Chapter 3

3

I knew Silas was heartless, but I didn't think he was a monster.

Even now, he thought Maisie was just a tool for my jealousy.

"She's your daughter! She's in the operating room and we don't know if she'll live!"

"How can you say that? Do you even have a conscience?!"

My anger only fueled his rage.

"Who knows what you're really doing behind the 'daughter' excuse?"

"You know how valuable this serum is. How many times have you tried to help your broke family at my expense?"

…

He was talking about the time he developed a pneumonia treatment. Each dose was worth a fortune.

My nephew was suffering, and my sister couldn't afford it. She begged Silas, and eventually, I had to use Maisie's name to get the meds.

Silas never let me forget it. He used it as a weapon against me.

This was the man I had loved for over a decade. This was the man I had given everything for.

Every past memory reminded me of how cold he really was. I had just been too blind to see it.

Seeing that I wasn't ashamed, but standing there like a statue, Silas grew impatient.

"Fine. Take the serum and get lost."

"Stop bothering Seraphina and me."

My hands shook as I took the vial from the assistant. Seraphina, who had been quiet, finally spoke up.

"It's so nice. Even when the love is gone, you still have the child to keep you connected."

"If Silas and I had a child… well…"

She looked so fragile under the lab lights.

"It's okay," Silas said, glaring at me as if asking why I hadn't left yet.

"Seraphina, you might not be my wife, but no one could ever replace you in my heart."

He pulled her into his arms. They stood there in front of the lab doors like a perfect couple.

But I had to be the intruder. I had to beg these two once more for the sake of my daughter.

"Please, can you have your driver take me back? I'm in a hurry. Please."

Silas gestured impatiently for the driver to follow me.

I was about to get in the car when the lab's infirmary door opened. Seraphina's daughter, Ivy, was wheeled out.

She looked pale. She stared at Silas and whispered.

"Uncle Silas, it hurts. They can't fix me here. Can you take me to the real hospital?"

A flash of triumph crossed Seraphina's face before she masked it with tears.

"Please, Silas. Save my baby. Please."

"I've already lost you. I can't lose her too..."

I had to admit, Seraphina was a great actress. Who wouldn't pity the fragile first love?

She knelt on the ground, looking utterly helpless.

Silas gently lifted her up. When he turned to me, his eyes were full of loathing.

"Driver, get her out of the car."

"You're pathetic, Elara. If Ivy gets worse because of your delay, don't expect me to stay married to you!"

I gripped the seat, refusing to let go.

"Please, Silas. Just give me a ride. You can kick me out later."

"Just get me closer. Maisie really doesn't have much time left."

In five years of marriage, I had rarely begged him. This was the first time.

Silas hesitated, but Seraphina suddenly knelt in front of me.

"Elara, Ivy really can't wait."

"She needs to lie down on the stretcher in the back. Look at her, she can't even sit up."

"If you're mad at me, take it out on me. Don't let a child suffer."

She sounded so heartbroken. She acted more like a grieving mother than I did.