Chapter 7
Gideon’s POV
paced back and forth outside the
emergency room, flanked by Nathaniel and Serena, who sat several feet away, tears streaming down her face.
“I can’t bear to think about Juliette. Please, let her be okay,” she sobbed.
Nathaniel, his voice dripping with anger, shot back, “How could Rose be so heartless to harm a child?”
I ran a hand through my hair, and Rose’s confused face flashed across my mind.
“But… Rose’s never been violent, I muttered, as though trying to convince myself.
1/9
Chapter 7
+ 5 Points
Nathaniel glared at me, his words sharp. “Rose? You still think we know her? She’s done nothing but hurt Serena and ruined everything for us! She’s capable of anything.”
“But…” I started, but Nathaniel cut me off.
“This is your daughter, Gideon! Rose harmed her,” he growled.
I frowned, struggling to understand. “But that doesn’t make sense. Why would she hurt the baby after everything we’ve done? We apologized to her!”
Nathaniel fixed me with a hard look. “What if she’s figured out the truth? That Juliette is really your child?”
I shook my head, dismissing the thought. “I don’t know. But even if she did find out, she’s
2/9
Chapter 7
+ 5 Points
never going to leave me. She’s been part of our lives for fifteen years. Where would she go?”
Nathaniel nodded grimly. “Well, if anything happens to my niece, she better pray I never find her.”
Serena, her eyes swollen and red, approached me, clutching my arm.
desperately. “What am I supposed to do if something happens to Juliette, Gideon? I couldn’t live with myself,” she cried, her voice breaking.
I wrapped my arms around her, pressing a kiss to her forehead and speaking
soothingly. “That won’t happen. Our baby will be alright.””
Moments later, the door to the emergency room swung open, and the doctor emerged.
3/9
Chapter 7
+ 5 Points
We rushed toward him, our concern written all over our faces.
“Doctor, how is Juliette?” I asked, my voice tight with anxiety.
The doctor gave a reassuring smile. “It’s not serious. Juliette had a bad reaction to her mother’s breast milk. I suggest her mother stop breastfeeding until she’s cleared of any harmful foods or medications.”
Relief swept over me as Nathaniel and Serena let out simultaneous sighs of relief.
“But… she wasn’t poisoned? Juliette wasn’t poisoned?” I asked, my chest still tight with uncertainty.
The doctor chuckled, shaking his head. “Poisoned? No. If there’s anyone to blame here, it’s the mother. She’s not supposed to
4/9
Chapter 7
+ 5 Points
take certain substances while nursing.”
Y turned sharply to Serena, my voice rising with anger. “But you told us Rose poisoned Juliette!”
Serena’s face crumpled, and she began
sobbing. “I’m so sorry, Gideon. I was scared. I made a mistake. I’ll apologize to Rose.”
My jaw dropped in disbelief. “A mistake? I hit her! We insulted her, and you knew all along she didn’t harm Juliette?”
Nathaniel, having returned from bringing Juliette to the nurse, saw Serena crying and stopped in his tracks.
“Why are you crying, Serena? Juliette’s fine, see?” he said, his tone flat.
“Of course she’s fine, I snapped. “Because
5/9
Chapter 7
+ 5 Points
Juliette is the one who hurt herself, not Rose!”
Serena continued to sob uncontrollably, hiding her face in her hands. “I’m sorry. It was a mistake. I’ll apologize to Rose,” she cried.
Nathaniel shot me a warning glare. “Stop it, Gideon. People are watching, and Serena doesn’t need to cry. It was just a silly mistake. We’ll all apologize to Rose.”
Reluctantly, I pulled Serena into my arms, wiping her tears away. “It’s okay. Just be more careful next time and don’t jump to conclusions, I told her gently.
She nodded, burying her face against my chest. As we prepared to leave, a nurse appeared with a mailman.
6/9
Chapter 7
+ 5 Points
“Mr. Blackwood, this mailman is here to see you,” the nurse said.
I frowned, turning to Nathaniel. “Are you expecting something?”
He shook his head, then turned to Serena, who also declined.
“I’ve been instructed to deliver these packages to Gideon Blackwood from Rose Merrick, the mailman said.
I glanced at him, puzzled. “Rose? Why is she sending packages? She’s at home.”
The mailman shrugged. “No idea, sir.”
He handed me three small boxes and a book. I signed for the delivery, still frowning.
“I’ve been told you need to open the boxes
7/9
Chapter 7
+ 5 Points
before you leave,” the mailman added.
Nathaniel scowled. “What is this nonsense? What game is she playing now?”
“Sign here, the mailman repeated, handing me the paperwork.
Serena, looking indifferent, shrugged. “I suppose it doesn’t matter. Just open the boxes and let’s go home, Gideon.”
I placed the three boxes on a nearby desk and opened the first one. My heart skipped a beat as I stared at the contents.
Nathaniel gasped, and Serena took in a sharp breath.
“She knows,” I whispered, my voice barely audible.
8/9
Chapter 7
+5 Points
Inside the first box were two marriage certificates: one from my wedding with Rose four years ago and another from my wedding with Serena two years ago. Attached to them was a small note, and I felt my pulse quicken as I read it.
“Happy fake fourth wedding anniversary, Gideon.”
Hands trembling, I opened the second box. My breath caught in my throat.
“What… what is this?” I gasped, my voice failing me.
