Chapter 2

2

I fought like a wild animal, my nails tearing at their skin.

"Get off me!"

When I couldn't break free, I leaned over and bit the guard's hand hard.

The metallic taste of blood filled my mouth.

"Silas Thorne!"

I spat out the blood and stared at him with pure hatred.

"You're a monster. Just you wait."

"If anything happens to my son, I will make sure you burn in hell."

The commotion drew a crowd of patients and families.

Silas looked grim. He grabbed my jaw, squeezing until I winced.

"Have you had enough? You're the one killing Leo by wasting time like this."

I glared at him and spat right in his face.

"You coward."

Silas turned a sickly shade of green with rage.

In front of everyone, he wiped his face and landed several heavy punches on my body.

I screamed in agony.

He then turned to the crowd, his face twisted into a mask of feigned heartbreak.

"I'm so sorry. My wife has lost her mind. She's trying to force me to give our son special treatment."

"It's my fault for not managing my family better. Please, give me a moment to handle this."

The crowd's pity instantly turned into disgust.

"She's insane. She thinks her kid's life is the only one that matters."

"How toxic. Does she think she owns the ER?"

"With a mother like that, it's no wonder the kid is in trouble."

The insults rained down on me like stones.

I looked at their judgmental faces, and a wave of hopelessness washed over me.

"I'm not asking for a favor! My son is the most injured! That's just basic triage!"

An older woman suddenly yanked my hair.

"Shut up, you tramp! Stop spreading lies."

"The doctor said he can wait. Why should we believe a crazy woman over him?"

"Get out of here before you kill my grandson!"

I tried to explain that Leo was fading.

Suddenly, a hand clamped around my throat, dragging me across the floor.

"Bitch, didn't you hear her? My son needs help now."

"If you delay his surgery, I'll make sure you and your brat go to the morgue together."

I turned pale from the lack of oxygen. I looked up at Silas, gasping.

"Save... save me..."

He looked away, watching the scene with chilling indifference.

I even saw a flicker of amusement in his eyes.

He was enjoying this. He was watching a stranger get mauled.

How could he?

Tears streamed down my face. I scratched the man's hand until he let go.

I gasped for air, coughing violently.

Then, I heard it. A faint, weak whimper.

"Daddy... save me... Mommy... it hurts..."

It was Leo.

I scrambled up, stumbling toward the gurney.

My son was pale as a ghost. Sweat beaded on his forehead, and his breathing was shallow.

The nurse looked at him with contempt, then at me.

"Selfless mother, dramatic kid. Everyone was in the same crash, but he's the only one acting like he's dying. So spoiled."

As she spoke, she pushed the gurney carelessly.

The wheel hit the wall with a loud thud.

Leo's small body jolted. His bandages began to soak through with fresh, bright red blood.

"It hurts... Mommy..."

I lost it. I grabbed the nurse, my eyes burning with a murderous light.

"He's a child! If you hate me, take it out on me! Why are you being so cruel to him?"

I used every bit of strength I had left. The nurse's face turned red, her body shaking with fear.

The crowd swarmed me again, pinning me down.

"She's a psycho! A total psycho!"

"The nurse didn't do it on purpose! Why is she being such a bitch?"

"Throw her out! Don't let this piece of trash ruin things for our kids."