Survived the Venom, Killed by Betrayal

After a venomous snake bites me, my husband, Daniel Dawson, injects the only antivenom into my adopted sister, Grace Winton. Before I black out, I see my parents, Daniel, and my son, Ethan Dawson, all gathered around Grace, while I lie alone on the grass, completely ignored. When I come to, my colleague shakes his head and tells me the toxin has already spread. Within 48 hours, my body will begin to rot from the inside, and I'll die in unbearable pain. I give up the conservative plan and swallow a potent painkiller instead. Over the next two days, I transfer the hospital my grandfather gave me and every asset in my name to Grace. I divorce Daniel and place both his and Ethan's hands into Grace's. When I put Grace's name on the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis treatment protocol I've spent five years developing, they finally smile, hold my hand, and tell me we're finally a real family. I stay silent and only smile at them. I wonder what their faces will look like two days later when they see my body. Chapter 1 My colleague, Gary Thompson, kept trying to persuade me to do the dialysis, but I just smiled, took the potent painkiller from his hand, and swallowed it. As a doctor, I knew that once the snake venom spread, not even a miracle could save me. I had at most two days left. I headed to the VIP ward and pushed the door open. A glass of water came flying at me. My mother, Helena Powell, was the one who threw it. "How dare you come back?" she barked. The glass skimmed my temple, and warm liquid began trickling down my face, but they didn't even care. "Didn't you say that snake was highly venomous this morning? How did you detox your body so fast? Clara, I'm warning you, if you pull another stunt, don't think I'll go easy on you just because you're my daughter!" Mom stared at me. Her eyes were devoid of warmth, and her voice was cold as ice. My dad, Mateo Winton, stood up and shielded my adopted sister, Grace Winton, behind him. He was glaring at me in fury. "Grace spent three days planning this family camping trip to celebrate your award. And you? It's bad enough you couldn't even be grateful. But when she got bitten by a snake, you pretended to pass out just to take the antivenom that was meant for her! "While you were gone, Grace kept defending you and worrying about your safety. If we'd known how conniving you really were, we never would've brought you back from the countryside!" Grace cowered in Dad's arms. Neither of them noticed the healthy flush in her cheeks. There wasn't the slightest sign she'd been poisoned. The sight of my parents blindly defending Grace felt like a knife twisting in my chest. It wasn't the first time they'd taken Grace's side. Whenever they showed this kind of bias before, I'd lose it and expose Grace's lies no matter what it took. But now, I simply lowered my eyes. I was dying anyway. The truth didn't matter anymore. Then, Dad spoke again. "You went too far this time. Since you're here, Helena and I have something to discuss with you. The hospital your grandpa left you..." Before he could finish, I let out a knowing smile. "If Grace wants it so badly, she can have it." They clearly hadn't expected me to offer that. A moment later, suspicion flickered in their eyes. "You... you always refused before. Why are you agreeing today? Or do you have conditions?" The doubt still lingered in their expressions. I couldn't blame them for not trusting me. Ever since I'd turned the hospital from a loss into a profit, they'd asked me more than once to hand it over so Grace could gain experience. But I'd turned them down every time, no matter what excuse they used. The hospital was my grandpa, Peter Winton's, last gift to me. My parents had no head for business, and I was still a medical student. But Grandpa trusted me enough to put the hospital in my name after only three months of guidance. My parents might not have loved me, but the hospital was proof of Grandpa's love. As long as it stood, I had to defend it. But now, I was dying, and I'd be seeing Grandpa soon. Seeing that I wasn't joking, they relaxed and smiled. "See? Wouldn't it have been easier to do this from the start?" Their eyes softened. "You're just too stubborn sometimes. From now on, try to give in to Grace a little more." They handed me the transfer papers they'd already prepared. I let out a wry laugh, picked up the pen, and signed my name. When I finally signed, a calculating glint flickered in Grace's eyes. She put on a pout, feigning innocence. "Clara, you're being so nice to me all of a sudden. It's a little overwhelming. I'm still getting used to everything, so I'll have to trouble you to show me the ropes for a while." Mom smoothed Grace's hair with a smile. "Just focus on getting better for now. When you're feeling up to it, you can start learning bit by bit. We'll be here to guide you." When I saw the three of them basking in happiness, I turned and left without a word. Chapter 2 When I got home, I found my husband, Daniel Dawson, and my son, Ethan Dawson, packing something up. "Dad, do you think Grace would like these DVDs if I gave them to her to celebrate her discharge?" Daniel ruffled Ethan's hair indulgently. "Of course. Every disc here is a limited edition. She will be thrilled." They kept chatting, not even noticing I was back. The nanny, May Kirby, saw me first and called out politely, "Mrs. Dawson." Ethan turned to me with a puzzled look. "Why are you back?" I almost laughed. This was my house, and my son was asking why I had come back. He