Chapter 4
The family doctor arrived quickly, his expression grave after a thorough examination.
“Ms. Elizabeth has suffered a severe neurogenic syncope and brief shock, triggered by acute emotional distress and overwhelming grief. Her body is already fragile—she can’t take any more stress!”
He stood by the bed, his tall frame tense and uncertain.
Had he really… driven her to this point?
Just then, Natasha approached, leaning heavily on Dorothy for support. She wore an oversized hospital gown, her gaze lingering on Elizabeth with a trace of barely concealed malice.
“Kai…” Her voice was barely audible, instantly pulling Kaiden’s attention
away.
Seeing her, Kaiden’s heart tightened. He hurried over. “Tasha? Why are you out of bed? The doctor said you need to rest.”
“I was worried about Eliza…” Natasha’s tears fell in silent streams.
“It’s all my fault. I’m the reason Eliza’s like this. Kai, please don’t punish her anymore, okay? I don’t blame her–really, I don’t…” She swayed as if she might collapse at any moment.
Kaiden quickly steadied her, torn between Natasha’s pitiful, self–effacing demeanor and the sight of Elizabeth lying motionless on the bed.
He was overwhelmed by a confusing mix of anxiety and helplessness.
Chapter 4
“Tasha, you…” He started to mention the baby, but Natasha gently interrupted him.
“The baby’s gone. Of course, I know Eliza didn’t mean for this to happen…” Natasha’s tears fell even harder.
“So, Kai, I’m not asking for much–just that Eliza give me a little comfort something to help ease the pain. After all, that was our first child together…”
Her voice was soft, almost hypnotic in its vulnerability.
Kaiden looked at her anguished face, his heart melting and guilt washing over him.
“What kind of comfort do you want? If it’s within my power…”
Natasha’s gaze drifted to the unconscious Elizabeth, a barely perceptible smile flickering at the corners of her lips, though her voice was even more frail.
“Eliza is a genius artist… Her paintings are so full of life that even the masters praise her talent. I’d love to see her work again…
“Why not have Eliza paint something for me using her own blood?
“Blood is the source of life. A motherhood painting created with it would surely be the most powerful blessing. It could be Eliza’s way of praying for me–and for the soul of our poor, lost child… Would that be alright?” She looked pleadingly at Kaiden.
She nestled into Kaiden’s arms, her fingers icy, her eyes full of hope.
“Eliza loves painting more than anything. I’m sure she wouldn’t mind making amends this way.”
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Chapter 4
Kaiden stared at her face, so reminiscent of Elizabeth’s, and thought of the child who’d never had a chance. His throat tightened.
“Alright.”
***
“You’re awake?”
4
Elizabeth slowly brought her vision into focus, seeing Kaiden standing by the bed.
He stood silhouetted against the light, his features hidden in shadow, holding something in his hand.
“Why are you still here…” Her voice was so hoarse it hardly sounded like her own.
Kaiden stepped closer, and Elizabeth finally saw what he was holding–a knife.
“Tasha said,” Kaiden’s voice was rough, “she wants a painting from you.”
Elizabeth stared at him in confusion, her mind still cloudy, unable to grasp the meaning of his words.
Her gaze landed on the knife, and memories flooded back.
Last year, for his birthday, she’d searched the entire city for this antique knife, spending every last cent she had.
The look of surprise in his eyes when he opened the gift, the gentle kiss he’d placed on her forehead…
“Use this to draw blood.” Kaiden set the knife on the table.
པ ད 1:|:|:|:|:ཀྱང པ ས པ མ པ པ ག ག པ མ
Those words hit Elizabeth like a bucket of ice water, jolting her awake.
She jerked her head up, staring at Kaiden in disbelief, her lips trembling.
“What… did you just say?”
Chapter 4
***
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With Als
