Chapter 4
Vivian’s car pulled up to New York Presbyterian as the internet exploded with her “death countdown” story. The comments section was going wild:[]
“Honestly? I think Vivian’s brave as hell. At least she’s honest about her feelings.“|
“Right? Like, half of Manhattan probably has a crush on Nathan Harrison. As long as she’s not being a homewrecker, what’s wrong with loving someone?”
“Those livestreams from that fancy penthouse gave me such a glimpse into how the other half lives. Gonna miss that when she’s gone.”
“Who even is Nathan’s wife? Can’t she just step aside? Vivian only has six months left.“[]
“Some musician named Amelia something. Word is she quit working after marrying into money. Total trophy wife situation.“[]
Back at the hospital, Amelia’s phone wouldn’t stop buzzing. Text after text from acquaintances–some concerned, some fishing for gossip, others just plain cruel. All about Vivian and Nathan.[]
She’d scrolled through the trending topics once, saw the “terminal cancer” headlines, then put her phone away. What was the point? In thirty days, she and Nathan would be strangers anyway.
“How are you feeling? Any more cramping?” Harper appeared with her purse, looking worried at Amelia’s pale complexion.[]
Amelia forced a smile and shook her head. She’d made her choice–now she had to live with the consequences.[]
Harper clearly wasn’t buying it, but she just sighed and helped Amelia to the elevator.[]
The ding echoed as they reached the lobby. The hospital was busier than usual–Amelia could even spot camera crews lurking near the entrance.[]
“God, probably some celebrity getting a nose job,” Harper muttered, steering them toward a side exit. “The paparazzi here is getting ridiculous—“[]
She stopped mid–sentence, her face going white. “Shit. Mia, we need to go. Now.”
Too late. Amelia had already seen them.]
Nathan stood near the information desk, looking like he’d stepped off a magazine cover even in this chaos. His Italian suit was perfectly tailored, his hair immaculate despite the crowd pressing around him.[]
Beside him, Vivian looked ethereal in her fragility–pale, delicate, like some tragic princess, She stumbled slightly, and Nathan immediately caught her, pulling her protectively against his chest.
“Don’t look, don’t look!” Harper tried to block Amelia’s view, cursing under her breath. “That piece of shit and his–“[]
“Harper, let’s just go.” Amelia’s voice was steady. She didn’t want Nathan knowing why she was here, and she definitely didn’t want some awkward encounter.
“Go? Hell no.” Harper was furious now. “You two are still technically married. That’s still your husband out there, making a public spectacle with another woman. This is fucking unacceptable.“[]
Husband. Once upon a time, that word had made Amelia’s heart race. Now it just felt hollow.[]
“Harper, I’m not feeling great. Can we please just leave?“[]
Harper immediately shifted into doctor mode, her anger replaced by concern. They headed toward the parking garage, leaving the circus behind.[]
But in the crowd, Vivian’s eyes swept the lobby and landed on Amelia’s retreating figure. A satisfied smile flickered across her face. “Nathan, I’m so sorry you got caught up in all this,” Vivian said, touching his arm. “I know you hate dealing with the media, but I-“]
“It’s fine. Let’s get your medication ” Nathan’s expression didn’t change, though something nagged at the back of his mind–something he couldn’t quite place
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Chapter 4
They made their way to the oncology department, where Vivian handed over her medical records. The doctor’s frown deepened as he read.[]
“This is… very serious,” he said carefully. “I’d recommend immediate hospitalization and aggressive treatment.“[]
Vivian smiled sadly. “I know what the records say.“[]
She took a shaky breath. “Doctor, I just need strong pain medication. The strongest you can give me.”
:“0
“Miss Hope, with aggressive treatment, we might be able to extend-“]
“No.” Her voice broke slightly, tears gathering in her eyes. “I’m done fighting. I just… I want to die with dignity.“]
Nathan’s hand tightened around hers. The doctor sighed heavily but nodded in understanding.]
Outside in the hallway, reporters were capturing every moment, broadcasting it live to millions of viewers.[]
“This is heartbreaking. A young woman choosing death with dignity over prolonged suffering.“]
“I’m crying watching this. The way she’s staying strong…“]
“When she said she was done fighting, I lost it. This is so fucking sad.“]
The sympathy for Vivian reached a fever pitch.]
Twenty minutes later, as they emerged from the hospital, Amelia was sitting on a bench outside waiting for Harper to bring the car around. She hadn’t even noticed the crowd until the camera flashes started going off.]
“What are you doing here?” Nathan’s voice cut through the chaos, his frown deepening when he spotted her.[]
Amelia stood up slowly, glancing between Nathan and Vivian, who was still clinging to his arm. Before she could answer, the vultures pounced.]
“Miss Visconti! Are you here to confront your husband’s mistress?“]
“What’s your response to your husband publicly dating another woman?“]
“How do you feel about the calls for you to step aside and let them be together?”
Everyone assumed Amelia had come to make a scene, to fight for her man. Even Nathan looked at her with disgust, like she was some jealous harpy.
“Vivian is sick,” he said, his voice carrying a warning. “You know that, right?“[]
The implication was clear–Don’t you dare cause problems for her.[]
J
Amelia almost laughed. He actually thought she was here to harass his dying girlfriend. As if she’d waste her time.
“Amelia!” When she didn’t immediately respond, Nathan called her name sharply. He wanted her to play nice, to make excuses for him like she always had.
But those days were over. She didn’t want him anymore–why should she keep playing by his rules?]
Her hand moved instinctively to her stomach, where the cramping hadn’t completely stopped.[]
“Visiting a friend,” she said simply.[]
The divorce papers were already filed. She wasn’t about to reveal her pregnancy, and she didn’t owe these people any explanations.[]
She turned to leave, but the reporters swarmed her, pushing and shoving for the best shots.[]
“Miss Visconti, are you aware that thousands of people online are calling for you to divorce your husband so he can be with Vivian?“[]
“Knowing that Vivian is dying, how can you be so selfish?”
“Miss Visconti-”
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Chapter 4
Amelia tried to push through the crowd, desperate to escape. These people didn’t want answers–they wanted a spectacle. In the chaos, someone shoved her hard from behind.[]
She stumbled, immediately wrapping both arms around her stomach to protect the baby.[]
