpected sense of relief.

Like someone drowning, finally grabbing onto a piece of driftwood that wouldnt break.

Almost instinctively, I clenched the sleeve of his suit, my fingers turning white with force. My voice was low, nearly a plea.

Attorney help me. I want Randalls life completely ruined.

If before, all I wanted was justice, then now, my resolve was clear and chillingly calm.

I didnt want compensation.

I wanted payback. Blood for blood.

Erwin looked down at me, his gaze lingering on my face for a brief moment. Then he raised his hand and gently wiped the tears from the corner of my eye with his thumb.

No one who stands in a courtroom is truly clean, he said quietly. Including Randall.

The outcome you want, he continued, I can guarantee it.

I stared at him, my voice hoarse. There are six days left. Is that enough time?

Erwin smiled faintly. The smile never reached his eyes, but it carried an almost ruthless confidence.

More than enough.

Perfect timing, actually. A week from now is Randalls televised interview.

Let him fall off the cliff at the very peak of his glory. Doesnt that sound fun?

Erwin looked as if he had been waiting for this opportunity for a long time.

Hearing his firm, unequivocal promise, the nerves that had been stretched to their limit finally eased just a little.

I sent a message to my senior.

[The lawyer has already met with me. Everythings been arranged very carefully.]

[Senior, thank you. Truly.]

It took a while before he replied.

I was staring blankly at my screen when my phone suddenly vibrated.

He was calling me directly.

Youve met Erwin already? he asked.

His voice was as calm as ever, but there was noticeably less distance in it than usual.

Yeah.

I nodded instinctively, then realized he couldnt see me and added softly, Hes very professional. And hes been very considerate.

There was a brief silence on the other end of the line.

Thats good, he said at last.

Something about the way he said those three words felt off.

For now, just cooperate with the process. Dont overthink it, he continued.

Ill take care of the rest.

My throat tightened.

Senior, youve already helped me so much

Tara.

He cut me off, but his tone wasnt harsh. Dont rush to thank me.

Just get through this stretch first.

When I finish dealing with what I have on hand, Ill come find you.

He said it naturally, calmlybut with a certainty that left no room for doubt.

I fell silent for a moment before answering quietly.

Okay.

After the call ended, I had no idea that almost at the same time, another call was being placed.

My senior stood by the floor-to-ceiling window in his office, his expression dark and heavy. Neon lights from outside reflected faintly in his eyes, yet not a trace of warmth remained.

Erwin.

The moment the call connected, he said his name outright.

No pleasantries. No preamble.

Im warning you, he said coldly. Dont entertain thoughts you shouldnt have about her.

A low chuckle came from the other end.

Youre being a little dramatic, arent you? Erwin replied lazily. I havent done anything.

Shes not someone you get to toy with, my senior said, his voice turning icy, every word steady and deliberate.

Shes mine.

There was a two-second silence on the line.

Then came a soft, ambiguous laugh.

Understood.

The response was perfunctory, almost entirely devoid of sincerity.

Relax. I know my limits.

Before another word could be said, the call was already disconnected.

At the far end of the corridor, my figure disappeared around the corner.

Erwin put his phone away, slid one hand into his pocket, and stood there watching for a moment.

The curve of his lips was lazyyet dangerous.

As if he hadnt taken that warning seriously at all.

When I returned to the hospital room, the tension in my mind snapped tight.

Randall and Samantha were standing by my brothers bed, doing something I couldnt quite see.

Almost instinctively, I quickened my pace and stepped between them and my brother. Hatred and vigilance surged up from deep inside me at the same time.

The moment Samantha saw me, a sweet smile bloomed on her face.

Tara, thank you for being willing to withdraw the lawsuit, she said softly.

Then, in a gentle tone that cut deeper than a knife, she added,

You dont have parents, so maybe you cant really understand how important parents are to me.

The words pierced straight into my chest like a needle.

Oh, right, she continued lightly. Tara, the day after tomorrow is my moms birthday. Would you like to come over for dinner? We want to thank you properly in person.

I swallowed down the metallic taste in my throat and rejected her coldly.

No. My brother needs someone to take care of him.

Samantha instinctively glanced at Randall, looking flustered and unsure.

Randall frowned and turned to me.

Tara, there will be a caregiver to look after your brother. You dont need to stay here all the time.

