Divorced and Ruined My Son’s Killer

Amber’s Pov

I was at work when the news was playing in the background and that's when I saw it. A lifeless boy was carried out of a car after suffocating for hours.

My heart stopped. It was my son.

I froze as the camera showed the car. I knew that car—it belonged to my husband’s adopted sister, Chloe!

The room spun. Fury shot through me, burning every vein in my body. “She killed my son,” I whispered, shaking. “She has to pay for this.”

My husband Jason wrapped his arm around me, his voice low. “You’re right, Amber. Chloe has gone too far this time. I’ll make sure she faces justice.”

My brother, a lawyer, handled the case personally. But on the morning of the trial, he never showed up.

Two days later, they found his mutilated lifeless body outside his house, and no trace of all the evidence he had gathered.

The case collapsed and the judge dismissed everything ruling my son’s death as ‘accidental’ while Chloe walked out of court free.

I rushed home, desperate, hoping Jason could still help. That’s when I heard voices in his study. I leaned against the door, listening.

“I don’t know, Jason,” Mark, his best friend, was saying. “Chloe deliberately killed your son out of jealousy. But you went and had your wife’s brother killed just to save her from prison?”

My chest tightened, my pulse roaring in my ears.

Jason’s voice sounded cold and cruel. “Amber will never know the truth. It was the only way to protect Chloe. Besides, it wasn’t just her fault. We were… carried away in the bedroom. I forgot that little bastard was still locked in the car.”

My knees buckled. My breath caught in my throat. Bedroom? With Chloe?

“She thinks Chloe is your sister,” Mark laughed. “Amber really is clueless. How can she not see that Chloe’s son, Julius looks exactly like you? He’s your son.”

Jason chuckled, almost proud. “Amber is madly in love with me. She’ll believe whatever I say. Soon, I’ll send her away for good and build the family I want with Chloe. Especially now that she’s pregnant again.”

The world shattered around me. How could this have happened? Ever since Chloe donated her kidney to save my husband’s life four years ago he adopted her as his little sister.

He's always done everything to make her happy and when I complain he would always say, “She saved my life, Amber, without her I won’t be here. We owe her everything.”

How had I been so blind as to see that his affection for her had gotten intimate and my marriage was all a lie?!

My husband and his socalled sister were lovers. They had a child together. Now another is on the way. And they killed my sweet little boy to keep their secret.

My hands trembled as I grabbed my phone. With tears blurring my eyes, I unblocked a number I had buried seven years ago.

The line clicked. “Roy…” My voice broke. “Please, I need your help. I’m going to divorce Jason Morales. Please get me out of here… help me take revenge on him.”

There was silence, and then his calm and sharp voice came. “Why should I help you, Amber? You abandoned me seven years ago.”

The memory stabbed me fresh, my father had once chosen Roy for me—a safe, strong choice. But I had walked away. For love. For Jason.

And now love has ruined me.

“Please, Roy,” I sobbed into the phone. “I’ll do anything. I’ve lost everything… they’ve taken everything from me.”

His tone was cutting. “If you can produce your divorce certificate in one week, then maybe I’ll consider helping you.”

The line went dead.

I sank to the floor, the phone slipping from my hand, my tears soaking the tiles.

By the time I ended the call, rage took over me. I stormed into the house, ready to rip the mask off his face.

The moment Jason saw me, his expression softened with fake concern. Before I could speak, he wrapped me in his arms, his hand rubbing the back of my neck.

“I heard the news, darling. I’m so sorry,” he whispered against my hair.

I tried pushing him away, my body trembling with fury, but he held on tighter.

“This is all your fault, you bastard!” I shouted.

“I know… I never should’ve let Chloe pick our son up. It’s all my fault. I failed you,” his voice cracked as he buried his face in my hair.

If I hadn’t overheard his conversation with Mark, if I hadn’t seen that smug smirk they shared before I walked in, I would’ve believed him. His tears almost fooled me.

“I’ll make sure Chloe pays for what she’s done,” he sobbed.

The audacity! This man killed my son, murdered my brother, and now he was pretending to grieve with me? My rage exploded. I shoved him off and slapped him across the face so hard my palm stung.

“You bastard! I hate you!”

Jason’s cheeks were wet, his expression broken. For a second, I saw the man I had once loved—the man who had pulled me from a burning building, the man I chose over Roy even when my family begged me not to.

“I deserve it,” Jason said hoarsely. “Go on, hit me. I’m a terrible father.”

