Chapter 2

2.

A sharp pain flared in my chest, but I knew I couldn't afford to break down. Not yet. Maya was still waiting for me to save her.

The doctor pressured me again. "We're running out of time. She's slipping."

I dialed Silas again, my heart in my throat.

When he answered, his voice was dripping with annoyance. "Are you done? I know what you're doing. You just want to check on us. Fine, I'll tell you. It's Jade's birthday. She's lonely and she needs us. We've spent every day with you for years. Can't you handle one night without us?"

Before I could respond, Hayden grabbed the phone. "Mom, stop being such a drama queen! Your jealousy is disgusting. You're teaching Maya to be a liar just like you. Why can't you be more like Auntie Jade? She's so much more graceful than you. Maya has you, but Auntie Jade only has us."

Then, I heard Jade's soft, manipulative voice. "Elena, honey, it's just for tonight. I'm just borrowing Silas and Hayden for my birthday. I'll give them back tomorrow. You know I lost my family. I'm all alone. Please don't be angry at me. Just be kind for once."

Silas started to say something, but I cut him off with a desperate scream. "Maya is in the emergency room! I'm begging you! Just come and save her! After that, you can stay with Jade forever. I don't care! She needs you!"

"You're delusional," Silas said before clicking off. "Don't listen to her, Hayden."

I stared at the name "Husband" on my screen. It felt like a cruel joke.

I had given this man fifteen years of my life and my entire heart. I thought I could melt his icy exterior with love, but all I got was "don't listen to her."

But I couldn't cry. Every second I spent crying was a second Maya didn't have.

I called back instantly. As soon as it connected, I gasped, "If you don't believe me, talk to the doctor! Just wait!"

I shoved the phone toward the doctor. He didn't need to be asked twice. "Sir, your daughter has a very rare blood type. We are out of stock. If you share her type, you need to get here immediately. Her body can't take much more of this."

I thought that would finally break through Silas's wall of denial. Instead, he laughed.

"Wow, Elena. You've really leveled up. You're even hiring actors now?"

He raised his voice, speaking to the doctor. "Hey, how much is she paying you to pull this sick stunt?"

The doctor stood there, stunned into silence.

"Elena, there's a limit to your games. Stop testing my patience!" Silas barked and hung up.

When I tried calling again, the phone was turned off.

My last spark of hope was extinguished.