Diane's POV
The sterile hospital corridors felt endless as Dad and I paced outside Mom's ICU room. My hands trembled as I clutched the plastic cup of coffee that had long gone cold, the taste bitter on my tongue, though nothing could be more bitter than the reality we were facing.
Just this morning, I'd been celebrating the biggest victory of my life in that courtroom. I'd won sole custody of Dylan and Danielle, secured their future, and finally freed us from Liam's toxic influence. But the universe, it seemed, had demanded a cruel price for that victory.
Sophie was dead. Mom was fighting for her life. And here I was, wondering if every good thing that happened to me would forever be tainted by devastating loss.
Dr. Patel emerged from Mom's room, his expression carefully controlled in that way doctors perfect when they're about to deliver devastating news. Dad immediately stepped forward, his face etched with desperate hope and terrible fear.