I pounded on his chest, tears blinding me, waiting for him to admit the truth. But he didn’t. He just cried harder, playing the victim, whispering words that made me sick. By the time I was drained, he pressed a cup into my hands.

“Here, darling. Drink this tea and rest.”

Exhausted, I swallowed it without thinking. My body curled up on the sofa, my tears soaking the cushions until I drifted into a restless sleep.

—

When I woke, voices filled the room. My head throbbed as I forced my eyes open.

“You’re awake,” Jason said softly.

I blinked, only to see him standing protectively beside Chloe, their hands entwined.

My heart lurched. “What is she doing here?” I spat.

“Calm down, Amber,” Jason said.

Before I could speak again, a small voice broke through.

“Daddy, why is that bad woman yelling at Mommy?”

I froze. A little boy peeked out from behind Jason’s legs. My heart twisted. I had seen him before, but now, staring at him, the resemblance was undeniable. Jason’s eyes. Jason’s jawline. Jason’s son.

Jason coughed, caught off guard. Chloe quickly pulled the boy forward and smacked him lightly.

“Julius, I told you not to call Jason that,” she said sweetly, then flashed me a mocking smile. “I’m sorry, Amber. He’s just so attached to Jason.”

I turned to Jason, trembling. “What are they doing here?”

“Ever since the accident—”

“Accident?” My voice cracked like glass, interrupting him sharply. “She killed my son, Jason!”

Jason’s gaze hardened. “Don’t be difficult, Amber. People are threatening Chloe and her son online. Their lives are in danger, so I told them to stay here until it blows over.”

I choked out a bitter laugh. “Their lives? She killed my son, and you’re protecting her?”

Chloe sobbed dramatically. “It wasn’t on purpose. He wandered into the car… I should’ve been more careful.” She turned to Jason. “Maybe we should leave. I don’t care if I die, as long as Amber feels better.”

“You’re not going anywhere, Chloe,” Jason barked, gripping her hand tighter. He turned his glare on me. “Chloe and Julius will stay here and that’s final.”

Bitter tears slid down my face as the truth clawed at me. “Of course. Because he’s your son, isn’t he?”

Jason’s eyes flickered with shock before he masked it with a cold smile. “Don’t be absurd. Her husband abandoned them. Julius just… sees me as a father figure.”

His lie sliced through me. My whole body trembled as I whispered, “Do what you want, Jason. I don’t care anymore.” I stormed upstairs before he could reply.

In the bedroom, my phone rang. I grabbed it like a lifeline, it was our family lawyer.

“Do you have the divorce papers ready?” I demanded.

“Mrs. Morales,” his voice was calm, “My secretary told me about your request, but I need to confirm… are you certain you want to divorce your husband?”

“Did I stutter? I need out of this marriage within seven days!”

“Mrs. Morales,” he said carefully, “you understand that if you file for divorce, you’ll lose your family’s company. According to the document you signed, it will pass to your husband.”

“What?” My heart dropped, my voice cracking in shock.

“Amber? Who are you talking to?”

I spun around. Jason was standing at the doorway, his eyes narrowed in suspicion.

Amber’s Pov

“Who are you talking to, Amber?” Jason asked again, stepping closer.

I snapped the call closed and glared at him. “Why does it matter? Have I lost the right to private calls now?” I kept my voice sharp.

He gave a practiced, tight smile. “I was only checking on you. You stormed off so I came to see if you were okay.”

My lie came easily. “It was the PI. He called about my brother’s death.”

Jason’s jaw tightened. “Has he found anything?”

“He said he has a lead,” I lied. “He should have an answer to who killed him by the end of the week.”

Jason nodded, but his eyes darkened. He did not look relieved even though he tried to hide it.

“Amber,” he said, voice soft. “Chloe is a mother too. For the sake of her son, try to forgive her.”

I laughed, a short, bitter sound. “Her son? My son died. He choked in her car. Do you know how long it takes to suffocate? His fingers were broken from scratching the door. He cried and no one helped.”

My throat closed on the last words. The memory of identifying his tiny body made bile rise in my mouth.

“Our son is dead, Amber, but I won’t let you ruin Chloe’s life because of it. She saved my life!” Jason said fiercely.

I was mortified, “She donated her kidney four years ago to save you, you've done everything to please her and now you would sacrifice your own son too?!”

Jason reached for me. “I’m sorry, darling,” he murmured.

I pulled away as I grabbed my coat. “I’m going out. I need air.”

“Amber!” he called, but I ignored him and went down the stairs.

Chloe sat on the couch, a smug smile planted on her face. She looked up as I passed.

