Chapter 5 - THE HOSPITAL AMBUSH
On the day I was scheduled to be discharged, Julian stepped out to bring the car around. I was packing my hospital bag when the door swung open.
My mother, Eleanor, and my father walked in. They bypassed hospital security by using a donor pass my father had bought years ago.
"Clara," my father said, his tone authoritative. "We need to put this ugly business behind us. Sign this."
He tossed a manila folder onto the bed. It was a non-disclosure agreement and a formal request to drop all charges, citing a "family misunderstanding."
"If you sign it," my mother said, looking at my bandages with zero remorse, "we will pay your hospital bills. If you don't, your father will drag Julian through internal affairs, and we will bankrupt your little bakery."
I slowly zipped up my duffel bag. "My hospital bills are covered by Julian's insurance. And my bakery is doing just fine."
"You arrogant little brat," my mother hissed, stepping closer. "I should have hit you harder."
"I've got that on tape, too," Julian's voice boomed from the doorway.
He stepped into the room, holding his phone up, the screen recording. Beside him were two hospital security guards.
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"You just violated your bail conditions by contacting the victim, Eleanor," Julian said, his eyes practically glowing with rage. "Security, escort them off the premises. If they resist, I'm calling my precinct."
My parents fled, their faces pale with shock. They realized too late that the quiet, obedient daughter was dead.