couldn't even bother to greet me. My gaze fell on the DVDs in his hands. It was his most prized collection. If I so much as touched one before, he'd inspect it for damage. But now, he was about to hand them over to Grace. He caught me looking, hurriedly put the discs into a box, and tied a neat bow with pink ribbon. I gave a rueful smile. As his mother, I'd never received a single gift from him. I'd told him even a pebble or a flower he found at school would do. But not once did he ever bring me anything. He always said I was a boring adult, not as likable as his Godmom, Grace. She was only three months younger than me. What made her less of an adult than me? I was drifting in those thoughts when Ethan suddenly shouted, "Mom!" I shook off my thoughts and saw milk spreading across the gift box he had just wrapped. They both scrambled to clean up the mess, then looked at me for help like they always did. Once, I might've jumped in to help. But now, I just couldn't bring myself to care. I headed for the bedroom without a word. The venom had already spread. The painkillers dulled the pain, but my body was failing. Even lifting my arms felt like a struggle. I just wanted to lie down for a while. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw several newly opened photo frames on the dining table. My blood ran cold when I saw the photos inside. The bride and groom in the photos were Grace and Daniel. In another frame, Grace kissed Daniel's cheek while Ethan stood between them, covering his eyes and giggling. All through our relationship, I'd asked more than once to take wedding photos. But every time, Daniel said he didn't have the time. Even after Ethan was born, he kept saying he was too busy for a family portrait. But now, he had taken wedding photos with Grace and even brought Ethan along. I reached out to take a closer look, and Daniel stepped in front of me. "Gracie wanted to take them. So, I brought her," he said. His voice was a little shaky. "You know she's been in poor health. Wedding photos cheer her up. They help her recover." It felt like an invisible hand was squeezing my heart. I dug my nails into my palm and kept my voice even. "Great. You look just like a happy family." Daniel blinked, then raised his voice. "What's with the tone? They're just pictures. Can you stop making a big deal out of nothing?" Ethan walked over and looked at me with disdain. "Mom, why are you so petty? We just wanted to make Grace happy. You're jealous of that? You're such a bad mom. I don't want a mom like you!" My eyes burned, and tears nearly fell. I forced a smile and said, "I'm not making a scene. I just think wedding photos aren't enough. Why don't you two get married? If anyone sees the photos, it'll be easier to explain." Seeing Daniel's expression cloud over, I pressed on, "It's for your own good. When Grace is better, we can remarry." That landed like a charm, and his expression eased. "You're right. Wedding photos aren't like other photos. But are you really willing to divorce me?" He looked doubtful and eager all at once. I nodded. "Yes. I've already drawn up the divorce papers." I took them from my bag and handed them to him. "Sign them." Chapter 3 Daniel took the divorce papers, flipped to the last page, and saw my signature already in place with today's date. He shot me a suspicious look, then picked up the pen and signed his name. "Relax. It's only a temporary divorce. Once Gracie is better, I'll marry you again," he said. "Okay," I murmured. None of it mattered anymore. My clock was already ticking down. I turned toward the bedroom, but my legs gave out and I collapsed to the floor. Instinct made me call Daniel's name as I was falling, yet he didn't catch me. When I came to, I was still on the floor while Daniel and Ethan were in the kitchen cooking. At the sound of me stirring, they looked over in sync. Ethan's eyes were full of mockery. "Dad, you lost. I told you Mom would get up on her own in less than two hours. She always pulls stunts like this to get our attention. It's so lame." Daniel looked at me with disappointment. "If Ethan weren't sharp, I would've actually fallen for it." I just stared at them for a moment, then laughed. I'd been on the cold floor for long enough that one glance would've told them I wasn't faking. Instead, they left me there and decided I was acting. "That's enough. Drop the act," Daniel said. "Gracie's craving your peppercorn chicken. Get it done. We're heading to the hospital soon." The words slid into my chest like a blade. I let out a bitter smile and pushed myself up. "I'm not feeling well. I can't cook. I'll go to the hospital with you. I have some important documents to sign." Daniel looked like he wanted to ask what was wrong. I forced a smile and said lightly, "Probably low blood sugar. I haven't eaten all day." ... In the hospital room, Grace saw me walk in. Her eyes already held a sense of provocation. But the moment she saw Daniel and Ethan behind me, a bright smile lit up her face. I had to admire how fast she could change expressions. Grace clasped my hand warmly. "Clara, I'm really thrilled. I can't believe you're actually giving me Grandpa's hospital. Don't worry. I didn't study medicine, but with Mom and Dad helping, I'll learn quickly and work hard to run it well." Mom chimed in, "That's right, Clara. You've carried the load for years. Once you hand it to Grace, you won't have to push yourself so hard." I nodded and pulled a document from my bag. "I think you're right, so I'm also planning to transfer every research project and asset under my name