Chapter 22
Carter’s POV
“Well…? I’m waiting!” I said. “If you can’t provide my wife then I will be forced to believe that you are hiding her somewhere and put up this fake news to fool everyone!”
You want me to take you to the morgue to see her corpse?” Orthon asked. “You are aware her body was burned beyond recognition in the fire right?”
I frowned. I didn’t like the sound of that but it was certain I could recognise my wife. I knew her body structure and height pretty well. That would definitely help me to tell if the body was hers or not.
And what was she even doing in that abandoned building?
“You know, I’m not even supposed to give you audience, because first off, you are the primary suspect in this case,” he said accusingly.
What the hell was he talking about now? Me? A primary suspect, how? I haven’t seen my wife since she left the house and the one time I saw her in the restaurant, she was with my fucking uncle and now, I was a suspect? How?
“Is that a joke? You seriously don’t think I would kill my wife over such a very small argument? I love Veronica so much and she means the world to me. I would never hurt her like that,” I said.
Orthon huffed as if I said the most ridiculous thing ever.
“I’m very certain that if Veronica were to choose between the things. you’ve done to her and that burning building, she would choose the fire a
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hundred times,” Orthon said.
What exactly was that supposed to mean?
“You know what, I don’t care what you think about me. You are taking met to see her body now and…”
“You are in no position to make demands Carter. Are you so desperate to know if the job was executed that you need to see her body to confirm?” Orthon barked. “I’m going to ask you politely to get the fuck out of my building now before I throw you out!”
J
What the fuck was this man talking about? It was seriously starting to bother me that he thought just because he showed up at a restaurant with Veronica, I would kill her.
If I wanted to kill anyone, why the hell wouldn’t it be him?
Before I could speak, my phone rang. I answered it in annoyance without even checking the caller ID.
“What?” I snapped.
“Your grandfather!” My mother’s worried voice rang out. “He just. collapsed after seeing the news of Veronica’s death.”
“What?” I blurted. “Grandpa slumped? I’ll be right there!”
I hung up and threw Orthon one last glare but his expression was coated with worry. I’m guessing it was because of the phone call.
As I walked out, he followed shut, walking into his car which was parked in the opposite direction.
I got into my car and headed to the family hospital with Orthon closely behind me. I met my mother and Meghan there.
into th
“Carter! Thank God you’re here!” Meghan quickly ran arms. I didn’t want to hug her but I forced myself to return the hug.
“How is he?” Orthon walked past me to my mother.
“We don’t know anything yet. The doctor’s haven’t spoken to us,” she answered. “I’m scared, brother. He was just happy and healthy until he saw the news. I don’t understand why he would like her that much? He didn’t even faint the time I got into an accident and was hospitalized for two weeks!”
Orthon said nothing to that and neither did I. My mother was looking for a way to talk down on Veronica but neither of us were going to entertain her. I liked that we had that understanding at least.
“Where have you been Carter? I was so worried about you,” Meghan asked. I had totally forgotten that she was still in my arms.
Orthon glanced our way but looked away without a word. I knew he was mentally judging me and I wished I could just shove Meghan away from me, but she was carrying my child.
I couldn’t afford to hurt her to please anyone.
“I went to see Orthon,” I answered her and she looked at Orthon who didn’t even glance our way.
“Why? Is there a problem?” She asked.
“I wanted to see Veronica’s corpse. He wouldn’t let me,” I said, throwing him a glare. He didn’t act as though we were talking about him.
“What do you want to do with her corpse?” My mother asked and I threw her a cold look. “What? You want to foot the funeral bills of that good- for–nothing?”
“I do not appreciate you talking about my wife like that mother!” I
seethed.
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“Your ex–wife, you mean,” she corrected. “That woman left you. She is not longer your responsibility. Even in death! You should focus on your present and Meghan is your present.”
As if on cue. Meghan interlocked her arms with mine. I removed my hand
from hers.
“Maybe we should just leave Veronica and focus on our father’s health, shall we?” Orthon said to her and I was glad that he finally decided to step in. rather than just watch the drama unfold.
“You are always so defensive of her. You and father. It’s almost as if she was married to three people, not one,” my mother hissed. “It’s not like she is even worth the trouble.”
was going to reply to her when the doctor came out.
“How is he?” Orthon asked.
The doctor’s face was grim as he removed his glasses and let out a heavy sigh. The room went silent, everyone holding their breath for the news.
“He’s stable for now,” the doctor began, but the relief was short–lived as his expression darkened. “However, the collapse wasn’t just stress–related. We ran some tests and discovered something concerning.”
“What do you mean?” I asked, my voice trembling.
“Your grandfather has a severe heart condition that has likely been developing for some time. The stress from the news aggravated it, but even without the collapse, he was already at a critical stage. He’ll need surgery immediately, or the next attack could be fatal.”
The words hit me like a punch to the gut. My grandfather was the strongest man I knew, the pillar of our family. The thought of losing him
was unfathomable.
“What are the chances of success?” Orthon asked, his tone was calm but
his fists clenched at his sides.
“It’s a high–risk procedure.” the doctor admitted. “Given his age and the condition of his heart, there’s no guarantee.”
My mother gasped, clutching her chest. Meghan looked away, her face pale.
I turned to Orthon, my mind racing. “We have to do it. We have to give
him a chance.”
Orthon nodded, his jaw tightening. “Do whatever it takes, Doctor.”