Chapter 4

McCoy stuck by me at the hospital, his eyes holding no concern.

All that remained was disappointment.

“Moira, your lab results came back fine. What are you trying to pull now?

“So I yelled at you. It’s Teddy’s birthday today. Did you have to pass out in front of him to traumatize him?

“Had I known you’d turn out like this, I wouldn’t have married you in the first place!”

The medical report slapped against my face, leaving a stinging burn behind.

The numbers on the sheet were as fake as could be.

However, upon catching McCoy’s revulsion in his eyes, I lost the will to explain myself.

Forget it. Maybe it was better this way.

At least he wouldn’t have to feel bad and pity me.

I should congratulate McCoy as he was about to get what he wanted.

Probably noticing his harsh tone, McCoy toned it down a little.

“Anyway, you should take some time to yourself.

“I’m going back to cut the cake with Teddy. I’ll come back for you later.”

McCoy then left the ward without looking back.

My fingers brushed against the bracelet I hadn’t given Teddy yet, so I quickly ran after McCoy.

McCoy slipped into the ward next door and shut the door behind him.

I tried to open it, but the door was locked.

Through the glass pane, I saw Raleigh putting a party hat on Teddy’s head.

McCoy set off the confetti popper.

As it went off with a bang, Teddy closed his eyes and made three wishes beneath the shower of colorful confetti.

“My first wish is for Daddy. I hope he stays healthy and has a great year at work.

“My second wish is for Mommy. May she stay pretty at eighteen forever!

“Lastly, I wish my baby sister grows up big and strong and that our family never has to be apart!”

He blew out the candles.

It even snuffed out the last glimmer of hope I clung to.

A notification pinged on my phone.

It was a text message from Raleigh.

“I know you’re right outside the door. You must have heard Teddy.

“To tell you the truth, I was the one who sent you the hotel reservation text three years ago. I also tampered with your medical report.

“Love isn’t something you can force, Moira. You’ve been married for five years while we’ve been together for four. The truth speaks for itself. I won.”

Indeed, she had won.

She captured McCoy’s heart and stole Teddy’s love.

I was on my own, stripped of everything I ever had.

The pain inside me was so intense, it felt like my insides were on fire.

With great effort, I snapped the bracelet and dumped it in the garbage bin.

In that case, I would use my life to grant the three of them their wishes.

…

The last piece of cake was left.

McCoy boxed it up and stepped into Moira’s ward.

The ward was completely empty.

Furrowing his brows, McCoy was about to pull his phone out to call Moira.

Along with his phone, the list of wishes fell on the floor.

He retrieved the list and unfolded the paper, his gaze falling on handwriting that had been crossed out and rewritten.

“McCoy, I hope you’ll get what you wished for.”

A shudder ran through McCoy’s hands as terror seized him.

With shaking hands, McCoy tried Moira’s phone nine times, but none went through.

He was about to make his tenth attempt.

However, Moira’s phone dialed him back.

Once the call connected, McCoy didn’t even have a chance to lash out.

An unfamiliar man’s voice came through.

“Hello, am I speaking to Mr. Evans?”

“Mrs. Evans just passed away. We need you to come to the funeral home as soon as you can to complete some paperwork.”