“Where are you rushing off to?” she asked, bright as a bell.

I pushed past. She stepped in front of me, blocking the door.

“Answer me,” she said. Then she laughed, cruel. “You’re going to lose everything. Soon your husband will be mine!”

“Get out of my way, Chloe.”

She cocked her head. “Or what? What are you going to do, Amber? You can’t do anything. You couldn’t even save your own son.”

My hands moved without thinking. I slapped her, hard. I grabbed her hair and shoved. She cried out sharp and loud.

Jason came flying down the stairs, eyes wide. “What did you do?” he demanded.

“What I should have done days ago!” I spat, and I ran.

My phone filled with missed calls and angry voicemails as I drove away.

“Come back and apologize to Chloe!” one voice shouted.

“How dare you hurt her, I'll kill you!” another screamed.

“Don’t make me make you regret this!” the next one came in.

“I’ve lost my patience, Amber, I've tried to be nice but you've pushed me. Whatever happens is on you.”

The last one sounded eerily calm and for a moment I was tempted to pick up the call but I ignored it and went straight to the lawyer.

“Mrs. Morales,” he said with the old courtesy. “Always a pleasure.”

“Start talking. What did you mean on the phone?” I demanded.

He slid a paper across the desk. My name stared back at me with my signature on a clause I never saw before.

“This says if you divorce Jason, he gets the company,” he said. “You signed it.”

“I didn’t sign that,” I said, panic rising.

“You did,” he replied. “You asked me to do what Jason wanted when you married. You agreed.”

A flash of memory hit me as I recalled the wedding night, a paper he’d asked me to sign claiming it was “just work.” I had trusted him then. I had signed without reading it.

“But why would he do this? He doesn't want us to get divorced or what? It doesn't make sense,” I frowned.

“It favors him,” the lawyer said. “If you divorce him, you lose your company. If he divorces you, he keeps seventy percent. If you die while married, the company still goes to him.”

My mouth went dry. I felt small, stupid, and trapped.

“I need the divorce papers by tomorrow,” I said. “Find a loophole.”

Before he could answer, my phone rang. It was from the hospital.

“Mrs. Morales, your mother—” the nurse began. “We’re scheduling to remove her corneas.”

I stood so fast I nearly fell. “What? No. Who authorized that?”

The nurse read from a file. “Your husband authorized the procedure, ma’am. You signed consent.”

“I never signed anything!” I said.

I was at the hospital a few minutes later, my heart pounding. My mother was admitted to the hospital three weeks ago after she had a heart attack and collapsed from the top floor. She's been in a coma ever since.

The doctor met me in the corridor with a calm face and a paper in her hand.

“Mrs. Morales, your husband signed. You agreed to donate—” she began.

“Who were those corneas for?” I demanded.

The doctor flipped a page. “Dr. Chloe Morales requested them for research,” she said, then added, quietly, “She is also a resident surgeon here.”

My skin went cold. “You will not touch my mother,” I said, loud and steady. “If anyone tries anything, I will sue this hospital into the ground.”

They backed off and I left with my hands shaking from anger.

By the time I got back home, my anger had not cooled. I slammed open the door and froze.

My sister sat before me. She was tied to a chair. Her clothes were torn. Tears streaked her face.

“Hello, Amber,” Jason said calmly, a cold smile on his lips. “I’ve been waiting.”

Amber’s Pov

“What is going on here?” My voice shook as my eyes darted from Jason to my sister tied up in the chair.

Jane’s cheeks were streaked with tears, her hair messy, her clothes ripped. She looked so small, so helpless.

Jason leaned against the wall, calm as though the sight before us was nothing. A cruel smile tugged at his lips.

“You pissed me off, Amber, even when I tried to be nice,” he said flatly. “So I pulled your sister out of her boarding school. I thought she’d help me teach you a lesson.”

Jane whimpered, “Amber… please…” Her voice was barely a whisper.

My knees weakened, but I forced myself forward. “Why, Jason? Why would you do this to her? She’s just a child!”

Jason’s eyes darkened. “Don’t act innocent. You think I’d just let you get away with what you did to Chloe?”

I frowned. “What I did to Chloe?”

He pushed off the wall, his face twisting with rage. “Because of you, Chloe’s jaw is broken. She’s in the hospital getting stitches as we speak.”

I scoffed. “She killed my son, Jason, she deserves more than that!”

“And you know what’s worse?” Jason’s voice dropped. “She was pregnant with my child. She lost the baby because of you.”

I arched my brow and tried to act surprised, “Your child? How is that possible? Didn’t you say you took her as your sister because she saved your life?”

