Chapter 8: The Man Who Left Us

The hospital smelled like antiseptic and rain.

I stood outside the room for almost five minutes before entering.

My hand hovered over the handle.

I had imagined this moment so many times.

Daniel coming back.

Daniel apologizing.

Daniel explaining.

But I never imagined finding him injured in a hospital bed.

I never imagined feeling anger and relief at the same time.

I opened the door.

His eyes opened immediately.

“Renee.””

His voice was weaker than I remembered.

Older.

I hated that I noticed.

I hated that part of me still cared.

“You’re alive.””

He nodded.

“Yes.””

I stepped closer.

“You let me think you abandoned us.””

His eyes filled with pain.

“I know.””

“No.””

My voice shook.

“You don’t know.””

I pointed toward the hallway.

“You missed birthdays. School events. Every moment.””

“I know.””

“You don’t get to say that.””

He looked down.

“I wanted to come back.””

“Then why didn’t you?””

“Because every time I tried, they moved closer.””

“Who?””

He looked at the door.

“Everyone involved.””

I crossed my arms.

“Start talking.””

Daniel was silent.

Then he said:

“I found evidence against a group of people laundering money through several companies.””

“Victor?””

“Yes.””

“And Carol?””

“No.””

His answer surprised me.

“Carol was trying to help.””

I laughed.

“Everyone keeps saying that.””

“Because it’s true.””

I looked away.

“You left me.””

“I left because they knew about you.””

“Then why didn’t you tell me?””

“Because you would have fought.””

The answer hurt because it was true.

“I would have.””

He smiled sadly.

“That’s why I loved you.””

Past tense.

The words hurt.

But before I could respond, the monitor beside him started beeping faster.

Daniel looked nervous.

“Renee.””

“What?””

“You need to leave.””

I frowned.

“What?””

“They know you’re here.””

The door handle moved.

Someone was outside.

Daniel grabbed my hand.

“Listen to me.””

I looked at him.

“There is one person you still haven’t questioned.””

My heart slowed.

“Who?””

Daniel looked terrified.

“The person who has been guiding you.””

The door opened slightly.

I turned.

And saw a familiar face.

Not Victor.

Not Carol.

Someone else.

Someone I trusted.

Someone who had been beside me since the beginning.

My lawyer.

“Renee,” she said.

Her voice was calm.

Too calm.

“I’m glad I found you.””

Daniel whispered:

“Don’t trust her.””

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The woman smiled.

And locked the hospital room door behind her.