Here is a culturally localized adaptation for a Western novel audience, following your requirements:
The anonymous poster kept dropping bombshells-
They claimed that when Briony was born, a renowned priest predicted she was a bringer of misfortune, destined to bring tragedy to those closest to her!
*“The Kensington family sent Briony away to the countryside when she was just a year old, only bringing her back at eighteen. And what happened? Within four years, her father was dead–because of her! Thank God we’ve completely cut ties with Briony and her mother. Who knows how many more of us would have died if we’d let them stay!“*
The internet was stunned.
Wealthy families are notoriously superstitious, so most readers bought the story without a second thought. Of course, besides the rubberneckers, Rosita’s fans were the loudest. They openly attacked and cursed Briony, convinced she was after Stewart.
After all, Stewart–handsome, successful, from an impeccable background–was the very definition of the perfect man. According to the supposed insider from the Kensingtons, Briony was a scheming opportunist, and no way would she let someone like Stewart slip through her fingers!
It wasn’t that they doubted Stewart’s feelings for Rosita–they just didn’t trust Briony at all.
Rosita’s followers were fiercely protective. Almost overnight, posts smearing Briony started spreading like wildfire.
By this point, Rosita and Stewart, having weathered the storm of rumors stirred up by clickbait accounts, had already stepped back from the public eye, untouched by the chaos.
Now, only Briony remained, mired in the swamp of public outrage.
She was still in the hospital, her phone switched off, completely unaware of the storm raging online.
At noon, Stella arrived after her shift to keep her
company.
Stella had seen the online drama, but with Briony’s surgery looming, she decided to keep it from her–at least until Briony was safely through and recovering. Then, she’d find the right moment to tell her.
At 1:50 p.m., Briony changed into a sterile hospital gown. Stella walked with her to the operating room.
“I’ll be there during the surgery, but Dr. Grant–my mentor–will be leading,” Stella said, holding Briony’s hand tightly outside the theater. Her tone was gentle but resolute. “Dr. Grant is the best, Bryn. Just relax, close your eyes, and sleep. When you wake up, it’ll all be over.”
Briony nodded, her eyes downcast and lifeless.
Stella searched her friend’s face, unable to hold back. She asked quietly, “Are you sure about this?”
Briony’s lashes fluttered as she met Stella’s worried gaze and managed a bitter smile. “We’ve come this far, Star. Why ask now? Honestly, kids who grow up without love or expectations from their families aren’t happy.”
Just like her.
She’d suffered enough to know she could never let her own child go through that.
So maybe it was time to be the selfish, heartless mother.
If there was a price to pay, then so be it.
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Chapter 36
Stella nodded, her heart aching. She knew Briony didn’t lack love for the twins–she just feared she couldn’t give them the happy life they deserved.
She said nothing more, linking arms with Briony as they walked into the operating room together.
Few patients chose full anesthesia for this kind of procedure, but Briony did–not because she was brave, but because she couldn’t bear to be conscious as her children were taken from her body.
She was terrified that this surgery would haunt her for the rest of her life.
So she chose this weak, desperate way to escape.
The doors closed behind her.
Briony lay down on the operating table.
Dr. Grant and Stella entered from the scrub room in their surgical gowns.
The bright overhead lights glared down, making Briony squint in pain.
She squeezed her eyes shut as the anesthesiologist spoke softly beside her, “I’m going to give you the anesthesia now. Start counting for me, from one.”
Briony’s lashes trembled; a tear slipped down her cheek as she began to count in her mind…
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