Samantha is my sister. Her family is essentially my family as well. This is a family dinner. It wouldnt look good for you, as my fiance, not to attend.

I refused again, my tone decisive.

Were not married yet. I have no obligation to attend your familys dinner.

This time, the displeasure on his face finally slipped through before he could fully hide it.

He clearly hadnt expected mewho had always been obedientto push back against his arrangements.

After a brief pause, he softened his tone, as if assuming I was just being emotional.

Since youve chosen to be my wife, you need to shoulder the responsibilities that come with that.

You have to attend this dinner. Otherwise, your brothers treatment

I snapped my head up and stared at him.

This man I had once loved so deeply.

Even after being hurt so many times, I had still underestimated just how ruthless he could be.

To force me to submit, he was using my brother to threaten me again.

I still remembered how he used to tell me that as long as I didnt want to, he would never force me to face his parents.

But with Randall, I would always come second to Samantha.

Thinking of the conversation Id overheard not long ago in the obstetrics department, my mind suddenly shifted.

Fine. Ill go.

I wanted to see for myself just how much filth the Hendershots and the Massrys were hiding beneath the surface.

Samanthas birthday family dinner was ultimately held at the Hendershotss mountain estate.

I sat at the very end of the long table, watching the two families laugh and exchange pleasantries, warm and familiar with one another.

To them, my tragedyand my brotherswere nothing more than idle table talk, incapable of stirring even the slightest emotional ripple.

My gaze swept over Randalls father, then landed on Samanthas mother.

And that was when I noticed their feet entwined beneath the table.

I tugged at the corner of my mouth and let out a quiet, mocking laugh.

Just then, Jamey slowly lifted his wine glass, his smile thick and greasy.

Come now, Miss Barnhart, he said.

Since were all sitting at the same table, theres no need to keep such a long face.

His gaze openly traveled over me before finally settling on my bandaged hand. There wasnt a shred of remorse in his tone.

Thank you for being sensible enough to withdraw the lawsuit.

At the end of the day, making a big fuss doesnt look good for anyone.

Catherine immediately followed up, her voice gentle and composed.

Thats right, Tara. Youre educatedyou understand reason. Forcing people into a corner doesnt do your reputation any favors either.

William also raised his glass and sighed.

Child, you have to learn to look forward in life.

Youre not in great health right now. Clinging to these matterswhat good does it do you?

Jameys smile grew even more self-satisfied, his tone practically condescending.

As for your hand, to be honest, you were just unlucky.

Young people need to suffer a little, so they learn who they cant afford to offend.

Life cant always go smoothly, can it?

He extended his glass toward me, his tone firm and final.

Come. Lets have a toast.

Once you drink this, well consider the matter settled.

My fingertips wouldnt stop trembling. I used almost all my strength just to keep myself from losing control and standing up on the spot.

The people who had pushed me to this point How could they be so shameless, so self-righteous?

This whole family was disgusting beyond words.

Before I could explode, Samantha suddenly reddened her eyes.

Dad, please dont say that.

Her voice was soft and delicate, carrying a hint of choking sobs.

Tara must be hurting so much inside.

Why dont we do this

She stood up, as if she had finally made up her mind.

Ill drink in Dads place.

As soon as she finished speaking, she downed three glasses in a row. The liquor slid down her throat, and an unnatural flush quickly spread across her face.

Lucy immediately panicked.

Slow down, slow down. Dont push yourself.

Samantha shook her head, clearly forcing herself to stay composed.

Im fine.

As long as Tara can calm down.

She poured another glass, held it with both hands, and offered it to me. Her eyes were red.

Tara.

Could you give me this bit of face?

I know youve been wronged, but things have already come to this.

Just consider it for the sake of the child, okay?

Randall finally snapped out of it. He grabbed the glass from her hand, his voice rising sharply.

Are you crazy?

Youre already

He stopped himself abruptly.

The words left unsaid were more brutal than if he had finished them.

He looked down at her, his eyes filled with tenderness, his tone instantly softening.

You dont have to do this.

But when he looked up at me again, all warmth vanished.

What remained was irritation and judgment.

Tara.

Samantha has gone this far. Uncle and Aunt have already lowered themselves. What more do you want?

Havent you already agreed to drop the charges?

Why are you still putting on airs?

