The Barren Ex-Wife Gave Birth to Twins

Chapter 18

The tension in the neutral office space was suffocating as Ryan slid a manila envelope across the table toward Brenda. She stared at it, her manicured nails trembling as they rested on the table’s edge.

“What’s this?” she asked, her voice brittle.

“A settlement,” Ryan replied evenly. “It’s more than enough to cover Steve’s medical expenses and ensure you’re financially secure.”

Brenda’s fingers hesitated before reaching for the envelope. Her eyes scanned the document inside, her breathing quickening as she read the details.

“You think money solves everything?” she whispered, her voice cracking.

“It’s all I can offer,” Ryan said, his tone steady but devoid of warmth. “You wanted me to take responsibility, and I am. But that’s where it ends.”

Brenda’s face contorted in a mix of anger and grief as she stood abruptly, the chair screeching against the floor. “What am I supposed to do with this?” she cried, her voice rising. “My son is dying, Ryan. He’s dying, and you think throwing money at me will fix it?”

Ryan’s expression softened slightly, but his voice remained firm. “I’m truly sorry about Steve. I can’t change what’s happened, but you need to take the money and move on.”

Brenda’s hands shook as she shoved the envelope back into his chest. “Keep your blood money. It won’t bring him back!”

Ryan watched her storm out, her sobs echoing through the hallway. He didn’t follow. Instead, he leaned against the table, exhaling sharply. He didn’t know how else to help her, but he couldn’t let her spiraling drag them all down any further.

***

That night, Brenda sat by Steve’s bedside in the hospital, her hands clutching his tiny, lifeless hand. The machines beeped softly around her, a cruel reminder of her son’s fragile existence. Her once-pristine makeup was smudged, and her normally polished demeanor had crumbled under the weight of despair.

“Hang in there, my boy,” she whispered, stroking his hair. Tears streamed down her face as she clutched his hand tighter. “I’ll fight for you. I’ll make them pay for what they’ve done. Just hold on for Mommy. Please…”

Her voice broke, the sobs consuming her as she buried her face in her hands.