Counterfeit Affection

I had just walked out of the crematorium when Henry called me to explain his absence, saying, "I was held up because I waited with Renee while she was getting her IV treatment. I just went to look for you, but you weren't there. Where are you, Claire? I'll come get you right now."

I replied softly, "I just went out to buy Renee some fruits. I'll be right back."

I could hear Renee's voice audible in the background on the phone as Henry said hurriedly, "You should hurry back and stay safe, Claire."

I didn't even have time to respond before the call ended. I stood frozen for two minutes, then went to a nearby shop to print the divorce agreement, bought some fruit, and made my way to Renee's hospital ward.

Renee saw me, and her expression instantly shifted to one of delight and astonishment. "It's been a while, Claire! You actually brought something for me? That's so thoughtful of you! Thanks, Claire!"

I set the fruit down, and her radiant, sun-like smile was so infectious that I found myself genuinely smiling in return. "It has certainly been quite a while. You feeling any better now, Renee?"

"I'm feeling much better now since William and Henry came to take such good care of me!" Renee exclaimed, moving excitedly to embrace me. Yet, the movement sharply triggered her still-aching stomach, resulting in a sudden shout of pain as she quickly bent over.

Henry swiftly moved to support her. "You're still hooked up to the IV, so stop moving so much."

Renee smiled sheepishly, while Henry regarded her with an expression of complete helplessness.

I merely lowered my gaze. My heart was aching slightly.

Renee pulled me to sit beside her, wanting to chat with me.

I was just about to sit down when a searing pain struck my chest. I swayed, losing my footing, and in my stumble, I unintentionally yanked out Renee's IV. In that instant, blood instantly gushed from the back of Renee's hand, causing Henry's expression to turn cold as he forcefully shoved me aside.

I was completely caught off guard as I was suddenly pushed to the ground. I hit my arm on the ground hard, and the resulting pain was so intense that cold sweat immediately beaded on my forehead.

Henry instantly grasped Renee's hand, and when his eyes registered the blood welling on her hand, his gaze hardened considerably as he turned to face me. He demanded coldly, "What exactly was your intention, Claire?"

I met his accusatory gaze, even as a wrenching pain seized my heart. I still rushed to explain despite the agony, saying, "I didn't mean to; I accidentally—"

"How could one 'accidentally' do something like that?" Henry snapped, instantly cutting off my explanation. He then decisively pulled Renee away to locate a nurse outside, prioritizing the immediate treatment of the injury on her hand.

I fought through the agony and stood up, wanting to walk over to apologize to Renee.

I heard Renee muttering, "You shouldn't be so harsh, Henry. Your glare was absolutely terrifying earlier. Claire obviously didn't mean to do that. In addition, she seems to be in terrible condition, possibly ill, so please be sure to take good care of her. You should apologize to her once you return to the hospital ward, Henry."

Henry pursed his lips, suppressing a surge of annoyance. He still couldn't help but say, "I know exactly what kind of person she is, Renee. You should stop being so indiscriminately kind; otherwise, someone malicious could easily take advantage of you, and you wouldn't even recognize the danger."

I slowly came to a halt as I overheard their conversation through the walls. I had forgotten the fact that I was the antagonist in the novel, so everyone had always feared I might hurt Renee—and just now, by yanking her IV, I had confirmed that cruel image.

I retreated into the hospital ward, and my eyes dimmed. I then placed the divorce agreement on the table before I took a piece of nearby paper and carefully wrote a single sentence.

…

Henry's Point-of-View

Claire was no longer in the hospital ward by the time Henry and Renee returned.

Renee asked in surprise, "Where did Claire go?"

Henry furrowed his brow. He immediately noticed the two out-of-place sheets of paper on the table. That sight alone sent a disquieting sense of dread and confusion surging through him.

It was a divorce agreement and a single white sheet of paper that read, "I have already signed the divorce agreement; I sincerely wish you a life of peace and great joy, and that you may never know loneliness again."

Henry's fingers curled into fists, and his mind was seized by abject panic. He sprinted out of the hospital ward without a single word. He saw a throng of people clustered by the entrance, and as he ran toward them, a chorus of murmurs and exclamations reached him.

"It's such a tragedy. It seems like she died suddenly right after leaving the hospital. Even though a massive medical team rushed to save her, they still failed to do so. I heard that it was because she was suffering from multiple organ failure and nothing could have been done about it."

"I know that case. That young woman had a check-up with me this morning. I mean, she was really young and beautiful. I think her name was Claire or something."