Chapter 8

"Ahhh—!"

Nicole Capra's scream shattered the silence of the hospital room. She clawed frantically at her burning face, leaving red streaks on her skin with her nails.

Slap!

The sharp sound of a palm striking flesh echoed through the room. Susan Thompson's head snapped to the side. Blood trickled from the corner of her lips, yet she curled them into a cold smile.

The man she had loved for so many years was nothing but a blind fool.

"My face!" Nicole's swollen features resembled a pig's head, her tears and snot smeared across her skin. "Andrew, I can't see! My eyes—they hurt so much!"

"Don't be afraid." Andrew Lucas carefully scooped Nicole into his arms. Before leaving, he shot Susan a venomous glare. "If anything happens to Nicole, I'll make sure you suffer worse than death."

Susan watched them leave, her hand drifting to her flat stomach. The baby was gone. Daniel had no hope left. She was already in hell—what more did she have to fear?

Nicole's injuries weren't life-threatening, but the burns and bruises made her look pitiful.

Catherine Capra rushed to the hospital as soon as she heard the news. Just as she reached for the door, voices from inside made her freeze.

"Nicole, my darling, how dare that bitch do this to you!" Sophia Capra sobbed, clutching Nicole's hand.

"Don't worry, Mom." Nicole's voice dripped with venom. "That dying wretch Susan won't live past this month."

Catherine's hand hovered mid-air. She couldn't believe what she was hearing.

"Once that bitch is dead, no one will ever know the truth." Sophia's tone was laced with malicious glee.

Thud. The sound of a handbag hitting the floor startled the occupants inside.

Catherine pushed the door open with trembling hands. "What... did you just say?"

Nicole's face paled before twisting into a grotesque smile. "Mom, what are you talking about?"

"Susan is my real daughter, isn't she?" Catherine demanded sharply.

Nicole slowly climbed out of bed, advancing step by step. "Mom, how could you doubt your own flesh and blood?"

Catherine turned to flee but found the door locked behind her by Sophia.

"Help—!" Her cry was cut short as Nicole grabbed her hair and slammed her head into the wall.

Blood gushed from Catherine's temple. Nicole pulled out a gleaming fruit knife and whispered in her ear, "Remember—Susan is the one who killed you."

The dull thud of the blade piercing flesh was deafening in the silent room. Once. Twice. Three times... Crimson splattered across the pristine white walls.