Jason laughed. It was hollow, bitter, full of scorn. “You’re so stupid, Amber. Chloe took care of me and saved my life while you were partying and too busy to come see me. If she hadn't been there that night when the doctors tried reaching you all to no avail I would have been dead!”

My lips parted, but no words came. My chest squeezed painfully even though I've tried to tell him the truth countless times he's never believed me.

“It’s been four years and yet you still worship her,” I smiled bitterly.

He stepped closer, his eyes burning. “If you hadn't neglected me then I would be worshipping you and not her!”

My stomach twisted but I said nothing. I just realized that my parents had been right all along.

“And you—” he sneered, “you went ahead and got pregnant. You betrayed me and ruined everything!”

Tears blurred my vision. “Ruined everything? Jason, he was our son. Our baby boy—”

Jason’s voice rose, harsh and cruel. “He wasn’t my son! I’m glad he’s dead. The only children I’ll ever have will be with Chloe.”

The words struck like blades. My heart split wide open. I could barely breathe.

“How… how can you say that?” I whispered, tears clouding my eyes.

He threw a piece of paper at me. “Thanks to Chloe, I found out what you were really doing that night.”

My eyes widened and I shook my head when I saw the paper was a DNA test, “No… this is fake, Jason, you can't believe this.”

He scoffed, “You think I’m a fool? This is the same result I got after running the same test in 4 various hospitals!”

“Fine, you've always believed whatever Chloe tells you. Just let Jane go, she has nothing to do with this,” I whispered.

Jason shook his head slowly, smiling like a madman. “No, darling. She has everything to do with this. If you want her safe, you’re going to do exactly as I say.”

My heart sank. “What do you want?”

“You’re going to make a video,” he said coldly. “You’ll post it online, apologizing to Chloe. You’ll tell everyone it was an accident. That you’re not blaming her for your son’s death. The trolls will stop. The hospital will reinstate her. Everything will be fine again.”

I stared at him in disbelief. “Never. Never in this life will I defend her. She killed my son, Jason! She doesn’t deserve sympathy, she deserves prison or worse!”

His eyes gleamed dangerously. “That’s why Jane is here. To motivate you.”

Jane sobbed harder, shaking her head. “Amber, please… don’t let him—”

Jason leaned in close, whispering like poison. “If you don’t do the video, I’ll post her naked pictures online.”

Jane gasped. “No!” She broke into hysterical sobs, thrashing against the ropes.

Jason laughed cruelly. “Just imagine it. Your sweet, innocent sister is barely eighteen. Everyone at her boarding school seeing her like that. Her reputation will be destroyed. She’ll never recover.”

I felt sick. My whole body trembled. “You’re bluffing.”

Jason smirked. “Am I?”

He pulled out his phone, tapped a few buttons, and Jane let out a bloodcurdling scream. “No! Don’t! Amber, stop him!”

The horror in her voice told me it was real. Jason wasn’t bluffing.

My world collapsed. I could not let her suffer. “Stop! I’ll do it,” I shouted. “I’ll do the video!”

Jason grinned, victorious. “Smart girl.”

He shoved a phone into my hand and forced me to sit. My tears blurred the camera as I spoke, my voice hollow.

“My son’s death was an accident,” I said, the words cutting me open. “Chloe isn’t to blame. I forgive her. Please stop harassing her. She deserves peace.”

Jason ended the recording, smiling with satisfaction.

Then, without warning, his fist shot out and smashed into Jane’s face. A sickening crack echoed. She slumped in the chair, blood pouring from her mouth.

“Jason!” I screamed.

“That’s your punishment,” he hissed. “For laying a hand on Chloe.” He stormed out, leaving the door wide open behind him.

I rushed to Jane, my hands shaking as I untied the ropes. “Stay with me, Jane, please… please forgive me,” I sobbed, cradling her limp body.

Her jaw was swollen, twisted. Her breaths were shallow.

I dragged her to the car and sped to the hospital, my tears blinding me.

Hours later, I sat outside the emergency ward, wringing my hands, praying she’d survive.

“Rough night?”

The voice froze me. Chloe strolled out of the hallway, perfectly fine, no sign of injury. Her lips curved in a mocking smile.

“You—” my voice broke. “You’re not hurt.”

She laughed. “Of course I’m not. I was never pregnant either. But Jason believed it because he's madly in love with me and believes whatever I want him to even when I told him you cheated and he's not your dead son’s father.”

I scoffed, “Why am I not surprised that you're a manipulating conniving bitch.”

