Chapter 138: The Hunt for Truth
Diane’s POV
The sterile hospital corridors felt endless as Dad and I paced outside Mom’s ICU room. My hands trembled as I clutched the plastic cup of coffee that had long gone cold, the taste bitter on my tongue, though nothing could be more bitter than the reality we were facing.
Just this morning, I’d been celebrating the biggest victory of my life in that courtroom. I’d won sole custody of Dylan and Danielle, secured their future, and finally freed us from Liam’s toxic influence. But the universe, it seemed, had demanded a cruel price for that victory.
Sophie was dead. Mom was fighting for her life. And here I was, wondering if every good thing that happened to me would forever be tainted by devastating loss.
Dr. Patel emerged from Mom’s room, his expression carefully controlled in that way doctors perfect when they’re about to deliver devastating news. Dad immediately stepped forward, his face etched with desperate hope and terrible fear.
"Doctor, how is she?" Dad’s voice cracked slightly, betraying the composure he’d been trying to maintain.
Dr. Patel gestured for us to sit, but neither of us could bear to. We stood there, braced for impact.
"We were able to resuscitate your wife, Mr. Evans," he began carefully. "However, I need to prepare you both for what we’re dealing with. The stress from what happened triggered a severe hypertensive crisis, which led to a partial stroke."
The words hit me like a physical blow. "What does that mean?" I whispered, though part of me already knew.
"Given her existing blood pressure issues and previous heart attack, her body couldn’t handle the shock," Dr. Patel continued, his voice gentle but unflinchingly honest. "The stroke has affected her left side—her arm and leg have limited mobility and sensation. Her speech is also impaired, though not completely."
Dad’s face crumpled like paper, he collapsed into a nearby chair and began to sob with a rawness that shattered what was left of my heart.