The ambulance sped through the streets of London, its siren wailing like a desperate cry. Inside, Emily lay unconscious, hovering between life and death. The lead doctor, a grey-haired man named Dr. Whitmore, checked her pulse and barked orders to the nurses:
“Faster! Keep the pressure steadydont let her lose any more blood. The baby still has a chance!”
Beside her, Rosamund wrung her hands, whispering prayers. Her heart clenched with guiltshe hadnt acted in time at the estate. She remembered Isabellas icy expression, her gaze as cold as a knifes edge, and finally understood the truth.
The Emergency Room
When Emilys stretcher was wheeled into the emergency room, Richard rushed at the doctors, his eyes red with tears and fury.
“Please, save her! Her and our baby I cant lose them!”
Dr. Whitmore gave him a stern lookthe professionalism of a man who knew there was no time for drama.
“Mr. Caldwell, wait outside. Were doing everything humanly possible.”
Richard stood frozen for a moment, then slumped onto a bench in the hallway. He buried his face in his hands, and for the first time in his life, the self-assured man felt the ground crumble beneath him.
Behind the closed doors, the medical team fought for Emilys life. Her breathing was faint, but her heart still beat. The baby, however, was in critical condition. Machines beeped rhythmically, tension thick in the air.
The Waiting Room
Isabella entered the hospital, flanked by two close friends shed summoned to play the role of concerned witnesses. Her face was unreadable, but her trembling voice convinced those around her:
“That poor girl how could she have slipped like that? I only wanted us to be a united family.”
Rosamund, standing in the corner, glared at her with smoldering hatred. If only shed had the courage to speak the truth then, everything might have ended differently. But fear of Isabellas powerher influence in the city, her ability to ruin livesparalyzed her.
Richard and His Mother
“Mother!” Richard burst out, suddenly standing. “Where were you when this happened? Rosamund says you were right beside her!”
Isabella touched his arm with false tenderness.
“My dear, I was upstairs. I only saw her fall It all happened so fast. God, if only I could have caught her!”
False tears streaked her cheeks, but Richard wasnt sure what to believe. A small, deep crack had formed in his trust.
News from the Operating Room
After hours of tension, the doors opened. Dr. Whitmore, exhaustion etched into his face, approached Richard.
“Mr. Caldwell, your wife is alive. It was a hard fight, but weve stabilized her. However the baby”
His words faltered, and Richard understood without explanation. His world collapsed. He staggered back, tears streaming.
“Doctor I need to see her.”
“Shell be moved to a ward soon. She needs rest. But we found bruises on her chest and arms. They dont look like they came from a fall. Ill have to report this.”
Isabella, overhearing, stiffened momentarily before embracing her son with false warmth.
“Dont listen to them, darling. You know how quickly rumours spread. You need peace now.”
Emilys Awakening
Hours later, Emily opened her eyes. She was pale, barely able to breathe. Richard kissed her hand, fighting back tears.
“Emily my love youre here with me.”
She stared at him, then her eyes welled up. She tried to touch her stomach, but the truth was in his gaze. A ragged sob escaped her.
“Our baby”
Richard held her close, whispering, “Well get through this together. I have you, and thats all that matters.”
But in Emilys heart, another pain took rootnot just the loss of their child, but the certainty that the woman who should have protected her was behind the tragedy.
Rosamunds Confession
Days later, Rosamund could bear the silence no longer. She found Emily alone in the ward and confessed in a trembling voice:
“Mrs. Caldwell you must know the truth. You didnt fall. Lady Isabella she pushed you. I saw everything.”
Emilys face drained of colour. It was the truth shed suspected, now confirmed.
“Rosamund why tell me only now?”
“I was afraid. You know the power she holds But I cant live with this guilt.”
Emily squeezed her hand, strength surging despite her weakness. “I swear she wont go unpunished.”
The Investigation
Days later, British police opened an official inquiry. Doctors testimonies, the marks on Emilys body, and Rosamunds statement formed a damning case.
But Isabella was not a woman to surrender easily. Her lawyers prepared defences, and influential friends worked to smother the scandal.
Richard was torn between love for his mother and the brutal truth. Haunted by Emilys silent suffering and Rosamunds words, he could no longer ignore the reality.
The Final Confrontation
One evening, Richard confronted Isabella in the sitting room of their estate. She sat poised, cold as ever.
“Mother, tell me the truth. Did you push Emily?”
Isabella lifted her chin.
“Everything Ive done was for your sake. She wasnt worthy of you. She would have ruined your life. I saved our family.”
Richard stared in horror.
“No you destroyed everything. You killed our child. And for that, Ill never forgive you.”
His words struck like lightning. Isabella remained still, but hatred flickered in her eyes.
Epilogue
The trial that followed shook London. Newspapers wrote daily of “the Caldwell Tragedy,” and streets buzzed with debate.
Though fragile, Emily found strength to testify. Rosamund backed every word. Doctors provided irrefutable evidence.
Isabella Caldwell, once respected and feared, was sentenced to years in prison for attempted murder.
Richard and Emily, though scarred for life, found solace in each other. They vowed to rebuild, to never let the shadows of the past destroy their future.
Yet deep in Emilys heart, the wound of losing their child would never fully heal. And every time she climbed the marble steps of their home, she felt a chilla reminder that love could be saved, but the hatred of a jealous mother could cut deeper than any blade.
