My medical license was revoked. My reputation, destroyed. The entire internet tore me apart.
Inside the facility, I was shocked and beaten, over and over, until I didn't have the strength left to fight back.
When I came to, the air reeked of disinfectant.
Two nurses stood by the door, chatting. "Mr. Vance is so sweet to his sister-in-law. And the boy is such a good kid."
They rolled their eyes in my direction. Their voices dropped to a murmur pitched just loud enough for me to hear.
"The woman in that bed? I heard she's a quack who got her own daughter killed. She deserves to rot."
"Mr. Vance is too soft-hearted. Someone like her should be locked up for life."
I fumbled for my phone and typed out a message.
Dad, the ten-year pact is up. I lost the bet. I'll be home soon.
I endured a week in the hospital before I was finally discharged.
Meanwhile, Pamela was out enjoying herself, with Leon by her side.
When I saw Pamela's social media posts, I felt nothing. Not a flicker.
There was a time when Leon's tenderness toward Pamela would have sent me into a jealous frenzy. I'd scream. I'd cry. I'd lose myself completely.