Do you enjoy watching everyone bow their heads to you?

He stepped forward, his voice cold, like issuing a final ultimatum.

Is drinking one glass really going to kill you?

He knew.

He knew perfectly well.

I had just undergone surgery.

I couldnt drink at all.

But to everyone at this table, my body, my pain, my life meant nothing.

What mattered was whether I would lift this so-called reconciliation wine.

I couldnt take it anymore.

As the glass moved closer and closer, I raised my hand and knocked it away hard.

The glass shattered. Liquor splashed everywhere.

Samanthas hand was cut. She screamed.

Before I could even react, the next second, Randalls slap landed across my face without mercy.

I stood frozen, my ears ringing, my cheek burning.

I hadnt wanted to cry, but my eyes betrayed me, turning red anyway.

Seven years together, and Randall had never laid a hand on me.

The first time he did, it was for Samantha.

My mind went blank. I turned, wanting only to leave.

Behind me, Randall seemed to realize what hed done. He shut his eyes in regret, then quickly chased after me.

Tara, I didnt mean it. Dont be mad.

He grabbed me, panic finally creeping into his voice. This is a mountain resort. There are no cars outside. You cant leave right now.

Stay for now, okay?

Be good. Once you calm down, Ill explain everything.

I shook his hand off.

I looked at him, then, right in front of his eyes, pulled the plain band off my finger and tossed it into the trash. Without another word, I went upstairs.

Tara!

Randall panicked and tried to follow, but Samantha called out to him.

I watched him hesitate for a moment before turning back to the dining room.

Downstairs, laughter soon resumed, as if nothing had happened.

I let out a bitter, self-mocking laugh. What hope had I still been clinging to with this man?

Taking a deep breath, I turned and walked toward Randalls fathers room.

I quietly placed the pinhole camera I had prepared long ago.

When I returned to the guest room and tried to call a car to go home, I saw Samantha slip inside like a snake and shut the door with a click.

She slowly turned around. The fake fragility was gone. What remained was smug provocation.

Tara, does it feel stifling?

She glanced at my phone lighting up and dimming again, the corners of her lips curling slightly. Her voice was so gentle it was almost pitying.

Were you trying to call someone to pick you up? Or looking for someone to back you up?

You used to have that idiot brother whod charge in for you. But now hes probably gone, huh?

What a pity.

She sighed softly. Your brother really had bad luck, getting stuck with a sister like you.

If youre going to spew nonsense, do it outside. Dont stand in front of me and get in my way. I stood up. I didnt want to stay in the same room with her for another second.

Samantha didnt get angry at all. Her gaze slid from my face to the bandaged hand.

Tsk, tsk. Look at our doctor. That hand is seriously injured.

Aunt Jaclyn was just saying earlierthis is perfect. Now, you wont have to show your face everywhere anymore. You can stay home and be a useless person in peace. At least that way, youre somewhat useful.

As if recalling something, she chuckled softly.

Did you know? They never really liked you.

Country background, weak family, stubborn personality, and still insisting on clinging to Randalls future. In their eyes, someone like you isnt even qualified to be a daughter-in-law.

She stepped closer, superiority dripping from her tone.

But Im different.

The Hendershots has liked me since I was little. Theyve always believed Im the one who truly belongs by Randalls side.

My breathing grew heavy. My whole body began to tremble.

Samantha looked as though she had been waiting for this moment. She slowly rested a hand on her abdomen.

You still dont know, do you? This child inside me

She smiled lightly, absolute confidence in her voice.

Randall is very satisfied.

He said this is the child that should be born. The one everyone has been waiting for.

As for that clump of flesh of yours that got taken care of like a dog

To put it bluntly, its a good thing it was never born.

After all, even if it had been, it wouldve just been an unacknowledged bastard.

Her tone was casual, but every word was poison.

And your brother.

Honestly, if he really dies, itd be cleaner.

A family like yours just drags people down. One less burden would actually make things easier.

She tilted her head, as if sincerely thinking it through for me.

Look at you. No child. No hand. No future. And soon, no brother holding you back

At that moment, I couldnt hear anything anymore.

The world dissolved into a sharp, piercing hum.

I lost all control.

I raised my hand and slapped Samantha across the face with all my strength.

A sharp slap cracked through the room.

The next second, the expression on Samanthas face changed abruptly.