Chloe’s eyes gleamed with victory. “I pushed him to the edge. I wanted him to finally admit to you what he feels for me. And he did, didn’t he?”

“You’re disgusting,” I spat. “Nothing but a filthy whore, that's what he admitted.”

Her smile faltered for a second before she masked it with a glare. “Careful, Amber. You’re in no position to insult me. This isn’t over. I’ll deal with you soon enough.”

She flicked her hair back and sauntered off, her laughter echoing in the corridor.

Later, I sat by Jane’s bedside. Her face was pale, her jaw wrapped in bandages, machines beeping around her. I held her hand, guilt crushing me.

“Please wake up, Jane,” I whispered. “I’m so sorry.”

The door slammed open.

Jason strode in, his eyes red, his face twisted with fury.

“Where is my son, Amber?” he growled, his voice low and dangerous.

Amber’s Pov

Jason’s face was a mask of fury. He stepped into the room and his voice cut the air. “Where is my son?” he demanded.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I snapped.

He laughed, hard and ugly. “Don’t lie to me. There is evidence on the CCTV cameras showing that you took him out of the house. You hated Chloe for your dead son. You wanted to kill hers too. You took him.”

“I didn’t touch him, Jason. I swear—”

Jane moaned and opened her eyes. She looked at me with fear. Her mouth trembled, but her words were a whisper. “Amber… what’s going on…”

But before I could answer, Jason stalked forward and grabbed her chin roughly.

“If you don’t tell me where my son is, I will make you regret it.” His voice was cold.

“Jason, let my sister go, I didn't touch your son,” my voice trembled as I stared at Jane’s terrified face.

Jane started crying. “Amber, help me, please… he's hurting me…”

Her voice sounded so small. My whole body wanted to jump between them and fight.

At that second Chloe burst through the door, acting like a woman about to faint. She fell to her knees and clutched at my hand, tears flooding her face.

“Please,” she sobbed loudly. “Amber, please… give Julius back. I’ll die if you don’t. Kill me instead. Take my life, just bring my son back.”

Chloe’s tears made my skin crawl. I wanted to slap her senseless and tell her to cut the act especially when I saw the smug grin on her face but I held back because Jason had my sister.

Jason’s eyes flared. He turned to his men. “Take her sister out. Make her talk.”

My hands flew to Jane. “What are you doing?” I screamed.

The men moved in. Two of them grabbed my arms and pinned me down. I thrashed and kicked, but there were too many of them.

Jason stepped close and leaned into my face. “Since you won’t confess, maybe seeing her suffer will loosen your tongue,” he said softly. “Maybe then you’ll tell me where my son is.”

They dragged Jane out by her hair. I screamed and pulled, but the men were strong. Jane’s legs scraped the floor. Her sobs echoed in the room.

Then the men started hitting her. Blows, kicks, and her cries mingled together. It was horrifying watching the blood on her body and hearing the sound, I almost went crazy.

“Stop! Stop!” I yelled. “Please, please don’t… Jason I don't know where your son is! How can you be this heartless? She's just a child. Please stop!”

“Jason, please! Don’t hurt her. It won’t bring Julius back. It won’t help,” Chloe suddenly begged even though her eyes still had that victorious smirk.

Jason didn’t listen. “Not until Amber tells me where my son is!”

The blows kept coming. I could hear Jane’s voice break, small sounds turning into nothing. I clawed at the men holding me.

“Let me go!” I screamed.

Finally there was a sickening silence. Then a heavy thud. I heard a faint gurgle. Jane’s moans slowed. I felt my world tilt.

They released her and I saw her clearly. Her face was swollen and purple. Blood pooled at the corner of her mouth. She could not focus. Her eyes were glassy. She whispered something and then slumped. Her breathing grew shallow. She was barely with us.

“No!” I lunged. I tried to catch her head, but my wrists were tied. One of Jason’s men shoved me back.

Jason turned away, angry and cold. “You’re wasting my time,” he said, “Why won’t you confess, Amber? Do you like seeing your sister suffer?”

“I don't know where Julius is, please stop, you'll kill her,” I sobbed.

He turned to Chloe. “You wanted corneas for your experiment, right?”

My blood froze. I felt the ground disappear.

“No,” I croaked. “You can’t. She's just a child —”

He cut me off. “I’m not a monster, Amber, I won’t touch your sister, it’s your mother. That old cow has lived long enough, don't you think? Or will you tell me where my son is now so I can spare her?”

“I didn't take your son, Jason, stop this madness!” I screamed.

