Chapter 8: Breaking Point

That day, on my way home, I got into a car accident.

A speeding truck rear-ended me, knocking me unconscious.

When I woke up in the hospital, the doctor told me I’d been in a coma for five days.

The hospital room was chilly, the TV on mute, sunlight slicing through the blinds.

Dazed, I took out my phone to call Derek, when the Lawson family butler hurried in.

"Ma’am, you’re finally awake! I’ve been checking on you every day—thank goodness you woke up!"

I smiled weakly.

"Sorry to have worried everyone. I’m fine."

But the butler’s face was grave.

I looked at him. "What’s wrong? Is Mrs. Lawson upset?"

He hesitated a moment. "Ma’am, Mr. Lawson has passed away."

My eyes widened slowly.

"What did you say? Who passed away?"

The butler spoke solemnly.

"The night you had your accident and fell into a coma, Mr. Lawson suddenly had an acute attack outside. He was rushed to the hospital, but died despite resuscitation."

"The house has been in chaos these past days. Mrs. Lawson fainted from crying several times. Old Mr. Lawson is barely holding on to handle the aftermath. The cremation was just completed this morning."

I listened, dazed, motionless—a shell without a soul.

The butler sighed, "Ma’am, please take care of yourself. You can’t collapse now. Old Mr. Lawson told me to check on you every day. There are many inheritance procedures that need your signature, so please hurry back."

I said nothing, slowly sitting up.

The butler hurried to support me. "The car is waiting downstairs. Please hold on—Old Mr. Lawson is anxious."

I gently pulled my hand away.

The butler looked at me, confused.

I slowly leaned back, resting against the headboard, and said softly:

"If it’s so urgent..."

"Then let him come see me himself."

For the first time, I didn’t feel like the help. I felt like someone they’d have to reckon with.

In that moment, the early-morning sun filtered through the blinds, painting pale stripes across the sheets and my folded hands. I watched the dust in the air and, for the first time in years, felt the faintest flutter of control settle in my chest, the ghost of a smile ghosting my lips as the world beyond my hospital window waited.