She sucked in a sharp breath, her body tilting toward the window as if pulled by momentum. She clutched my wrist tightly, swaying on the edge, looking as though she might fall from the height at any moment.

Randall! Help!

She screamed, her voice shrill and full of terror.

Tara is trying to push me down! Shes trying to kill me!

My pupils shrank. My mind went completely blank.

Before I could even react, the door was kicked open.

Randall stormed in. Without a second of hesitation, he grabbed me and violently shoved me aside.

I crashed hard onto the floor. My back went numb on impact, my vision darkening in waves.

Tara, have you lost your mind?!

His voice exploded with rage, as though years of suppressed fury had finally found an outlet.

You actually dared to lay a hand on Samantha?!

Samantha immediately collapsed into his arms, trembling all over, crying so hard she could barely breathe.

Randall I was just trying to explain things to her. She suddenly hit me and said I deserved to die Her sobs broke apart. I was so scared

Randall lowered his head to look at her. The pain and tenderness in his eyes were almost overflowing.

But when he lifted his gaze to me, every trace of warmth vanished, leaving only cold disgust.

Apologize.

His tone was icy, absolute.

Apologize to Samantha. Now.

I pushed myself up from the floor. My throat was tight, but my voice came out unnervingly steady.

Why should I apologize?

She cursed my brother to die. She said I deserved to lose my hand, deserved to never have children

Thats enough!

Randall cut me off sharply, impatience written all over his face.

I dont want to hear your excuses.

You did something wrong. You apologize.

Cold spread through my entire body, but I stood straight.

I did nothing wrong.

Randall looked at me, the corner of his mouth twitching. His eyes were dark and bottomless.

Right in front of me, he pulled out his phone and dialed a number.

John.

His voice was flat, devoid of emotion.

Remove Niks ventilator.

In that instant, my world collapsed.

It felt as if my blood reversed course. I froze in place, unable even to breathe.

Randall!

I screamed until my chest tore apart. Are you insane?! Do you know what youre doing?!

He ended the call and looked down at me from above, his calm more terrifying than anger.

This is the price for disobedience.

Attempted murder is still a crime. Im teaching you to respect life.

I didnt hear another word after that.

I stared at his phone, my voice shattered into something barely human.

Dont remove the ventilator

Please dont

The call had already been cut off, clean and final.

Randall looked down at me, his gaze as indifferent as if he were staring at a dog pinned by the throat.

Now, he said, you can apologize.

Kneel.

Apologize to Samantha.

As long as she forgives you, Ill have them put the ventilator back.

In that moment, dignity, pride, and self-respect were crushed into dust.

I knew him too well. If Randall said it, he would do it.

He truly did not care whether my brother lived or died.

The sound of my knees hitting the floor was dull and deafening.

Im sorry.

Its my fault.

I bowed again and again, my forehead nearly touching the ground. My voice shook uncontrollably as tears slammed down.

Please spare my brother.

Im begging you please

Samantha said nothing.

She stood there, looking down at me from above.

After a long moment, she slowly pressed a hand to her stomach, her face turning pale.

Randall

My stomach hurts.

Will the baby be okay?

Randalls expression changed instantly.

He no longer spared me a glance. He scooped her up in his arms, panic and concern flooding his voice.

Come on. Were going to the hospital.

I lunged forward like a madwoman, clutching desperately at the hem of his clothes.

Randall! Call them

Please, make the call first!

Tell them to put the ventilator back please!

He flung me away without hesitation, his eyes colder than ice.

Reflect properly on your mistakes.

I slammed to the ground.

All I could do was watch as their figures disappeared through the doorway, the world falling silent around me.

I collapsed onto the freezing floor, my fingers shaking so badly I could barely hold my phone.

Please anyone save my brother.

I unlocked the screen in a panic, my fingers randomly tapping through my contacts. I didnt even see whose name it was before the call went through.

Each ring felt like a hammer striking my heart.

The next second, the call connected.

Hello?

The familiar voice broke me completely.

Senior

Theyre pulling my brothers ventilator

Randall has lost his mind. He really wants to kill my brother

My words came out broken and incoherent.

Can you help me say something please, ask the hospital to spare him

Ill agree to anything. I really cant hold on anymore

Tara.

My seniors voice lowered.

Calm down and listen to me. Im here. Your brother will be fine.

