I kept vigil alone by my mother's bed all night.
By dawn, I finally accepted that her eyes would never open again.
As I left the hospital, I ran into William at the elevator doors. His arm rested around Caroline's waist, and he yanked it away the instant he saw me.
"Diana, what are you doing here?" he asked, his face tense with worry.
I looked at Caroline's steady steps and asked with a cold smile, "So, this was the twisted ankle you told me about, huh? I see it healed overnight?"
I used to believe his excuses, but it was clear everything had been a lie.
Caroline blinked with a wounded look. "I'm sorry, Diana. I only asked William to accompany me to the hospital for a checkup. Please don't be upset. We're just friends. It's not what you think."
Just friends? Friends who had already registered their marriage?
They had no idea I already knew the truth, and they kept putting on an act in front of me.
I found it absurd and turned to leave, and William grabbed my wrist. "Diana, I was wrong. I would make it up to you at the next wedding. Please do not be angry."
"There's no need."
William tightened his grip. "But your mother's wish was to see us get married."
The mention of Mom sent a wave of anger and grief through me. I clenched my teeth to hold back tears and tore my hand free. "William, did you forget she had heart disease?"
During Mom's treatment, the doctors told me again and again that she could not be upset and that strong emotions could put her life at risk.
William knew all of this. He also knew she would attend our wedding. Yet, he left me alone at the ceremony, let everyone laugh at me, and pushed her over the edge on the spot.
He seemed not to grasp what I said and kept trying to placate me. "Then, I would send her some vitamins and supplements next time. Once she recovers, we will get married. Would that be okay?"
There would be no such day. Mom was gone.
I parted my lips and still could not bring myself to tell him the truth.
"Which room was your mother in? I could visit her now."
I twisted my mouth in a bitter smile and answered, "Sure, she was in—"
"William, my stomach hurts so much!" Caroline's voice cut across mine.
She caught hold of William's attention. He held her in a panic, asked what was wrong, and called for a doctor. Then, he ignored me and rushed off with Caroline in his arms.
I watched them disappear and set my hand on my slightly rounded belly.
"Nurse." I stopped a young nurse who walked by and spoke to her. "Please schedule an abortion for next week."
