Section 5
As the nurse adjusted my IV, I felt a cold wave of dread wash over me. “Can you tell me what the officer wants to know?” I asked, my voice trembling. She hesitated, avoidance flickering in her eyes.
“It’s just routine,” she mumbled. “They’re asking about your husband, Ethan.”
I took a deep breath. “I heard he might be involved in something… serious. Is that true?”
The nurse looked around before lowering her voice. “There were things found in his car. Incriminating things.”
“Incriminating? What do you mean?”
She bit her lip. “Documents, receipts… things that could connect him to some illegal activities.”
My heart raced. “So, he’s in trouble?”
“They suspect he’s involved in fraud related to his family’s business. I’m not supposed to say much, but…”
I shook my head, clenching the sheets. “No, he was just… celebrating his mother’s birthday. That’s all.”
The realization hit me like a slap. How could he be having a party while I was fighting for my life? The pain in my abdomen intensified, but it wasn’t only physical — it sunk deep into my chest.
“He… he wouldn’t do that to me,” I whispered, but my voice faltered.
“I really can’t help you,” the nurse said, stepping back. “You should focus on your recovery.”
But how could I recover when every moment felt like a knife twisting deeper? Ethan’s shadows loomed larger, and I could feel the weight of his choices crushing me.
Section 6
The officer left, and I was still reeling when my phone buzzed. I fumbled for it, my heart racing when I saw Ethan’s name flashing. “Ethan!” I answered, desperate for reassurance.
“Rebecca! You need to listen to me,” he said, his voice frantic. “Things are bad. I— I need your help.”
“What do you mean? You left me alone. You weren’t even here for our daughter!”
“I didn’t have a choice!” He sounded panicked. “They’re claiming I’m involved in some fraud. I need you to back me up!”
“Back you up? Why would I do that?”
Silence stretched between us, thick with accusation. “I didn’t mean to leave you alone, I had to think on my feet. If they find out—”
The realization crashed down on me like a tidal wave. “You left me to cover up your crimes,” I murmured, the weight of betrayal choking me.
“No, it’s not like that! You don’t understand!”
“But I do!” I shouted, tears pooling in my eyes. “You put your mother’s birthday over me, over our baby! And now, you want me to help you escape consequences?”
“You need to help me, Rebecca. We can fix this together!”
“Fix this?” I echoed, stunned. “Our lives are shattered because of your choices!”
“Please, just think! Call me once you’re out of there,” he pleaded.
“I can’t believe you.” I disconnected, staring at the screen. How could the man I loved put me in this position? My mind raced with questions, dread twisting my insides.
Everything felt unsteady, as if the ground beneath me could vanish at any moment. Our future was hanging in the balance, dictated by his failures. Ethan’s choices had not just endangered him; they had shattered everything we had built.
