The ambulance sped through the streets of London, its siren wailing like a desperate cry. Inside, Emily lay unconscious, teetering between life and death. The lead doctor, a grey-haired man named Dr. Whitmore, checked her pulse briskly and barked orders at the nurses:
“Faster! Keep the pressure steadydont let her lose more blood. The baby still has a chance!”
Beside her, Rosamund wrung her hands, whispering prayers. Her heart clenched with guiltshe hadnt intervened in time at the manor. She remembered Isabellas icy expression, the cold glint in her eyes like a knifes edge, and finally, she understood the truth.
**The Emergency Room**
When Emilys stretcher was wheeled into A&E, Richard lunged 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, professional lookno time for dramatics.
“Mr. Harrington, wait outside. Were doing everything humanly possible.”
Richard stood frozen for a moment, then collapsed onto a bench in the corridor, burying his face in his hands. For the first time in his life, the self-assured man felt the ground give way beneath him.
Behind the closed doors, the medical team fought for Emilys life. Her breathing was shallow, but her heart still beat. The baby, however, was in critical condition. Machines beeped rhythmically, the tension thick as fog.
**The Waiting Room**
Isabella swept into the hospital, flanked by two close friends hastily summoned to play the role of concerned witnesses. Her face was carved from stone, but her trembling voice convinced those around her:
“The poor girl how could she slip like that? I only wanted us to be a proper family.”
Rosamund, lurking in the corner, glared at her with smouldering hatred. If shed had the courage to speak up then, maybe it all couldve been avoided. But fear of Isabellas powerher influence in the city, her knack for ruining livesparalysed her.
**Richard and His Mother**
“Mum!” Richard burst out, jerking to his feet. “Where were you when this happened? Rosamund says you were right beside her!”
Isabella touched his arm with counterfeit tenderness.
“Darling, I was upstairs. I only saw her fall It all happened so fast. God, if only Id caught her!”
False tears streaked her cheeks, but Richard wasnt sure he believed her anymore. A tiny, deep crack had formed in his trust.
**News from the Operating Theatre**
After hours of unbearable tension, the doors swung open. Dr. Whitmore, exhaustion etched into his face, approached Richard.
“Mr. Harrington, your wife is alive. It was touch and go, but weve stabilised her. However the baby”
His words faltered, and Richard understood without needing the rest. His world crumbled. He swayed, bracing himself against the wall as tears streamed down his face.
“Doctor I need to see her.”
“Shell be moved to a room shortly. She needs rest. But we noticed marks on her chest and arms. They dont look like theyre just from a fall. Ill have to report this.”
Isabella, overhearing, stiffened for a split second before plastering on a soothing mask.
“Dont listen to them, my love. You know how quickly rumours spread. You just need peace now.”
**Emilys Awakening**
Hours later, Emilys eyes fluttered open. She was ghostly 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 filled with tears. Her hand drifted to her stomachthen she understood. A ragged sob escaped her lips.
“Our baby”
Richard pulled 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 shouldve protected her had caused this tragedy.
**Rosamunds Confession**
Days later, Rosamund couldnt bear the silence. She found Emily alone in her room and confessed in a trembling voice:
“Mrs. Harrington you need to know the truth. You didnt slip. Lady Isabella she pushed you. I saw it all.”
Emilys blood drained from her face. It was the truth shed suspectednow confirmed.
“Rosamund why wait until now?”
“I was afraid. You know the power she wields But I cant live with this guilt.”
Emily gripped her hand with surprising strength. “I swear, she wont get away with this.”
**The Investigation**
Days later, British police launched an official inquiry. Doctors reports, bruises on Emilys body, and Rosamunds testimony pieced together a damning case.
Isabella, however, wasnt one to surrender easily. Her lawyers had strategies ready, and influential friends worked to smother the scandal.
Richard was torn between love for his mother and the ugly truth. Emilys silent suffering, Rosamunds wordsnone of it could be ignored.
**The Final Confrontation**
One evening, Richard marched into the drawing room, where Isabella waited, poised and cold as ever.
“Mother, tell me the truth. Did you push Emily?”
Isabella lifted her chin defiantly.
“Darling, everything I did was for you. She wasnt worthy. Shed have ruined you. I saved this family.”
Richard stared at her in horror.
“No you destroyed everything. You killed our child. And for that, Ill never forgive you.”
His words struck like lightning. Isabella stood motionless, but her eyes burned with impotent hatred.
**Epilogue**
The trial that followed shook London. Papers called it “The Harrington Tragedy,” and whispers filled the streets.
Emily, though fragile, found the strength to testify. Rosamund backed every word. Doctors presented irrefutable evidence.
Isabella Harrington, once feared and respected, was sentenced to years in prison for attempted murder.
Richard and Emily, scarred for life, found solace in each other. They vowed to start anewto not let the shadows of the past poison their future.
But deep in Emilys heart, the loss of their child would never heal. And every time she climbed the marble steps of the manor, a chill ran down her spinea reminder that a jealous mothers hatred could cut deeper than any blade.