I heard him rapidly instruct his secretary to contact people for help, then he said quietly, Im not by your side right now, but you can use Erwin anytime.

There was a trace of gritted teeth in his voice.

Ive already sent Erwin to pick you up.

Hes nearby. Hell be there soon.

You dont need to do anything. Just stay where you are and wait for him.

I opened my mouth, but my throat felt blocked. Only a faint, broken breath escaped.

Really nothing will happen?

I promise.

His voice was firm.

At that moment, the tension holding me together finally snapped.

My phone slipped from my hand. I slid down along the wall, tears pouring out uncontrollably, my sobs tearing free.

My consciousness began to fade, my ears filled with nothing but my own frantic breathing.

Before everything went dark, I heard his urgent voice through the phone.

Tara, hold on a little longer.

Erwin will be there any second.

But I couldnt hold on to anything anymore.

When I opened my eyes again, it was already daylight.

Sunlight filtered through the blinds in thin strips across the bedsheets. For a moment, I couldnt tell where I was or what day it was. My whole body felt hollowed out, even breathing dull and painful.

A note sat on the bedside table.

The handwriting was clean and decisive. Erwins.

It read: [Your brother is temporarily stable. I stayed with you all night. Theres an urgent matter at the company. Ill be back as soon as I finish.]

Something inside my chest seemed to lift slightly.

I threw off the blanket and got out of bed, barefoot, heading straight out.

I needed to see my brother immediately.

Only by seeing him lying there, still breathing, could I truly relax.

But the moment I pushed open his hospital room door, it was empty.

My heart sank violently.

My voice changed as I grabbed a passing nurse and asked where he was.

Startled, the nurse stammered, A pregnant woman just had massive bleeding and urgently needs a transfusion. The blood bank doesnt have enough supply. Your brothers blood type matches, so he was taken for a transfusion.

My head buzzed.

I nearly screamed out of control. Hes a patient! Hes the one lying in a hospital bed. What right do you have to take blood from a patient?!

The nurse turned pale. It was an order from above. Were just following instructions.

It had to be Randall.

I didnt even have time to put on my shoes. I turned and ran toward the operating room.

I was running too fast. The hallway blurred and darkened before my eyes.

Thankfully, I made it in time.

I forced myself in front of the gurney, the wheels screeching as they stopped.

I threw myself forward, gripping the edge with both hands until my knuckles turned white, my voice trembling beyond control.

He cant give blood

My words were chaotic, my breathing ragged, my vision darkening.

My brother is sick. If he gives blood hell really die!

The next second, a brutal force struck from the side.

Someone seized my wrist, squeezing so hard it felt like my bones would shatter.

I let out a muffled cry of pain, forced to let go as I was violently flung aside.

Randall burst out of the operating room, his face terrifyingly dark, violent fury surging in his eyes.

What are you making a scene for?!

His voice was cold and final, without the slightest hesitation.

This is what your brother owes Samantha.

Randall stood beneath the light, staring at me coldly, as if he were judging a criminal.

If it werent for your bullying, how could Samantha have been frightened like that?

She nearly miscarried just now. Do you have any idea?

When he said this, his voice was thick with barely suppressed angeryet there wasnt a trace of hesitation.

Now were only asking your brother to donate a little blood. Whats the big deal?

Whats the big deal?

I looked at the man before methe man I had loved for seven years, the man I had compromised for again and again, forgiven again and againand suddenly he felt terrifyingly unfamiliar.

That was when I finally lost control.

Randall, are you even human?

My voice trembled, but every word was bitten out hard.

Thats my brother. Hes still sick. A blood transfusion could kill him!

For Samanthas sake, you dont even care about human life anymore?

Where is your conscience, Randall?!

I was almost screaming. My chest felt like it had been ripped open alive, every breath tearing with pain.

But Randall suddenly let out a cold laugh.

There was no anger at being exposed, no shame at being condemnedonly blatant impatience, like he was looking at a hysterical troublemaker.

Enough with the nonsense. You keep talking about me and Samantha, but I havent even asked you yetwho was the man who took you away last night?!

I froze. My heart clenched tightly. Instinctively, I thought he had found out about me asking Steven for help.

Randall said coldly,

My mom said you were taken away by another man.

