Once home, I locked myself in my room and dialed Dr. Morris at the Cancer Hospital. “Dr. Morris, this is Aubrey, Lucy Shaw’s daughter. I’ve decided to sign up for the overseas Phase II clinical trial program.”
There was a brief pause on the line. “But didn’t your mother want to wait for Phase III?”
“She did,” I replied, my voice steady despite the storm raging within me. “But the wedding is off, and my mother’s health is the priority now.”
After a moment, Dr. Morris responded gently, “I had my suspicions about your fiancé. He didn’t seem very concerned during your visits. It’s better this way, Aubrey.”
As soon as I hung up, my phone buzzed again. It was Hudson.
“Aubrey, the wedding venue is set. When will you come to check it out? If there’s anything that needs changing, I’ll call the planner right away.”
I inhaled deeply, summoning my strength. “Hudson, I know everything. I saw the photos, and I witnessed your proposal to Harper. The wedding is off. Please don’t contact me again.”
Silence stretched between us, heavy and suffocating. Then, his voice, tinged with regret, broke through. “I’m sorry, Aubrey. I never meant to hurt you.”