Chapter 3

3

"Besides, if her son dies, he probably deserves it with a mother like that. She's making the doctors lose focus."

I was speechless with rage. I wanted to tear them apart.

Suddenly, I felt weightless as I was thrown across the room, hitting the floor hard.

Silas, who had been cold seconds ago, now looked devastated. He bowed to the crowd.

"I am deeply sorry. I never imagined my wife would act this way. I will handle her, I promise."

He then announced that Leo would be treated last.

Everyone else, regardless of their injuries, would go before his own son.

The crowd cheered.

"What a noble director!"

"We're lucky to have a man like Silas Thorne. Don't worry, Director. If your son doesn't make it, we'll make sure the city knows you're a hero."

Silas lowered his head, sounding choked up.

"If my son's passing can save all these lives, then it is his destiny."

I struggled to get up, brushing the dust off my clothes.

Silas rubbed his temples and gave a stern order.

"Take her to my office. Tie her up. Don't let her interfere with the rescue."

Someone grabbed a rope. Others rolled up their sleeves to help.

I backed away until my spine hit the cold wall.

"You can't do this! This is kidnapping! This is illegal!"

"Silas, even a snake wouldn't kill its own offspring! You're worse than an animal. If Leo dies, karma will find you!"

"Take her away, now!"

Silas lost his patience. He grabbed the rope himself and bound my wrists tightly before shoving me toward a guard.

"Watch her. Don't let her out."

Leo's cries were getting quieter. My heart felt like it was being shredded.

"I'm begging you! Save my son! I'll give you all my money! I'll be your slave! Just save him! He's only six!"

The guard dragged me down the hall. I screamed, fighting against the ropes.

The rough hemp cut into my skin, drawing blood.

"Silas! Take my life instead! Just save him!"

I fought so hard the guard had to adjust his grip.

I seized the moment and bolted back toward the ER.

As I passed Silas, he grabbed a fistful of my hair and yanked me back.

I felt my scalp tear. Blood began to drip down my neck.

His heavy fist crashed into my ribs. Once. Twice. Ten times.

I curled into a ball on the floor, trying to protect my head.

Everything hurt. It felt like a thousand needles were piercing my skin over and over.

"Leo..."

I looked toward the gurney, trying to wiggle toward him with my legs.

"Avery, stop embarrassing yourself."

His voice was like ice.

"If you keep this up, it really will be too late for Leo."

"And not only will he die, but the hospital's reputation will be ruined."

"Reputation?"

I laughed, a wet, bitter sound.

"A glorious hospital built on the bones of your own son. You're a pathetic, hollow man..."

His hand clamped over my mouth. Silas leaned in close, his warm breath making my skin crawl.

"Since you won't shut up, I'll have to make you."

He looked up at the crowd with a sigh of mock regret.

"To keep my wife from saying anything else crazy, could someone help me? Just... teach her to keep her mouth shut."