So, he stared at me icily, all this drama latelybreaking up, withdrawing the lawsuit, losing control emotionallyisnt it just because youve got someone else outside?

You already planned yourself a way out, didnt you? Thats why you dare to act so self-righteous now?

Tara, have you forgotten who you are?

Sentence after sentence, pure distortion of the truth.

All my breakdowns, my despair, my resistance after being driven into a cornerhe reduced it all to one accusation:

That I had cheated.

I looked at him and suddenly wanted to laugh.

But the laughter got stuck in my throat, no matter how hard I tried. In the end, all that remained was complete and utter shattering.

I fainted.

If I hadnt called for help myself, if I had waited for your parents to suddenly grow a conscience one day while I lay in your house, I might already be dead!

For a brief moment, Randalls expression darkened.

For that single second, I foolishly thoughtdid he finally feel guilty?

But it really was only a second.

Very quickly, he returned to that calm, matter-of-fact expression.

I dont care.

He said it with unsettling composure, as if announcing a decision made long ago.

Right now, Samantha needs a blood transfusion.

Your brothers blood type is compatible. This is your punishment.

The moment those words landed, my entire body went cold.

I clenched my teeth so hard my mouth filled with the taste of blood.

Then take mine!

Take my blood!

I have a rare blood type too!

For a brief instant, Randalls gaze flickered. He hesitated.

But soon enough, he looked away. He raised a hand in a small gesture, his tone cold and clipped.

In that case, take her over.

The next second, hospital staff restrained me and prepared me for the transfusion.

The moment the needle pierced my vein, my body jolted violently. A chill shot straight up my spine.

Cold fluid flowed out through the tube, and it felt as though I was being hollowed out, bit by bit.

Halfway through, the doctor frowned and lowered his voice.

Thats already quite a lot. Her physical condition isnt good. If we keep drawing

How much does Samantha need?

Randall interrupted him, not even glancing at me.

The doctor hesitated.

In theory the more, the better. Itll be more stable.

Then keep drawing.

Randalls voice was flat, devoid of any emotion.

Dont stop.

At that moment, I didnt even have the strength to open my eyes.

Cold spread through me. My vision blurred in waves. The sounds around me felt muffled, as if filtered through water.

As my blood was drained away bit by bit, my consciousness collapsed inch by inch with it.

Just as I was about to pass out completely, a hand suddenly covered mine, gripping my palm.

Randall lowered his head, his voice pressed low.

As though he were granting me the last scraps of tenderness.

This is the last time, Tara.

Once we get married, everything will get better.

Just endure it.

I kept my eyes closed.

I didnt answer.

I didnt even have the strength to answer.

Because at that very moment, the last remaining fragment of feeling I had for him shattered completely.

As soon as the procedure ended, Randall immediately went to attend to Samantha.

I was pushed into a ward and slept for an entire day.

When I woke up again, there was no emotion left in meonly a firm resolve to repay everything in kind.

Three days before I left, behind Randalls back, Erwin and I successfully sent my brother abroad and transferred him to an extremely private hospital.

Two days before I left, I retrieved the surveillance footage that had previously been installed in the Hendershots household.

The recordings clearly captured the affair between William and Samanthas motherand even accidentally recorded them talking about their illegitimate child outside the marriage.

I anonymously sent the video to everyone in both the Hendershots and Massrys, and simultaneously forwarded it to several reporters.

On the morning of my final day, I posted a scheduled thread on the hospitals internal forum.

I wrote in detail how, as an ophthalmologist, my handsthe very hands I relied on to survivehad been systematically destroyed.

And how there was a certain type of eye surgery that, at present, only I was capable of performing in the entire country.

At the same time, I submitted to the court all the evidence regarding my lawsuit against Samanthas father, as well as proof of Randalls intent to endanger my brothers life.

During those three days, Randall stayed by Samanthas side the entire time, accompanying her through her pregnancy stabilization.

If he had spared even a little attention for me, things would never have gone this smoothly.

That night, I went back to the apartment I had once shared with Randall.

I walked straight into the bedroom and began clearing out my things, one item at a time.

A few pieces of clothing he had personally picked out for me were still hanging in the closet.

In the far corner of the bookshelf was a photo of us from the year we first got together.

I didnt pause.

I didnt hesitate.

Anything that could be thrown away, I tossed.

Everything else went into boxes.

