Chapter 5 - The Midnight VisitorRyan didn't leave quietly. He tried every trick in his psychological playbook—gaslighting, pleading, offering financial settlements, even weeping crocodile tears about how stress had ruined his mind. When none of it worked, he turned on his heel, his face twisting into a mask of pure, venomous hatred, and stormed out of the hospital room.
By 2:00 AM, the hospital wing was dead quiet. Maya had finally fallen asleep in the uncomfortable vinyl armchair in the corner, her fingers still curled protectively around her handbag.
I couldn't sleep. Every time I closed my eyes, I felt the sickening sensation of the world tilting backward, the stone steps rushing up to meet my skull.
My phone buzzed softly on the small bedside table.
I picked it up, expecting an email from my lawyer, whom Maya had managed to contact at midnight. Instead, it was a notification from the home security app.
Motion detected at the front door.
My breath hitched. I opened the app instantly, casting a cautious glance toward Maya to make sure she was still asleep.
The live feed loaded.
It wasn't Ryan. It was Vanessa.
She stood on the front porch under the glow of the security light, wearing a heavy trench coat with the collar turned up. She looked unhinged. Her hair was messy, her makeup smeared beneath her eyes, and her hands were jammed deep into her pockets.
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For a terrifying moment, she stared directly up into the black dome of the camera lens, a sickening, triumphant smile spreading across her lips.
Then, she reached into her pocket, pulled out a heavy object, and raised her arm.
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