Chapter 4

Desperate to find me, the first place Carter could think of was Lily's hospital.

I followed his car as he sped toward the city hospital.

I knew this route by heart. For years, my life had been nothing but a constant loop between my cheap apartment and this hospital.

Nothing had ever changed.

I watched Carter slam his foot on the gas pedal. His forehead hadn't uncreased once since he got into the car.

Of course. He was losing his mind over Chloe's mess.

He didn't even park properly before sprinting into the pediatric wing. He grabbed the nurse at the front desk.

"Check the room number for Lily Vance."

"Oh... okay," the nurse stammered, looking down at her computer screen.

Suddenly, a cold laugh echoed from behind him.

"Well, if it isn't Carter Vance. What brings a big shot like you to our humble hospital?"

Carter spun around, his face instantly darkening.

It was Rachel Sterling, the former head of legal counsel who used to work with his company.

From what I knew, they had despised each other for years.

For some reason, right after I took the fall and went to prison seven years ago, Rachel had terminated her contract with Carter's company.

Seeing her rival, Carter glared at her, annoyed.

"What I do is none of your business, Rachel."

Rachel crossed her arms, a mocking smirk playing on her lips.

"You're right, it's not. I'm just curious—how can a human being be so cold-blooded?"

"You were nowhere to be found when they were in critical condition. Now that they're both gone, you finally show up?"

"Critical condition?" Carter's brows knitted tightly. "What are you talking about?"

Carter looked genuinely lost, as if he couldn't understand English.

But I knew exactly what Rachel meant. She was talking about me and Lily.

When I was stabbed seven years ago, I was already dying in the ambulance.

The paramedics had called Carter, wanting him to come say goodbye.

But he was too busy vacationing with Chloe, wanting "uninterrupted couple time." He hung up without a second thought.

Later, when they tried calling again, his number had blocked them.

And Lily suffered the same fate.

When Lily's treatment was halted due to lack of funds, the doctors said she was in critical condition.

When they tried to reach him, he was traveling the world with Chloe.

In the end, when Lily took her last breath, there was no one by her side. She left this world completely alone.

Staring at Carter's bewildered expression, Rachel let out a sharp scoff.

"Nice acting. Honestly, I don't know what Harper ever saw in you to sacrifice so much."

Rachel didn't waste another word on him. She turned on her heel and walked back into her office.

Carter stood frozen in the hallway, his fingers tightening around his steering wheel keys.

It was a nervous habit he only did when he was terrified.

But... what was he afraid of?

"Mr. Vance?" the nurse's voice broke the silence. "The patient you're looking for..."

The nurse hesitated, looking pityingly at him.

"Lily Vance passed away three years ago."

Carter's pupils dilated instantly. He froze, as if nailed to the floor.