“You won’t confess? Fine,” He pulled out his phone and barked an order. “Doctor, prepare the OR. Take her corneas. Start now.”

His men pushed me down a chair and shoved a phone into my face. They showed me a live video feed from the hospital OR.

My mother lay on the table, tubes in her nose, her hand pale under the light. Doctors were preparing instruments. The sound of a monitor beep raced in my ears.

“No! Stop that camera—” I screamed.

I scrubbed at my eyes and pounded on the table. “You can’t do this. Please. She’s sick. You’ll kill her.”

Jason yanked my hair, “Just watch, Amber. Watch what happens when you refuse to cooperate.”

I begged. I shouted. I clawed at their arms. I tried to break free. But my body was weak and the room closed in.

Then a man burst in and yelled, “We found Julius! He’s in one of Amber’s cars. He was locked inside. He’s alive but barely, he almost suffocated.”

Jason spun on him, “Where is he? Bring him here now. Doctor, do everything! Save my son!” Jason roared.

All at once the men and the doctors obeyed him. Nurses rushed away from my phone feed. The live image of my mother’s surgery was cut off. The room emptied. They ran out to save his son.

“Wait!” I cried. “My mother—she—” but my voice was swallowed by the rush of shoes on the floor.

The monitor on my mother’s feed started to falter. I realized in my chest that they had left the surgery midcut. The sound went flat in the feed. I watched with bare horror as the line on the monitor slowed.

“No—” I whispered.

I staggered to my feet, banging at the door. “Please! Someone! Come back!”

They did not. The paramedics ran past with Julius. Jason followed them like a shadow.

The live feed showed the operating room in frozen detail. The monitor’s beeps slowed, then paused. The screen went empty.

My mother’s heart stopped. I heard a sound then the flatline. It felt like a punch to the ribs. My legs gave out.

I sank to the floor and could only stare at the lifeless body of my mother on the live feed and the unconscious bruised battered body of my sister before me.

My face went numb. It felt like someone rewired me to nothing. I could not move. I could not breathe. The world had narrowed to one point: my dead mother and my bloody sister.

My phone buzzed. A simple message lit the screen. It was the lawyer. Divorce papers sent. Found a loophole.

Amber’s Pov

It had been three days since my mother died. Three days since I watched her heart stop on that screen.

I hadn’t left the hospital since then. I couldn’t. Not while Jane lay motionless, her face swollen, tubes running from her nose, machines keeping her alive.

The doctors had told me the truth in quiet voices. They didn’t know if she would ever recover. The beating had caused internal bleeding in her brain. She might never wake up.

I sat by her bed, my fingers wrapped around her cold hand. I whispered to her every night. I told her I was sorry. I told her to fight. But she never moved.

My phone buzzed. I wiped my eyes and picked it up.

“Princess,” a voice said. It was Roy.

His tone was firm, “Are you ready to leave? Do you have the divorce papers? I gave you seven days. Your time will be up tomorrow.”

I pressed my lips together, staring at Jane’s pale face. “I’ll be ready,” I whispered. “By tomorrow. I’m almost done gathering all the evidence I need.”

“Good. I’ll be waiting, Princess, I hope you keep your words,” Roy said and the line went dead.

I sighed and dropped the phone onto the bed. I kissed Jane’s forehead. “I’ll fix this, I promise.”

The door creaked open. My heart leapt, thinking it was a doctor. But instead, Jason walked in.

I stood, my hands balling into fists. “What do you want? Haven’t you done enough?”

He stopped in the middle of the ward. His face softened, as he let out a sigh, “Amber,” he said, “I didn’t mean for things to go this far.”

I laughed bitterly. “You killed my mother. You almost killed my sister. That’s your idea of not going too far?”

He rubbed his forehead. “You pushed me. You made me snap. I tried to be nice, but you hurt Chloe. You made her lose our baby. And then you kidnapped Julius… I lost control. What did you expect me to do?”

I ignored him and looked away but he kept talking.

“I know how much you love me, Amber, and I know you acted out of jealousy now. It’s alright, I forgive you.”

The audacity of this asshole to think everything is about him!

“I’ll give your mother a befitting burial. I’m arranging the best brain surgeon for Jane. She’ll recover and everything will be fine.”

“I care for you, Amber,” Jason continued, stepping closer. “I know you love me and you don't want us to be apart. That's why you fought your family years ago to be with me which is why I want us to live in peace. You can even look after Julius like he’s your son.”

My stomach churned but I swallowed the bile rising in my throat and forced a small nod.

