Indeed, this is the moment she’ll exact vengeance on her spouse. A week ago, she overheard his conversation with his mistress, and that’s when her plan took shape…

She simply came to my office and said that if I didn’t do everything as instructed, there would be an inspection from the Ministry of Health at my maternity hospital the very next day, and I would definitely lose my position. So, I prepared the documents for refusal, your husband signed them without even thinking. Ms. Caroline wanted to involve you too, but then she hesitated, realizing that you would read them and make a fuss.

She signed them herself, that’s all. And later, I went to you and said the baby had died. And you issued a death certificate.

I didn’t issue anything, the doctor shook his gray head. I am not burdened with that sin. How can you say you didn’t issue it when I have a death certificate for Vivian and know the location of her grave? I know nothing about it.

As for the documents, I believe your mother-in-law might have arranged them, possibly using her connections at the registry office. Miranda rubbed her temples. All these years, she had been surrounded by deceitful people, and she had lived without suspecting anything.

They looked her in the eye, but they wouldn’t have done anything if they hadn’t been aided by money and the fear of losing their cozy positions, simply out of a desire to please. Thank you for telling me, Miranda said coldly and stood up. And the girl, the doctor called out to her as she reached the door.

How is she? When we discharged her to the shelter, she was still weak. Good people helped her, she paused and added, not without your assistance, of course, and I’m grateful to you for that. Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone about your actions.

Thank you, the doctor lowered his head. Miranda left the hospital, contemplating the doctor’s words and what she herself had said. How could she keep everything that had happened from being exposed? There was one option, but for that, she needed to know all the details.

On her way from the maternity hospital, she went to another clinic. The thing was, she had found information about that same doctor with thin mustaches and thinning hair. He was next on her list now.

Mr. Thomas doesn’t see patients anymore today, a charming receptionist told her. But is he still here? Miranda clarified. Miss, I said he’s not seeing patients, the nurse repeated patiently.

And then Miranda noticed that very slender man who had recently stood over her, trying to count her pulse. Mr. Thomas! You’re the one I need, she confidently stepped towards him. The voice recorder was still working in her bag.

Appointments are only on Thursdays, he replied matter-of-factly, trying to pass by. What do you mean, only on Thursdays? Miranda exclaimed. But what about me? The drops you gave my husband have run out.

Mr. Thomas looked at her face and recoiled. It was only now that he realized who he was talking to. You recognized me, Miranda hissed in his face.

Either we have a heart-to-heart conversation right now, or I’m going to the police. I know everything. Fine, the doctor grumbled.

Let’s go to my office. Oh, no, Miranda laughed. I’m definitely not going to your office.

Let’s go to the park. You have a secluded area there. They sat on a bench in the park and talked.

Miranda explained to the doctor that she knew her husband’s plan and that she had heard everything when Mr. Thomas was at their apartment, and most importantly, she had the medication. It wouldn’t be difficult for her to have it analyzed and find out what kind of drug it was. Then they could involve the police.

I just want to understand how Mr. Thomas was able to easily persuade you to get involved in this, to drive you crazy. I’ve read about you. Patients speak highly of you, and now this.

You agreed to deceive a healthy person. He forced me, Mr. Thomas admitted. The thing is, Kevin, back when he worked for a small yellow newspaper, uncovered an unpleasant case.

We had a patient who died in the hospital. He died on his own, no one assisted him. He was undergoing treatment for addiction, but as it turned out, he wasn’t really willing to get better.

His friends kept supplying him with all sorts of garbage. And one day, he overdosed, but since he was already on medication, his heart couldn’t handle it. We covered up the case, attributing it to a simple heart attack.

The pathologist did everything correctly, but then one nurse blabbed to Kevin, and he found me. We had a pleasant conversation, and it seemed like we understood each other, so we parted ways peacefully. But recently, he reappeared.

And he hinted that if I didn’t help him deal with his wife, which is you, then I would be in big trouble. And I agreed. I see, you were frightened.

How could I not be? Mr. Thomas exclaimed hysterically. I have a family. My son is studying at a private university.

I can’t expose them. If everything is revealed, I’ll lose my job. That’s the best-case scenario, Miranda smirked.

Okay, relax. I have no desire to expose you. I will deal with my husband myself.

Just stay calm, the doctor advised. I’ll try, Miranda smirked again. Anyone but you would give me that advice.

Forgive me, Mr. Thomas exclaimed. I’m so ashamed. Honestly, I’m relieved that you’re okay.

Tell me, you didn’t actually drink that medication, did you? I probably drank it a few times, thanks to Kevin’s care, but don’t think I slept like a log, because of it. I’ve already figured that out. You outsmarted him, and you did the right thing.

There’s just one more piece of advice I’d like to give you. Yes? Please, forgive me. Another piece of advice from a confused doctor.

Be careful with your husband. Once he realizes his plan has failed, he’ll come up with something else. I understand that he wants to get hold of your apartment.

I already know that, and I can assure you, he won’t succeed. Miranda walked away from the park. On one hand, she even felt sorry for the doctor.

He truly got himself tangled up, as he admitted. But on the other hand, after talking to him, she wanted to take a shower. It felt disgusting to interact with someone who does harm and tries to justify it by saying, I didn’t do it on purpose.

I was forced. Now Miranda was heading to her mother-in-law’s place. She wanted to look into the eyes of the person who took her child away from her.

Miranda was convinced that it was Ms. Caroline who persuaded Kevin six years ago to sign the documents, relinquishing parental rights. Ms. Caroline opened the door, very surprised. Is something wrong, Miranda? It’s already evening.

Did you prepare dinner for Kevin before going out? Let him prepare it himself, Miranda replied and walked into the apartment. Ms. Caroline was momentarily stunned by such audacity and was ready to unleash an angry tirade about how one should take care … of their husband. How? Miranda cut her off mid-sentence.

I know everything, she calmly said. What do you know, her mother-in-law exclaimed in surprise. That it was you who orchestrated everything six years ago to declare my child dead.

But my little girl is alive. Miranda stared into her mother-in-law’s eyes without flinching. How is she alive? Ms. Caroline gasped.

Miranda, that’s impossible. We buried her ourselves, with Kevin. My dear, you must be exhausted.

You’ve imagined something. I spoke with a doctor from the maternity hospital, I saw the refusal documents. Refusal, do you hear that? But you handed me a death certificate.

How is that possible? You must be confused, her mother-in-law insisted. That’s when Miranda showed her a photograph of the refusal document, which had a signature resembling Miranda’s signature. You do understand that it won’t be difficult for me to prove that this signature is not mine.

And then the ball will start unraveling. Imagine the public outcry. A former judge involved in such a scandal…