Chapter 26

She had always wanted to explain, but he had never given her the chance. Later, it was Josh who told him that she was sick, begging him to visit her and listen to her one last time before she passed. But Duncan hadn't believed it; he thought it was all lies.

Now, sitting on the floor, Duncan flipped through Audrey's medical records again, reading each word carefully. Tears fell relentlessly from his eyes, and the papers slipped repeatedly from his trembling hands.

She had endured unimaginable suffering before she finally passed, yet she had told him that she had no regrets, leaving this world with a heart full of gratitude. How could such a kind woman be tormented like this? How could fate be so cruel?

Two lives lost. Two lives!

Duncan sat on the floor, staring blankly at the ceiling, calling Audrey's name over and over until daybreak.

Heather came knocking on the door.

Duncan, his legs stiff from sitting for so long, glanced toward the door with bloodshot eyes. Outside, Heather'