I let my face soften. “I’m glad you apologized,” I said quietly. “I’m sorry too. For kidnapping Julius. I was upset and jealous, I wasn’t thinking straight. You know I love you too much.”

His eyes flickered with relief and a smug smile.

“I prepared a document,” I continued. “I transferred all the shares in my late son’s name to Julius. A way to apologize… for the trauma he went through.”

I pulled out the folder and slid it across the table. Jason grabbed it with greedy hands. He didn’t even stop to read it. His pen scratched the paper. His eyes shone as he signed his name.

“Good,” he said with a smile. “This is good. I can’t wait to share the news with Chloe. She’s here already, she got reinstated as resident surgeon because of the video you made.”

I watched him strut out of the room, whistling under his breath.

When the door closed, I scoffed. I pulled the folder back and flipped the page.

The bold title of the document stared back at me: Divorce Certificate.

I had hidden it beneath the false paper of transfer. Jason, in his greed, had signed away his marriage.

I pressed the paper to my chest and laughed bitterly. “Stupid bastard.”

I kissed Jane’s forehead. “I have to go do something important. I’ll be back soon.”

I left the hospital quietly.

—

When I got to the house, everything was quiet. No one was home. I went straight to my bedroom and pulled out bags. I packed clothes, important documents, jewelry, everything that was mine.

Then I gathered the marriage pictures. The frames. The wedding gifts. The things Jason had ever given me over the years. I carried them outside to the fire pit and lit a match.

The flames licked the air. It felt good finally getting rid of all the lies.

When it was done, I went to Jason’s study. I pressed in Chloe’s birthday. The safe clicked open.

Stacks of documents filled the space. I searched quickly. My fingers shook as I pulled out the two files I had been hunting.

As I slid them into my bag, another file caught my eye. My mother’s name was on it.

My heart skipped. I pulled it out. It was a consent form. A hospital document stating she had agreed to participate in an unauthorized medical drug testing.

But the signature wasn’t hers. Jason had signed it.

My knees buckled. I sank against the desk, the words blurring in my vision. Jason had given Chloe permission to use my mother as a test subject for her new drug.

A drug that caused side effects. A drug that triggered her heart attack and caused her to fall from the top floor. A drug that pushed her into a coma.

I pressed the paper to my chest, tears streaming down my face. “You monsters,” I whispered. “You just keep digging your own grave. My son, my brother, and my mother.”

I shoved the file into my bag and closed the safe.

I left the house. My phone pinged as I drove. I checked it at a red light.

Flight booking confirmed for tomorrow evening. Two passengers.

It was set. Me and Jane, tomorrow, I’ll take her away from here to where she will get better.

I reached the hospital and parked. My heart felt lighter knowing escape was close.

But when I walked into Jane’s room, my heart froze.

A shadow hovered over her bed. The figure leaned close, a syringe glinting in the dim light.

“Who’s there?” I demanded, my voice sharp.

The person turned slowly. It was Chloe.

Amber’s Pov

I froze when I saw Chloe by Jane’s bed, a syringe in her hand.

“What are you doing?” I demanded.

Chloe let out a long breath, like relief. “Oh, thank God. I thought it was someone else. It’s just you, Amber.”

“Back away,” I said. “Leave my sister alone.”

She smiled coldly. “I’ve killed your son and made Jason kill your mother and brother. The only one left is this pesky brat who’s refused to die. Once she's dead then I’ll kill you and have Jason all to myself.”

My skin crawled. “Don’t you dare.”

Chloe’s laugh was sharp. “Do you know what I did with your mother’s corneas? I fed them to vultures.”

Something snapped. I slapped her so hard it echoed. She doubled over, then she grabbed her cheek and screamed.

Jason burst in, face white with fury. He seized Chloe and drew her close. “What is your problem, Amber? Why are you bullying Chloe after we made peace?”

“She came to kill Jane!” I spat.

Chloe threw herself on Jason like a wounded animal. Big, dramatic tears. “Please, Jason,” she wailed. “I was only trying to help her sister. I can inject myself with this injection to prove it’s not lethal.

I glared at Chloe, daring her, “Go ahead!”

Chloe whimpered as she held the injection but before she could inject herself Jason ripped the syringe from Chloe’s hand and smashed it under his shoe.

“Chloe is a doctor, she was only trying to help Jane and you aren't even showing any remorse. You haven’t learned,” he growled at me, “I’ll teach you a lesson.”

He ordered his men to grab me as they hauled me outside. My coat dragged, my boots skidding on the stone.

They pulled aside a sheet in the yard. My mother lay there, white and still under a plain cover. My throat closed, my legs turned to jelly at the sight.

