Chapter 3

Kelly furrowed her brows. Perhaps she hadn't expected my husband to be so heartless. She shouted into the phone, "Are you even her husband? Who's more important to you? Your wife or some other woman? Do you even know what your wife has just—" "Who the hell are you? I'm a doctor. Do you think I can't tell whose condition is more critical?" Julian interrupted. The line went dead. Kelly stood still, staring at the phone in stunned silence. Then, she murmured, "That's Dr. Burton." She turned to look at me, her expression a mix of shock and confusion. I replied calmly, "Yeah. I'm Dr. Julian Burton's wife." Her face twisted with indignation. "And to think I believed he was a good man who loved his wife. Turns out he's just another scumbag chasing after his mistress." For some reason, that almost made me laugh. Kelly looked away, then mumbled, "I'm sorry." I gripped the bedsheet beneath me as I held back my tears. My fingers twisted it so tightly the fabric was nearly torn. I wanted to smile and tell Kelly that it was all right. After all, my husband didn't care about me. However, I couldn't. My face wouldn't move. It felt stiff and distorted, frozen in place. Maybe the situation was too much to bear. Soon after, the room emptied, and I was alone. Finally, my strength gave out. I collapsed onto the bed, sobbing uncontrollably. The doctor had said it was a girl. The daughter I'd waited for so long. I'm sorry. Mommy wasn't strong enough to protect you. A soft knock came at the door. It was the maternity nurse I had hired before all this happened. I looked at Wendy Mitchell wearily and asked her to help me get some water. Her expression was awkward as if she'd been battling with herself. Then she finally spoke, "Mrs. Burton, Mr. Burton asked me to take care of Ms. Cooper first. I don't have a choice."