Landon, ultimately, consented.
As the sun set, Sunny's electrocardiogram line finally flattened into a serene stillness.
Amber's wails softened to quiet sobs. Moonlight filtered through the window, casting a pure glow on Sunny's face, as though he was merely asleep, destined to awaken any moment and smile at Amber once more.
Soon, they wheeled Sunny away, and Amber followed, chasing after him until a corner encounter with Penelope interrupted her pursuit.
"Sister, this child was fated for a short life, never meant for longevity. Console yourself and accept this loss."
"Sigh, when someone desires a child's death, who would dare protect their life?"
These words sent chills down Amber's spine. She seized Penelope, demanding fiercely,
"What do you mean?"
"Landon doesn't acknowledge this child, sees him as a disgrace. He couldn't be allowed to live."
"As for you, I begged Landon to give you a sum as compensation. Take care of yourself from now on."
Penelope shot Amber a taunting glance before leaving.
Watching Sunny disappear, Amber's thoughts returned to Landon's departing figure that morning, and a thunderous realization struck her.
So... So Landon had acted on Penelope's wishes, knowing all along Sunny wouldn't survive the day!
Was that why he agreed to let me stay with Sunny?
Ha ha ha...
All these years, she had placed her trust in the wrong person. That ruthless man had, to preserve his reputation, deceived her and took her child's life.
Unable to stand, she wandered aimlessly through the hospital, leaning against walls, ignoring anyone who approached, until she reached the deserted rooftop.
From high above, the city sprawled beneath her, its streets silent and lifeless.
In the quiet of the early morning, undisturbed by humanity, perhaps staying here forever wasn't such a bad idea.
Resolutely, Amber dialed Landon's number. Surprisingly, he answered swiftly, his rich voice resonating through the phone.
"Hello, who is this?"
"You promised me this morning, why did you kill Sunny?!"
Anger trembled in Amber's voice, her whole body shaking as she fought back tears.
"Amber? What's wrong?"
"Sunny is gone."
She choked out the most painful truth with the coolest, simplest words, though perhaps that man wouldn't care.
"Why didn't you believe Sunny was your child? Even beasts don't eat their young!"
"What did you sa? Amber, explain..."
Amber cut him off harshly.
"Landon, you will regret it. You will definitely regret it!"
Amber hung up, trembling, crouched on the rooftop, hugging her knees, sobbing uncontrollably.
Then, soft footsteps echoed in her ears.
A pair of shiny men's shoes appeared before her.
A stranger's voice sounded overhead.
"Do you want revenge? Shall I help you?"
She lifted her head, met the stranger's gaze, and nodded slightly.
Landon, on the other end of the disconnected call, felt a disquietude, enveloped by an inexplicable fear, as if something vital within him was suddenly missing.
Ignoring his work, he rushed to the hospital.
But when he arrived, it was too late.
On the hospital rooftop, a white figure plunged down.
Landon shuddered.
His heart ached, as if a crucial piece was missing.
