I thought of my baby—poisoned, weakened day by day. Jace had even delayed the hospital trip to ensure he wouldn’t survive.
“For ten million dollars,” the officer said quietly.
Ten million. For that sum, Jace tried to murder me and our child. Seven years of marriage—reduced to nothing.
Ysolde, twenty-eight, had met Jace at a pharmaceutical conference. Together, using their medical knowledge, they planned what they believed would be the perfect crime. But once arrested, their loyalty collapsed instantly.
“It was your idea!” Jace yelled.
“You wanted the insurance money!” Ysolde screamed back.
The officer stood. “Your husband will be charged with attempted murder, insurance fraud, and drug tampering. The nurse will be charged as an accomplice. You and your daughter will be protected.”
I bowed in gratitude, then pulled Nira close. Without her, I wouldn’t be alive.
The officer smiled gently at her. “What you did was incredibly brave.”
Nira blushed, lowering her eyes.
The trial lasted four months. I testified, my voice trembling but steady. Every photo, video, and recording Nira captured became the backbone of the case.
Jace was sentenced to twenty-five years. Ysolde received fifteen. Their appeals were denied.
The last time I saw Jace in court, he looked hollow—his eyes empty. When our gazes met, he seemed to want to speak, but turned away instead. I felt nothing. He was already gone from my life.
Afterward, Nira and I moved into a small apartment filled with sunlight near a park. I returned to nursing. Though much had changed, the work felt meaningful again, and my coworkers supported me warmly.
Evenings with Nira became my greatest joy. She’d show me her drawings—always the two of us holding hands.
One night, she asked quietly, “Mommy… is the baby happy in heaven?”
I looked at the stars. “I think he is. And I think he’s watching over us.”
She thought for a moment. “Do you think he’s happy I protected you?”
I smiled through tears. “Very happy. He must be so proud of his big sister.”
“I’ll always protect you, Mommy,” she said.
I hugged her tightly. “And now it’s Mommy’s turn to protect you.”
A year passed. Life grew peaceful. On weekends, we picnicked in the park, laughter replacing fear. Watching Nira run through the grass, I understood—family isn’t defined by blood or titles. It’s defined by love, protection, and sacrifice.
Jace had been my husband, but he was never family.
Nira was.
“Mommy, look!” she said one day, handing me flowers.
“They’re beautiful,” I replied, kissing her cheek. “You’re my treasure.”
As the sun dipped low, we walked home hand in hand.
“I love you, Mommy.”
“I love you too, Nira.”
No matter what the future holds, together we are stronger than any evil. The bond between a mother and her child cannot be broken.
When the first star appeared, I believed it was my baby watching over us. And in my heart, I whispered: Thank you. Your sister saved me. I’m okay now.
We walked on—today, tomorrow, and always—choosing a life of courage, love, and hope.
And I wondered:
If the person you trusted most tried to destroy you for money—but your child risked everything to save you—would you ever trust again, or would you build a world meant only to protect the two of you?
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