Chapter 4
She looked up and realized it was Nestor out on the track who’d gotten into trouble.
His car had crashed straight into the barrier at the very first turn.-%
Track medics rushed over in a panic, and it was a long, tense while before they finally carried Nestor out, bloodied from head to toe, and rushed him to the hospital.
With an accident like that, the race couldn’t go on. It was suspended immediately, and a crowd of anxious people followed the ambulance to the hospital. Even Josephine, who usually seized every opportunity to show off to her, had no time for that now–she climbed into the ambulance in tears, sobbing uncontrollably.
Only Daphne remained eerily calm from beginning to end.2
The conversation she’d overheard still echoed in her mind. She knew this was the ending Nestor had orchestrated for himself, exactly what he’d wanted.
He’d gone to such extremes, even hurting himself, just to stay by Josephine’s side.
For a moment, Daphne wasn’t sure whether she ought to marvel at such all–consuming love or pity herself for being caught up in the tragedy.
On the third day, Daphne received an unexpected call from the hospital.
“Ms. Sterling, the storage period for your itern in the hospital morgue has expired. Please come collect it as soon as possible.“?
Item…
Hearing that word, Daphne’s eyes reddened.2
Of course. A pair of stillborn twins–what else could they be but “items” now??
She could still remember the agony of that day. Fighting to keep her composure, she replied, “Alright. I’ll be there soon.“%
Once the call ended, Daphne hurried to the hospital.%
She was about to retrieve her things when, passing the inpatient wing, she caught a glimpse of Nestor by chance.
A doctor stood at his bedside, shaking his head with a heavy sigh, regret written all over his face.
Im sorry, Mr. Bridges. The accident caused severe damage to your left wrist. I’m afraid you won’t be able to race again.“%
Josephine was leaning over the bed, and when she heard this, she broke down in fresh tears./
Nestor gently comforted her, “Don’t cry, sweetheart. Seeing you like this breaks my heart.”
“Racing was always dangerous, and you were constantly worrying about me. Honestly, I’d already been thinking about retiring. This accident just sped things up a little, that’s all. Josephine, you used to say I neglected you because of racing. Now, since I can’t race anymore, I’ll finally have all the time in the world for you.”
“And look, our wedding anniversary is coming up soon. Why don’t we throw a party at Bluebell Gardens to celebrate? How does that sound?”
His soothing words were unmistakable, and Josephine finally managed a watery smile. She wiped away her tears and, in a childish gesture, hooked her pinky finger with his $
“It’s a promise, then.“%
Watching them, Daphne felt a sharp pain in her chest. She tore her gaze away and headed toward the morgue. She hadn’t gone far when Josephine’s voice suddenly called out behind her
She turned to see Josephine hurrying after her, breathless.%
Daphne, you came to the hospital and didn’t even let us know?“%
Without waiting for an answer, Josephine started chatting away.%
Nestor needs rest right now, so he can’t have visitors. I’ll stay and look after him, so you’d better head home. Besides, our third anniversary is in less than two weeks, and he’s planning a big party at Bluebell Gardens. You have to come, and don’t forget the presents!
There was a glint of challenge and triumph in Josephine’s eyes. Daphne lowered her gaze and said nothing.
Two weeks from now–ironically, that was also the day she’d decided to leave the Bridges family for good.
After a moment, she managed a small smile and nodded. “Of course. I’ll make sure to bring a very special gift for you both ”
Satisfied with the response, Josephine sauntered off.
Watching her retreating figure, Daphne pulled out her phone, made a call, and continued toward the morgue.
She only had to wait a moment before the staff member she’d arranged to meet arrived!
Dephine carefully wrapped the tiny remains she’d just collected from storage and handed them over, her eyes glinting with a strange light.”
“In two weeks, please deliver this to Bluebell Gardens and give it directly to Nestor
“This is the grand gift I want to send him ”