What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Stronger novel Chapter 34

The anesthesia had no effect on my body.

Every movement of cold surgical instruments felt like being torn me apart. The pain eventually pulled me into darkness.

When I opened my eyes, Hudson was there, his eyes red from crying. His voice was soft with a mix of concern and hidden guilt:

"Reese, thank God you're finally awake. How's your feeling now?"

"I've been outside the OR the whole time. God, Reese, losing Noah... it's killing me. If I lost you too, I just... I couldn't handle it."

"Babe, the doctors told me... the stab wounds damaged your uterus. You won't be able to have more kids." He squeezed my hand. "But don't worry - I'll take care of you forever. Being childless isn't so bad."

I looked down at my bandaged abdomen. The hollow emptiness inside reminded me that my chance at motherhood had been permanently stolen.

"Where's Noah?" My voice was barely a whisper.

Hudson's face tightened with grief mixed with something darker: "He's been cremated. The funeral's tomorrow."

"Reese, I'm so sorry - I failed him. Failed both of you."

My heart clenched, but I didn't expose his lies.

On the bedside table sat a elegant box containing a protection pendant.

"Hudson... it's Noah's birthday. We never gave him his present. Could this pendant stay with him? To keep him safe, wherever he is?"

Hudson's brow twitched almost imperceptibly. "Hon, that's actually a commission I'm handling for a client's kid. We can't give away someone else's piece."

"Besides, it's meant for the living. Noah's... he can't use it now."

"And honestly, it's not special enough for him. I've ordered all the premium items for the funeral. He'll have everything he needs."

I stayed silent, my heart turning to stone.

That night, while Hudson slept, I slipped into his study and logged into his laptop.

The password? Valeria's birthday.

Thousands of photos and videos filled his drives - Valeria's pregnancy, their son's milestones, every precious moment of their secret family life.

Hidden among them: a prepared stock transfer agreement.

Throughout our fifteen-year marriage, Hudson spent most of his time "traveling for business."

Reality? He was building a life with Valeria and their son.

How naive I'd been never to question it.

His WhatsApp still logged in. The pinned chat group titled "Our Perfect Family of Three" felt like a knife to my heart.