Chapter 6

Claire hadn't visited Miranda in a while, so she headed to the hospital. She was leaving the city, planning to find a quiet place to bid farewell to the world in her final days. She hoped Miranda would forgive her for being so selfish.

She entrusted all her savings, along with the exorbitant allowance Nathan had given her as his mistress, to Miranda's attending physician, Dr. James White. It was the last thing she could do for her mother.

Claire took Miranda's hand and burst into tears. She had long accepted that Miranda might never wake up, just as she'd come to terms with her own worsening illness and her permanent separation from Nathan.

A comforting hand patted her shoulder. She bowed her head, wiping away all her tears, then stood up. "Dr. White, I really appreciate you taking care of everything from here."

She glanced at Miranda one last time. "If there ever comes a day when she no longer wants to lie here quietly... please help her end the suffering."

James walked out of the ward with her in silence. After a long pause, he managed a faint smile, patting the top of her head gently. "You know I'll support whatever decision you make."

Claire avoided his gaze awkwardly. She would never have the chance to respond to his feelings for her. But before she could reply, she was suddenly pulled into a tight embrace.

Nathan held her firmly, his face dark as he glared at James, then sneered at Claire. "Being my mistress isn't enough? You need to find another sugar daddy, too?"

Claire's face turned ashen. She tried to break free, but Nathan's grip was too tight.

James frowned, stepping forward to take her other arm, refusing to back down. "Let go. You're hurting her."

"You're so eager to protect her?" Nathan scoffed, squeezing Claire's wrist even harder. "Fine. I'll send her to you once I get tired of playing with her."

Claire's eyes widened in shock as she bit her lip so hard. All her foolish lingering hopes vanished with those words.

Before he could hurl more insults, Emily appeared, wearing a hospital gown. She caressed her stomach gently and pouted.

"Nathan, I told you I'm fine, and so is the baby. You don't need to pester the doctors like this. You're being too overcautious." As she spoke, she seemed to notice Claire for the first time, feigning surprise. "Claire? What are you doing here?"

Claire was stunned by Emily's words. She stared blankly at Emily's deliberately protruding belly, then couldn't help but glance at Nathan, suddenly realizing why he'd rushed off after that phone call earlier.

Emily pointed at Claire and James and teased, "Claire, is this your boyfriend? He's so handsome. You two make a lovely couple."

At that, Nathan released Claire. He laced his fingers with Emily's and said softly, "What are you doing out of bed? The doctor said you need to be careful in the first trimester. Let me take you back."

Claire stood there silently, watching him hold Emily gently as they walked away, treating her like a precious treasure.

"He's the one you can't let go of even as you're dying?" James asked quietly.

After a long while, Claire shook her head slightly.

Clinging to someone else's husband, who would soon be a father, would be utterly demeaning. She let out a bitter laugh, tears streaming down her cheeks.

That night, she saw Emily's latest Instagram post. Emily: [Just found out I'm pregnant, and he can't wait to start preparing tiny clothes for our little one.] The photo showed the luxury hospital room filled with newborn gift boxes.