Chapter 2 - If She Does Not Survive
Lena woke beneath bright hospital lights.
Her head throbbed, and she could not move her arms. Both were secured inside thick casts from her hands to above her elbows.
A gray-haired surgeon named Dr. Samuel Hart stood beside the bed.
“You were very fortunate,” he said gently. “You have several fractures, but there is no serious damage to your spine.”
“My hands?”
“We repaired what we could. Recovery will take time, and I can’t promise you’ll regain full movement.”
Lena closed her eyes.
Before marriage, she had played the piano. After leaving accounting, music had become the one part of herself Adrian had not controlled.
Now even that might be gone.
The trauma room door opened.
Adrian entered wearing a burgundy sweater and perfectly polished shoes. He looked irritated rather than afraid.
He did not take Lena’s hand.
He did not ask whether she was in pain.
He spoke to Dr. Hart as though Lena were not awake.
“If she doesn’t survive surgery, call me.”
The heart monitor began beeping faster.
Dr. Hart stared at him. “Your wife is conscious, Mr. Vale.”
Adrian finally looked at Lena.
His expression carried no surprise.
That frightened her more than the failed brakes.
“Lena,” he said, “I’m glad you’re alive.”
The words were correct, but his eyes were cold.
Dr. Hart explained the injuries again.
“Your wife may never fully use her hands.”
Adrian checked his watch.
“I have a board meeting.”
Lena watched him turn toward the door.
On the belongings tray beside her bed, a nurse placed a clear plastic bag containing Lena’s coat, wallet, and damaged phone.
The cracked screen briefly illuminated.
Recording saved.
Lena’s breathing stopped for half a second.
The file had survived.
Near the doorway, a man in a dark coat appeared. He showed his badge to a nurse before entering.
Detective Mateo Ruiz had been assigned to investigate the crash after the mechanics who examined Lena’s car discovered that the brake line had been deliberately cut.
He quietly placed the damaged phone inside an evidence bag.
Lena looked toward him.
“Don’t let my husband take it,” she whispered.
May you like
Ruiz followed her gaze to Adrian.
Then he pressed play.
