- 4.
I was forced to apologize to Amanda.
I wiped my tears at the door before entering the ward.
Amy was already asleep.
Soon after, the door swung open.
Frank walked in.
“Catherine.” His voice dropped to a whisper. “I came to see Amy.”
I neither moved nor responded him.
Didn’t even glance his way.
The ward stayed silent until Frank spoke. “Tommy never had his father around. He just wanted to play pretend. You shouldn’t take it out on Amanda.”
“She’s a single mother struggling with work and a kid. It’s exhausting.”
“We’re legally married. Nothing can tear us apart.”
“You should be more generous.
་་
I finally cracked a bitter laugh at his words.
Understanding?
When Amanda deliberately left lipstick on Frank’s collar? Or posted those suggestive photos on her Facebook? Or “forgot” her lingerie in Frank’s car?
Hadn’t I always been generous?
A few sweet words from Frank always won me back.
Frank frowned. “What’s so funny?”
18:42
Chapter 4
I wiped the smile off my face, staring coldly at him
“Frank, is this why you forced our daughter with heart disease to donate blood for her kid?”
“Isn’t that hilarious?”
My words struck a nerve. Ice flashed in his eyes.
“Catherine, I told you! It’s just a little blood. It won’t endanger Amy.”
“Why must you always nitpick like this?”
Nitpick?
I’d swallowed every insult. But I’d never compromise on Amy.
Bloodshot eyes locked on Frank, I spat through clenched teeth:
“The blood bank exists. Why must it be Amy’s blood?”
“Frank, are you even human?”
He froze, then answered coldly:
“Tommy has the same blood type. Kids fare better with peers.”
I snapped, screaming at him:
“Amy has been the apple of your eye since she was born… Have you no conscience?”
Helplessness crushed me, shattering my last resolve.
Frank’s tone brooked no argument. “Nurses will draw her blood tomorrow.”
“Catherine, you need to behave.”
”
My heart died for Frank that moment.
A nurse approached Amy with a needle. I lunged forward but Frank’s men forced me to my knees.
I watched the needle plunge into Amy’s vein without hesitation.
I howled frantically: “Stop! Make them stop!”
18:42 D
Chapter 4
Frank scowled. “Look at yourself, Catherine.”
I tried reaching Amy, but Frank’s men blocked me.
All I could do was watch my daughter suffer.
As Amy’s breathing grew ragged, I broke free and crawled to Frank, clutching his pants leg
“Frank, please stop them.”
“She’s already given once. More could kill her.”
Frank stared down impassively, silent.
Beside him, Amanda smirked at me.
Until a nurse rushed out, voice trembling:
“Mr. Garcia, something’s wrong.”
“The child… she’s in shock.”
18:42
