Chapter 3
He gently took my hand, comforting me as always.
"Nia, be good.
"I know you've worked hard. Next year, I'll support you for the City Innovation Award.
"I'll ensure you get it. My PhD mentor is..."
I knew it was over. All hope was gone.
During the pandemic, lab supplies were scarce, but Carter had the right connections.
I had long sweet-talked him to get the materials first.
But he gave me a stern look.
He said, "You can't always take shortcuts in research."
But I was at a crucial stage; without timely supplies, my work would fail.
Carter was in the same field, so he understood my situation.
But he still refused to help me.
The supplies arrived too late.
I missed my promotion chance.
To stop me challenging Bianca, Carter suddenly promised to use his connections to secure my award next year.
His so-called principles only ever applied to me.
But with Bianca, his standards vanished.
I softly refused.
"No.
"Let's end it here."
A shrill ringtone interrupted me.
Carter's sugary ringtone was for Bianca.
"Carter, where are you? My stomach hurts," Bianca whimpered.
Carter's face instantly paled.
"I'm at Nia's lab. Are you okay? I'll be there soon," he said worriedly.
Her voice trembled with tears.
"Hurry... I'm scared. The meds Nia gave me were too strong, like she meant harm. The doctor said I or the baby might not make it," she sobbed.
Carter's hands trembled as he shouted into the phone.
"Bianca, wait! Stay strong!" Carter shouted.
I grabbed Carter's arm to steady him.
"If she were truly in danger, she'd be receiving emergency treatment, not calling you.
"She sounds too energetic; nothing seems wrong."
Carter's bloodshot eyes shoved me away, losing control.
"Is now the time to be jealous?
"Nia, I can't believe I was so wrong about you."
My lower back hit the lab bench corner.
The force knocked the test tubes off the edge.
Glass shards scratched and cut my bare legs as they scattered on the floor.
Carter stopped, frowning disapprovingly at me.
"Cut it out. Those cuts are nothing. Go to the campus clinic yourself," he said coldly.
I clutched my stomach, sweating and trembling in pain.
A loud ringing filled my ears; his lips moved, but his words felt distant.
My stomach sank as pain stabbed me like a knife.
I barely whispered, "Carter..."