Chapter 10

The wind howled fiercely outside the window. Alyssa rested her pale, slender hand on her stomach, and her gaze was vacant. Cameron had told her that the doctor found out she was pregnant! This baby had come at the worst possible time. Mindy looked at Alyssa, whose empty eyes held no will to live, and steeled herself. "Liss." It took Alyssa a moment to respond. She turned her head slightly to look at Mindy. "Mindy." Mindy's eyes were red and swollen. Her weathered hand gently brushed a stray lock of hair from Alyssa's temple. "Liss, I never had children of my own. I've always seen you as my daughter. I don't ask for wealth or status. I only ask that you live a healthy and happy life. If my only daughter dies, how could I go on living?" Alyssa's eyes tightened as she saw Mindy pick up a fruit knife. "I raised you until you were ten. After that, I wasn't there for you. That's my fault. I'll apologize to Mr. Somner now…" With those words, Mindy brought the knife to her wrist. Al