Chapter 20

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• OUR MOON HAS STRINGS   Chapter 34

  Valery finally managed to get Ryan in the tub. She got the hoodie off, but her eyes were a little evasive.“Excuse me, but I… have to take these off as well,” she said, fingers hesitating at his waistband. She glanced at Ryan for some kind of approval. She could almost swear that frail face gave off a smirk."Go on, Doc. No need to be afraid of a gun that hasn't fired in years," he murmured.‘Ah, right, the drugs have such side effects. Then it should be fine.’ Valery exhaled, hiding her nerves with the most professional look. She gradually succeeded in getting him naked. Her heart seemed to stop for a moment as she processed that fact.She picked up the wet towel, starting with his hands. Peeking down, she noticed no catheter tube. Relief mixed with worry.“Did you yank the urine tube out?” She looked up at him sharply. Again, there was that sly grin.“You’re not allowed to hurt yourself like this. How are you still so careless!” Valery scolded him for what felt like forever.Ryan ju

• OUR MOON HAS STRINGS   Chapter 33

  Ryan was soaked. His lips trembled from the cold, but he said nothing. Valery struggled to keep him upright as she guided him inside, shutting out the storm behind them. She could feel his weight leaning heavily on her shoulder.“Sit down here, okay?” She gently lowered him onto the couch. Water dripped from his hair onto the carpet, pooling at his bare feet. His hospital gown was gone, replaced with thin sweatpants and an old grey hoodie. Where had he gotten those? Did he steal them? Did someone help him escape?“Ryan… talk to me. How did you get out?” She flicked on the lamp, revealing his face fully. There were dark circles under his eyes, his skin pale with exhaustion. She noticed fresh needle marks along his inner arm.“Did they discharge you? Did someone hurt you?” Her voice cracked with worry.He only shook his head weakly, blinking as though the light burned. Slowly his eyes rose to meet hers. They were clouded, distant. Then, in a hoarse whisper, he spoke:"How dare you decei

• OUR MOON HAS STRINGS   Chapter 32

  As if her internal struggles weren’t enough, word got out about her little incident at the hospital. She had no idea just how big the Woods were until her face appeared on TV screens, accompanied by accusations she hadn’t even imagined. “Doctor sued for malpractice” was the most lenient headline among the bunch. Some bloggers straight up called her a murderer, and there was little she could do to defend herself when there was no real news about Ryan. The hospital denied giving out the story, claiming it would have done more harm to them than to one replaceable doctor.Margret often passed by after work to keep her company.“Your mum is worried. You should call her,” she told Valery. “That’s odd – there’s always a new face in this house whenever I visit.” Margret peered around from time to time as they sat in the main living room.“It’s Derrick. Says I shouldn’t lift a finger in his house.”“Aww, how sweet.” Margret’s mouth spread into a thin grin. But when Valery sighed, she leaned in

• OUR MOON HAS STRINGS   Chapter 31

  (High School)Derrick’s P.O.V.“Whooo!”A giant splash echoed through the backyard, followed by unfiltered laughter. Just two boys, lost in summer heat and reckless joy, playing in a giant, lonely swimming pool. Derrick and Riley were glued together at every given chance.“That jump was lame. Watch this.” Derrick took a running start along the wet sidewalk, did a double flip, and landed in the water with a clean splash.“Booo! Show-off!” Riley shouted, matching his energy.They were spending the day at Derrick’s house, which had a vastly different vibe from Riley’s. No strict rules, no bodyguards shadowing every move, and certainly no parents hovering or scolding them.“Boys, come out for some refreshments soon!”The lady of the house called from the cabana, while the maid set glasses of juice on the table.Derrick rolled his eyes and hissed under his breath.“Pfft. Your stepmom seems nice,” Riley teased, only to get a rise out of him.“Don’t be fooled by her fake smile. She’s just an

• OUR MOON HAS STRINGS   Chapter 30

  Days later..."I'm home," Derrick announced as he entered the house. Day in and day out, he had gradually added more staff - more eyes to watch over the precious treasure locked within these walls."Baby? Violet?" he called, exhaustion evident in his voice. The bedroom was dim, curtains drawn shut. For a moment, he thought she wasn’t there. Then he flicked on the lights.Valery was still in bed - exactly where she had been when he left that morning."Hey," he said gently, rubbing her shoulders and planting a soft kiss. "I thought we agreed - you weren’t going to do this today.""I called the hospital," Valery murmured, voice brittle. "He’s still not awake.""He will wake up.""You don’t understand, Derrick. I’m… I’m scared. What if I was wrong? What if my decision ends up killing him?”Derrick pulled back, his tone icing over. "So you’d rather kill yourself before he croaks?"Valery’s eyes widened. Her head lifted. "What did you just say?""Nothing," he muttered, jaw tight as he turne

• OUR MOON HAS STRINGS   Chapter 29

  Valery was soon called into a closed-door meeting. Seven people. Five white coats, two administrators in tailored suits. Not a single smile among them. There was no mention of Ryan’s improved vitals. Just questions. Why did you authorize that drug? What is your true relationship with the patient? Do you know the risk you’ve put this facility under? “You didn’t wait for the team leader.” The hospital administrator, Dr Ali said after Valery explained her methods. “Do you understand what’s at stake here? We’re talking about potential liability, breach of research protocol, and risking a multi-million-dollar trial.” Valery’s gaze didn’t waver. “You mean risking your funding.” Dr. Ali’s jaw tensed. “This is not about money-” “Isn’t it?” she interrupted, tone stern but controlled. “Because I haven’t heard one question about Ryan. Just the trial. The optics. The fallout.” The Chief of the department said, “That patient’s outcome, while fortunate, doesn’t negate the risk.”