Chapter 2
By the time a doctor finally arrived from another wing, Olivia’s arms are numb and trembling from relentless CPR.
“Time of death: July 15, 2025. 2:32:52 p.m.”
Olivia froze.
Then she collapsed to her knees, cradling Lily’s limp body as waves of grief and guilt crashed down. She wanted to scream, to wail—but her voice had abandoned her.
All she could do was strike her own face, again and again, like punishment.
This was her fault.
She never should’ve argued with Harrison. Never should’ve left Lily alone in that room.
“I killed her… I killed my baby!”
“What the hell are you doing?” Harrison’s voice rang out as the elevator doors opened. He stepped out, face darkening at the sight. “Are you really making a scene over this? You’re still Mrs. Lowell—Pull yourself together!”
Olivia instinctively reached to pull back the sheet and show him Lily’s body.
But Emily Ross got there first. “Mr. Lowell, the team from the anatomical donation center isn’t here yet?”
“This was my first successful donor consent. It’s such a beautiful thing. I hope more families find redemption like this.” Her voice was light, chirping, almost gleeful.
She was beaming like a damn saint.
And Harrison? His eyes sparkled right back at her.
“You’re incredible, Emily. You going to be a star. Go see what I got you.”
He placed a hand on her back and led her away. He never once looked at Olivia.
Olivia struggled to her feet, desperate to make him look at their daughter one last time—but her legs gave out again, and she crumpled back to the ground.
“Please, Harrison! Just look at her! Lily’s not some random casualty—she’s our daughter!”
But he walked straight into the elevator. The doors closed behind him without hesitation.
And in that moment, something inside Olivia shattered.
As she tried to lift Lily again, two staff members from the transplant coordination unit stepped in.
“Mrs. Lowell, we’re here to proceed with the donation. Your daughter is listed as a voluntary donor. We have to proceed.”
“What?” Olivia stumbled back, instinctively shielding Lily’s body. “She’s four! She couldn’t have signed anything! I’m her legal guardian—I never signed off on this!”
“If you’ve changed your mind, it should’ve been communicated earlier,” one of them said, holding up a document. “Patients are waiting. If you interfere now, you’ll be held liable.”
Olivia’s heart dropped as she read the paper. Her signature was there.
But she had no recollection of ever signing it.
Unless… Harrison had tricked her. Just like when he made her unknowingly sign the autopsy waiver six months ago.
He’d do anything for Emily. Absolutely anything.
While she was still in shock, the team moved fast—lifting Lily’s body onto the bed and pulling the sheet over her again.
“Don’t take her! Not yet!” Olivia grabbed the bed frame, throwing herself in front of them.
She pulled out her phone and tried to call Harrison, but it rang and rang—no answer.
“Why are we still waiting?” Emily appeared again, breezing in from the elevator.
She’d changed into a fresh lab coat, and on her finger was a massive diamond—undoubtedly Harrison’s “gift.”
He followed behind her, smiling.
When Emily saw Olivia blocking the path, her smile faded into a frown. “Ms. Bennett, who gave you the right to cause chaos in this hospital? Blocking access to a registered donor is obstruction of care.”
“There are patients out there relying on this surgery—you think your drama is worth more than someone’s life?”
“The hospital has already worked hard trying to find a match for Lily. Just because someone’s donating doesn’t give you the right to interfere. Your selfishness could cost someone else their future.”
Her righteous indignation echoed across the room. Harrison looked at her with open admiration.
“She’s interfering with a time-critical surgery,” Emily continued. “She needs to be removed immediately.”
Harrison’s voice turned indulgent. “Well? What are you waiting for? Move her out of the way so Dr. Ross can do her job.”
The guards moved in, gripping Olivia by the arms and dragging her aside.
“Don’t touch me! Harrison—Lily wasn’t healthy enough for this. Her body can’t handle organ donation—please, don’t let them take her!” Olivia fought to break free.
“You’re claiming that’s your daughter?” Emily cut in smoothly, voice full of disdain. “Ms. Bennett, don’t curse your own child just to make a scene. You’ll say anything to get attention.”
“Mr. Lowell, aren’t you going to stop this?”
Harrison’s expression went cold. He gestured curtly.
The guards jerked Olivia away from the bed. Her head slammed into the wall with a sickening thud.
“Don’t take her…” Olivia moaned, struggling to get up.
Harrison stepped in front of her. “Emily’s right. Don’t speak ill of Lily.”
“Harrison—” she choked out, only to be cut off.
“Enough. Be good now. Apologize to Emily. She’s delicate, and your temper’s upsetting her.”
He caressed her cheek with a false tenderness.
Olivia bit down on her lip until she tasted blood, staring at him like he’d grown horns.
“You’re insane. She killed our daughter… and now you’re letting them tear her apart like she’s nothing. You want to leave her with no body to bury!”
Tears streamed down her face.
Emily gave Harrison a wounded glance, and he instantly swept her into his arms. With a wave of his hand, he dismissed the rest.
The guards slammed Olivia to the ground—her head cracking hard against the floor.
Once.
Twice.
Nine times.
Emily didn’t smile until the ninth.
“All right, I have a surgery to perform,” she chirped and turned away, glowing with smug triumph.
Blood blurred Olivia’s vision as her consciousness faded. Through the haze, she saw Lily’s tiny body, shrouded in white, being rolled into the elevator.
The metallic taste of blood filled her mouth. Her chest felt like it was being torn open by dull knives. Every breath was agony.
And then—blackness.
Lily… I’m so sorry. I couldn’t protect you.
