But the moment the probe touched my daughter’s small and still body, the doctor’s expression shifted. He slowly shook his head, the verdict final.
“The patient’s heart has been stopped for over thirty minutes… I’m sorry.”
“No… no, that’s not true!” I shook my head violently, my lips trembling so badly I could barely speak.
I collapsed over Hallie’s icy body, sobbing until my voice broke apart.
The nurse’s own eyes reddened, but she could only gently pull me away so the doctor could begin the formalities.
I stood there, hollow and empty, until a familiar figure walked into the ward.
Payton approached me with his usual gentle, caring tone, wrapping his arms around me as if to comfort me.
“Don’t be afraid,” he murmured. “I’ve already arranged the best funeral hall for Hallie. She’ll have the most dignified farewell. In another life, she’ll be born into a good family.”
His voice was calm—too calm, as if Hallie had merely caught a fever, not… died.
And the faint scent of Sherree’s perfume clung to him, making my eyes turn to ice.
The heart monitor had been unplugged—this must have happened while they were in the middle of their filth just moments ago!