to Grace as well. Then, I can finally be worry-free." Everyone froze. They all knew I hadn't just turned the hospital around. I'd made breakthroughs in complex cases, and several of my rare-disease treatment protocols were now under review for the Nobel Prize in Medicine. If I bowed out now, Grace would take all the credit. Her name would end up on the Worldwide Excellence Award lists. Mom grabbed my hand. Her eyes were gleaming. "Clara, is this real? Are you really willing to hand your life's work to Grace?" Daniel looked just as stunned. He couldn't believe I could be this generous. I was surprised by how shocked he looked. Hadn't they been telling me all along to give way to Grace? They said that even though Grace wasn't a Winton by blood, after living with them for so many years, she was more like family than their own daughter. I was just doing what they'd always wanted—giving everything to Grace. Yet somehow, they were shocked. Dad, who'd been quiet, cleared his throat. "Clara, you've finally matured. It's good that you understand that we are all one family." Mom added, "If you and Grace can finally get along, I'll finally have some peace of mind." Cold crept into my chest. Dad, Mom, that day would never come. Ethan suddenly yelped, "Mom, your nose is bleeding!" Chapter 4 I wiped my nose and froze when I saw the dark blood on my hand. The venom had spread through my whole body. Mom hurriedly handed me a tissue. "What's happening? Why is it black?" A wave of sadness rose in me. "If I died one day, would you be sad?" Dad shot me a hard look. "What nonsense is that?" Mom scolded me too. "Clara, don't say such awful things. You're perfectly healthy. How could you die? If you keep this up, we're going to be angry." The room fell into a heavy silence after that. Ethan suddenly spoke up. "Mom always does this. She loves to act in front of us so we'll pity her." Then, he grabbed Grace's hand. "Grace never does that. She's my favorite." I felt another dull ache in my heart. I stepped forward, took Ethan's hand, and placed it in Grace's. "Ethan, haven't you always wanted Grace to be your mom? I'm saying yes today. From now on, Grace is your mother." His eyes lit up. "Really? Can I really call her 'Mom'?" I nodded with a smile. He kissed my cheek, then threw himself into Grace's arms and shouted, "Mom! From now on, you're my mom!" The warmth on my cheek made me sink to rock bottom. It was the first time Ethan had ever kissed me in all these years. He always said men and women shouldn't be too close, even though I was his mother. Yet, he never pushed Grace away. They looked every bit the perfect family. I quietly slipped out and closed the door behind me. I wanted to keep whatever time I had left for myself. I hadn't gone far before I felt the room tilt beneath me. My hands and feet stopped listening to me, and I hit the ground hard. When I woke up, I was lying in a hospital bed and hooked up to tubes. A new nurse with reddened eyes told me my condition was critical, and I had less than two hours left. She asked if I wanted her to call my family. I smiled and said I didn't have any. Just then, my phone kept buzzing in my pocket. She fished it out for me. The screen lit up with messages from Grace. "Clara, are you miserable now? So what if you're the real daughter? I still drove you out like a stray. "Your parents, your husband, your son, and all your assets are mine now. Don't worry. I'll enjoy the rest of your life for you." I was still staring at the texts when a group of people walked in and came straight toward me. Without saying a word, they wheeled me off to the operating room. Out in the corridor, one of them finally produced a document. "Your sister, Grace, has acute renal failure. She needs a transplant. Your family said that if we find you, we're to take you to surgery immediately. Here's the authorization." Mom's signature sat at the bottom. The ceiling lights blurred past as instruments clinked and clattered on the prep table. I felt the room spinning and couldn't make out a single word anyone was saying. That potent painkiller could numb every nerve in my body, but it couldn't touch the ache in my heart. They had just finished the prep and were about to inject the anesthesia when my heart monitor flatlined and every machine erupted in alarms. Seeing this, the surgeons froze. The operating room doors burst open, and a nurse rushed in, panting. "You can't take her kidneys! Ms. Clara Winton was bitten by a venomous snake. The toxin has spread throughout her body. All her organs are compromised. She took a strong analgesic two days ago. Today is her last day." Silence fell over the room. I was dying from snake venom, yet my mother didn't even notice. All she cared about was cutting out my kidney to save the adopted daughter she loved more. My soul hovered above it all, watching as the nurse called my mother. "Hello, are you the parents of Ms. Clara Winton? Your daughter passed away at 11:00 am." The line clicked dead before she could finish. "Scammer! How dare you curse my daughter!" Mom paced outside another operating room. She'd already instructed everyone that once I was found, they were to drag me to surgery no matter what I was doing. Why was it taking so long? She dialed the surgeon. "What's going on? It's just a kidney. Why hasn't it been done yet?" The doctor said apologetically, "I'm very sorry. Your daughter was envenomed. Her organs have been destroyed by the toxin and can't be used. And she's already passed away. Her body is in our morgue. Please come to claim her as soon as possible."