I was halfway through packing when I heard the sound of a key turning in the lock.

Randall walked inwith Samantha.

When he saw me standing in the living room, he froze. His expression stiffened for a split second, clearly caught off guard.

Why are you

He stopped himself and quickly recovered, as if afraid I might misunderstand.

Samantha isnt feeling well, so I asked her to stay here for a few days.

Her familys out of town, and the nanny isnt around. Its easier for me to keep an eye on her here.

He added another sentence, his tone carrying a hint of nervousness he didnt even seem aware of.

Itll only be a few days. Dont take it the wrong way.

I zipped the suitcase shut, looked up at him, and spoke calmly.

I understand.

Randall was visibly stunned.

My composure unsettled him.

You

He opened his mouth, but didnt know what to say next.

Just as the atmosphere grew tense, Samantha suddenly spoke softly.

Randall, Im a little hungry. Could you make something for me?

He didnt hesitate for even a second.

Okay. Sit down and rest.

It was the first time he had ever cooked in this apartment.

For another woman.

Before heading into the kitchen, he seemed to remember something and casually asked me,

Do you want to eat something too?

I took a deep breath.

No.

I hadnt eaten food he made before. There was no reason to start now.

The moment the kitchen door closed, the weakness on Samanthas face vanished.

She looked at me coldly, her voice filled with undisguised disdain.

Why are you so clueless? I wanted some alone time with my brother.

I was exhausted and didnt feel like engaging.

Ill be leaving soon.

Dont worry. I wont bother you.

She smiled instead. I dont believe you.

I prefer kicking out people I dont like myself.

Before I could react, she suddenly reached out and grabbed me.

I hadnt even processed what was happening when she yanked me hard backward.

As I lost my balance, she used me as a cushion, slamming me straight into the coffee table.

The vase on the table shattered against my back.

Cold porcelain shards and water exploded everywhere.

I let out a muffled groan. It felt like my back had been torn open, a burning pain ripping through me as blood quickly ran down my spine.

I braced myself against the sofa, clenching my teeth just to stay upright.

Samantha, are you insane?!

Samantha, who had been on top of me, was completely unharmed.

She collapsed onto the floor, her voice suddenly piercingly loud.

Ah!

What are you doing, pushing me?!

It hurts my leg!

She cried helplessly, pitiful and wronged, as if she had suffered some enormous injustice.

The kitchen door flew open.

Randall rushed out.

The moment he took in the scene, his expression darkened to its lowest point.

He strode over, scooped Samantha up in his arms, and checked her injuries, his voice tightly restrained with anger.

Where are you hurt?

When he looked up at me again, there was nothing in his eyes but disgust.

Have you lost your mind?!

Tara, how much longer are you going to keep this up?!

My back throbbed with numb pain as I replied coldly,

I didnt push her.

Randall didnt want to hear it.

You make me sick.

Tara, let me make this clear.

From today on, I wont pay a single cent for your brothers medical bills.

When you finally realize how wrong youve been, Ill consider restoring them.

He didnt know that my brother had already been transferred.

Maybe because I was about to leave, I suddenly felt that if I didnt say certain things now, Id regret it.

Randall.

I called out to him softly.

If I say I didnt push her, would you believe me?

I reached up and pulled open my coat.

My back was exposed to the air.

The wounds carved open by shattered porcelain were horrifyingblood mixed with water and grime, an appalling sight.

Compared to the faint, deliberately manufactured redness on Samantha, it was like night and day.

Randalls pupils shrank sharply.

He took two unconscious steps toward me, his Adams apple bobbing, a flicker of concern flashing in his eyes.

He was about to say something.

But in the next second, Samantha whimpered softly in his arms.

Randall she really did drag me down with her.

My stomach hurts so much

Randall stopped.

He tightened his hold around her and his voice turned cold again.

Stop pretending. Do you think this is enough to frame her?

I know exactly what kind of person Samantha is.

He turned and walked out without sparing me another glance.

When the door closed, I suddenly laughed.

My mind went completely blank.

I changed into clean clothes and went straight to the airport, boarding the next flight out.

Everything else, I handed over to Erwin.

As the plane took off, I looked out the window at the city shrinking into the distance, an unexpected calm settling over me.

Randall, I hope youll be very surprised when you receive the gift I left behind tomorrow.