Chapter 2 - The Morning After
My mother froze, her eyes darting between me and Julian.
“What is that supposed to mean?” she asked, her voice tight.
My father stepped into the room behind her, carrying a shopping bag from a high-end boutique.
“We got here as fast as we could, Miranda,” he said defensively.
“You were unpacking lamps,” I replied, my voice steady despite the pain in my chest.
“Lauren needed us!” Mom snapped. “She’s pregnant, Miranda.”
I blinked.
That was new information, but it didn’t change the last twenty-four hours.
“And I was bleeding internally,” I said. “I called nine times.”
“We didn’t hear the phone!” Dad argued, stepping closer to the bed.
“You texted me back,” I reminded him.
Silence filled the sterile room.
My mother finally noticed Julian standing quietly in the corner.
“Who are you?” she demanded.
“Julian Vance,” he said politely. “I’m Miranda’s attorney.”
My father’s face went pale. “Attorney? For a car accident?”
“For my estate,” I corrected.
Mom scoffed, crossing her arms. “Don’t be dramatic, Miranda. You’re fine.”
“I almost died yesterday,” I said flatly.
“But you didn’t!” she countered, as if that erased their absence.
“Julian, please show them out,” I said, closing my eyes.
“Now wait just a minute,” Dad started, his voice rising.
Julian stepped smoothly between my bed and my parents.
“Mr. and Mrs. Hayes, my client needs to rest,” Julian said, his tone leaving no room for argument.
“We are her parents!” Mom yelled.
Nurse Marisol appeared in the doorway, a stern look on her face.
“And I am her nurse,” Marisol said. “You need to leave, or I’m calling security.”
They hesitated, completely unaccustomed to being told no.
“Fine,” Mom huffed, turning on her heel. “We’ll be back tomorrow when you’re acting rational.”
“Don’t bother,” I said to the closing door.
Julian pulled a chair closer to my bed once they were gone.
“They’re going to find out about the accounts by tomorrow,” he warned.
“I know,” I said, staring at the ceiling.
“Lauren’s monthly allowance was scheduled to transfer at midnight,” he added.
I turned my head to look at him.
“Cancel it,” I ordered.
Julian nodded, tapping on his tablet. “Done.”
I closed my eyes, the physical pain finally masking the emotional ache.
May you like
The war hadn't started yet.
It was just brewing.
