Before Milton could process , a police officer approached , holding a phone with a video . It showed me , my white dress soaked red , sprawled unconscious on a stretcher . Blood pooling beneath me , staining the gurney scarlet . Milton's pupils shrank , and the officer's words pinned him like a dart . " Mr. Woodard , evidence points to Cheryl Harper as the primary assailant who caused your fiancée's injuries . " " What ? " Milton stammered , his face crumpling in disbelief and panic . " No way . Claire loves me and wants to marry me . She'd never miscarry on purpose . This is fake . " The dean gestured for the nurse to help the nearly fainting Margaret to her feet . Then he stepped forward , glowering . " She took a knife for you , and this is how you repay her ? You're a disgrace . Starting today , you're suspended . We don't need a heartless doctor like you . " Milton paled , ignoring the suspension . He grabbed the nurse who'd begged for his signature . ' Where is Claire ? Tell me . " She yanked free , disgust in her eyes . " Malicious trauma to her abdomen destroyed her uterus and damaged her organs . Blood bags arrived too late , and she flatlined . She's barely clinging to life in the ICU . " Milton's lips quivered , eyes reddening as he lurched toward the ICU . " Claire , please don't die . I'm sorry I messed up . " Another slap from Margaret stopped him cold . " What good is your regret now , you animal ? Where were you when she needed you ? " He mumbled , " I ... " Words failed him , his mind a fog of guilt . Cheryl , now in cuffs , looked at him with pleading eyes . " Milton , help me . " Her confidence stemmed from years of his unwavering favoritism . She believed any sin against me would be forgiven . In her mind , it was just a minor hiccup . An orphan like me , raised by my grandfather , had no leverage against Milton's protection . Smirking subtly , she amped up the waterworks , biting her lip . " Milton , I'm scared . " 1/2 Chapter 5 +25 Bonus She knew that pitiful look , mimicking my teenage self , melted him every time . Milton moved , and she pleaded hopefully , " Save me . I'm innocent . " Milton's foot shot out . A brutal kick to her chest sent her reeling . " Why ? Why did you do this ? " He roared like a wounded beast . " Why did you hurt her ? " Cheryl scrambled , her tears intensifying . " I'm sorry . Claire called me a witch and threatened to kill me . I was terrified . I didn't mean to kick her . Punish me however , even jail . Please forgive me . " Seizing a chance , she lunged for a wall , aiming to crack her head open . Milton caught her , his anger dissolving into regret as her explanation sank in . ' Sweet , simple Cheryl must have been goaded by Claire's cruelty . ' He thought . His kick was just for show . He pulled her close and soothed her . " Don't be scared . I'm sorry for wronging you . Don't worry . I'll get the best lawyers to clear your name . " Cheryl buried her face in his chest , a flicker of triumph in her eyes . me . " " Thank you for trusting Support