Chapter 8 This Isn't My Home Anymore

I packed my things in silence. On the desk was a photograph of me holding Charlie when he was just a month old, and William was gazing at us with a look full of love and adoration. I let out a bitter laugh, the irony cutting deep. It felt like someone had sliced open my heart. "Mrs. Parker, where are you going this late?" Mabel looked at me in shock. I didn't respond. Instead, my gaze shifted to the dining room, where a table full of dishes had been carefully prepared. I took a step forward and tossed everything into the trash. "Mrs. Parker!" Mabel gasped and stared at me in disbelief. I didn't say anything. I merely turned and walked away without looking back. For the four years I was married to William, I had devoted my entire life to this family. To take care of this home, I had given up my chance to study abroad after university. I got married shortly after graduating and became a full-time housewife. Today was the first time I was leaving home. No. To be specific, this was not my home. It would not be anymore after this! … I didn't have much money with me. So, I planned to spend the night at a hotel and look for a rental the next morning. But first, I needed to visit the hospital. When I got there, I had my temperature checked and found out that I had a fever. After getting my ankle treated, I was placed on an IV drip. Before long, drowsiness overtook me, and I drifted off. "Madam, Madam." Someone tapped me lightly. I opened my eyes and saw a little delicate face. "Madam, wake up. Your hand is bleeding." When I looked down, I noticed my IV drip had finished. Blood was seeping back into the needle site on my hand. "Thank you, little one." The boy had even called a nurse for me. "I've already notified the nurse, and she's coming. Madam, you shouldn't be sleeping while getting an IV if no one is with you. If the needle isn't removed promptly, it might cause subcutaneous bleeding, vascular pain, or even an air embolism. In severe cases, it might cause arrhythmia. You need to be careful." The little boy seemed to be around Charlie's age. He was dressed in a small suit, exuding a cold and mature demeanor that was rare for his age. He sat next to me and studied me carefully. I was shocked that such a young child could speak so knowledgeably. "It was careless of me. Thank you, little one." I instinctively looked around, but there was no sign of his family. "Are you here alone?" "Gary." A deep, indifferent voice suddenly interrupted. A tall man in a black suit appeared before me, his expression solemn as he ordered, "Come here." His hard, sculpted features were nearly identical to the little boy's. The boy walked over with dutiful steps. Holding the man's hand, he glanced at me before leaving. "Daddy, that madam smells like Mommy." The man's steps faltered slightly. He turned his head a little but quickly resumed walking away. As soon as I left the hospital, my phone rang. It was WIlliam. I stared at the screen indifferently and let it ring for a long time before finally answering. "Where are you? I got the ointment with me." "The hospital," I spat out the words coldly. "You went to the hospital alone? Why didn't you wait for me? Which hospital are you at? I'll come pick you." "It's fine. William, you—" I wanted to tell him to return to his lover, but before I could continue, my phone's battery died, and the call was cut. … Meanwhile, back at home, William told Charlie, "Your mom's at the hospital because she wasn't feeling well." Upon hearing that, Charlie, who was holding a slice of pizza, leaped happily. "Yay! This is amazing! I can watch cartoons all night!"