“This is your punishment,” Jason said, and pushed a torch to the sheet.

The flames rose fast. Heat hit my face. The smell was raw and terrible. I screamed and lunged forward but the men tightened their hold on me.

“Jason stop this!” I begged.

“Your mother will be buried with no honor, a pitiful way to send her into the other world,” he sneered.

I tore away, ripping free, and dove for the sheet. The flames bit into my hands and sleeves. Pain flared like a hot brand. My skin broke. I felt the hot sting, then the shock.

“Amber, no!” Jason shouted, as he ran toward me.

I gripped at the burning sheet, tearing it off. My fingers left smoking cloth. Everything blurred and I blacked out.

—

I woke up in a hospital room. White lights flickered and I felt bandages on my body.

My body ached all over. My lower body was wrapped tight. My hands were stiff and raw. I tried to move and a wave of pain hit me.

Jason sat in a chair, dishevelled, like he had slept there. When he saw me open my eyes, his eyes widened in concern.

“You’re awake,” he said, relief in his voice. “I haven’t left your side. Two days you were unconscious. What were you thinking jumping into a fire?”

“Get out,” I whispered.

He stared, stunned, then asked in an unsure voice, “What?”

“I said GET. OUT!” I yelled.

He looked like he wanted to say something but then changed his mind as he rose slowly and left the room.

I fumbled for my phone to see a series of missed calls and messages from Roy. I dialed his number immediately.

“Roy?” I said when he answered. My voice trembled. “I missed the flight. I need help. I’m hurt. Jane, she’s still in a coma. Come pick us up.”

“I just landed in New York. I was worried sick. Hold on. I’m coming.”

I hung up just as a doctor came in. “Good. Prepare to discharge me and my sister right now.”

She looked at my charts and shook her head. “You have seconddegree burns on your back, thigh, leg, and hand. Your sister suffered a brain injury. She needs surgery, and she’s not stable for travel.”

“I’m leaving,” I said, my voice flat. “We are leaving now.”

“I strongly advise against it,” she said. “But if you insist, we will stabilize her as best we can. She will need a doctor on board. You must sign a release.”

I nodded and signed the release form then an ambulance conveyed me and Jane to meet Roy at the hanger. Jane was loaded on a stretcher and I was in a wheelchair.

Roy’s private jet gleamed under the lights when we arrived. His mouth hung open with shock as he stared at us.

“What have they done to you?” he asked.

The staff helped strap Jane down. A team of doctors got on board. He helped me into my seat and sat close.

Roy was shaking with rage, “I ought to go smash that asshole’s face in!”

I smiled, “Don’t worry, they will pay. Let’s proceed according to plan. Just give me the live feed of the house.”

He handed me an iPad and a pair of earphones. “I patched the camera to the house. There's audio and everything.”

Jason was pacing in his living room when a courier knocked. He collected the package and signed as he ripped open the envelope.

He frowned, when he saw it was a divorce certificate he had signed.

“Divorce? I didn't sign these,” he muttered.

As he flipped the pages a note fell out. He read the note aloud, disbelief turning to laughter. “Here are the shares you signed for your son, you greedy bastard. Happy divorce day, asshole!”

He laughed, thinking it was a prank. “Amber loves me,” he said. “This must be a joke. Even if she divorces me, she loses everything.”

Chloe burst into the room, sobbing. “She ruined us, Amber has ruined everything. Check the TV!”

Jason turned to the TV, irritation still creasing his face. But then his eyes caught the headline blazing across the screen in bold letters:

“Jason Morales and Resident Surgeon Chloe Morales Exposed in Web of Lies, Murder, and Corruption.”

The reporter’s voice continued, “Leaked evidence obtained this morning reveals shocking truths that Jason Morales and Dr. Chloe Hudson were engaged in an illicit affair and accomplice to the murder of his exwife’s son, her brother, and her mother…”

One by one, videos, pictures, and documents began to roll. Jason’s face drained of color. His breath quickened. He stumbled back, gripping the couch like it was the only thing keeping him upright.

“Together Jason Morales and Dr. Chloe Hudson have orchestrated not only an illicit affair but three deaths of innocent family members. This is first degree murder and grounds for permanent license revocation. The FBI will have no choice but to step in for further investigation…”

Jason turned off the TV immediately while Chloe collapsed to her knees sobbing.

“Amber, what have you done?” he whispered as blood drained from his face.

I turned the iPad off and smiled at Roy who squeezed my hand.

“Now,” I grinned, “We proceed to phase two.”