“No!!”
Sarah’s hysterical scream startled Kenneth and Alden. Sarah rushed into Kenneth’s study and weakly slapped her brother.
“How could you! You’re a traitor! I hate you!” Sarah screamed, crying.
“Sarah, calm down!” Alden pulled her away from her brother.
“Don’t listen to him! He’s evil! Kenneth is trying to break us apart!” Sarah glared and continued to try to attack Kenneth. “You won’t get away with this!”
“You’re the one who separated Alden from his wife and child!” Kenneth shouted back. “You think you’re innocent here? We’re both sinners, Sarah!”
Sarah stared at Kenneth with vacant eyes and then suddenly fainted in Alden’s arms.
“Call the ambulance, Kenneth! Hurry!” Alden shouted in a panic.
With shaking hands, Kenneth grabbed his phone and called the hospital. He rushed out of the study and called for the staff to help Alden.
Moments later, the ambulance arrived and took Sarah to the hospital.
*
Kenneth and Alden sat in the hospital waiting room, both mostly silent. After Sarah was taken to the ICU, Kenneth began to reveal everything. Sarah had switched Hannah’s urine sample, leading to the collapse of Alden’s marriage.
On the one hand, Alden wanted to be angry with Sarah, but what was the point? Sarah was now at death’s door.
“I spoke to Hannah’s fiance a few days ago,” Alden broke the silence between them.
Kenneth glanced over before returning his gaze to the empty hallway.
“He asked me to sign custody papers because he wants to adopt my son,” Alden continued.
“And what did you say?”
“I told him that Hannah cannot have children. And of course I agreed.” Alden let out a bitter laugh. “How stupid of me to think the child wasn’t mine.”
“Well, I think you need to set things straight. Tell them you disagree, that it’s your own flesh and blood.”
Alden smiled grimly. “Do you have any idea how much Hannah would hate me for that, Kenneth?”
Alden had hurt Hannah deeply, and now that she was about to find happiness, he was standing in her way. At least, that’s what Alden thought his ex-wife must believe.
But how could Alden let someone else adopt his son after learning that the boy was, in fact, his? Alden found himself in an impossible situation.
“Talk to Hannah. Tell her the truth. You know everything now, and I think she deserves to know,” Kenneth advised.
“I don’t think Hannah would care, Kenneth.”
“Are you sure? Things are not settled between the two of you. If she had forgiven you, she would have talked to you by now. But she hasn’t, has she?”
Alden nodded slowly. Kenneth was right. Hannah had avoided him, perhaps out of trauma or fear of being hurt again.
The doors to the ICU opened and the doctor hurried toward Kenneth and Alden. He nodded respectfully, though his expression showed hesitation at the news.
“Miss Sarah is in critical condition. We cannot predict when or if she will regain consciousness. The worst-case scenario is that she may not survive,” the doctor explained.
Kenneth’s face fell and he began to sob softly.
“We will do everything we can for Miss Sarah, but given her medical history, you both understand that this outcome was inevitable,” the doctor added.
Alden nodded. “Yes, Doctor. We understand.”
“Miss Sarah will remain in the Intensive Care Unit. She will only be able to have visitors at certain times. Let’s hope for the best.”
After the doctor returned to the ICU, Kenneth sat down and cried while Alden stood silently beside him.
…
Sarah Young died at 7 a. m.
Alden had prepared for this possibility, and when Sarah was pronounced dead, he immediately contacted Bernard to make arrangements. News of Sarah’s death spread quickly on social media, and soon the story was trending.
Alden and Kenneth were busy arranging the funeral, including the church service.
“Yes, please take care of that, Mr. Gulfman. Thank you,” Alden said over the phone.
“You should go home, Alden. You barely slept,” Kenneth advised with a sad smile. “Your duty at Sarah’s side is done. Now it’s time for you to get your life back together.”
“My life is over.”
“No, there are still things worth fighting for. Just not my sister.”
Kenneth patted Alden on the shoulder and they both sighed deeply. Losing Sarah had been painful, despite all the moments of frustration. But Sarah had left memories for each of them.
“I’ll be at the service later,” Alden said.
Kenneth nodded. “Thanks for taking care of everything.”
Alden said his goodbyes and walked slowly down the hall. He didn’t know what to do next, now that Sarah was gone.
Fight for Hannah again? For her son? It all seemed hopeless.
Alden felt completely alone. Just like when he had lost Sarah the first time. And now she was gone forever. His life felt empty again.
Foolishly, he had taken for granted the one person who had made him feel alive.
“Hannah?” Alden muttered in disbelief.
By chance, Alden ran into Hannah in the hallway. She was on her way to a meeting room.
“Hannah, wait!”
Hannah stopped and turned. “What is it now, Mr. Harrison?”
“Just this once, I need to talk to you. I want to set things right.”
“There’s nothing more to talk about.”
“There is! And I don’t want you to keep avoiding me like this. Please.”
Hannah looked at Alden, who looked pitiful. He looked exhausted, as if he had lost all hope. It reminded her of the first time they met, and it made her heart ache.
“I can’t talk right now,” Hannah said. “I have a meeting to attend.”
“Whenever you’re free, I’ll wait.”
“Fine. Let’s meet during lunch. I’ll give you the address.”
Hannah turned and headed for the elevator, pushing the button.
“Just so you know,” Alden said, “Sarah passed away at seven this morning.”