Chapter 3
"It's getting cold, so I'm heading out to bring some warm clothes for Adam," I said, locking eyes with him and quickly coming up with a lie.
He glanced at the half-open door, where Ryan's favorite cartoon was playing, and assumed Ryan was in there.
"Ryan hasn't eaten yet. Make him dinner before you go," he said.
I kept my voice steady. "Since you're so busy with Emily's promotion these days, just leave the family stuff to me."
That was like throwing a match on gasoline.
His expression turned cold in an instant.
He marched over and smacked me in the face with a document.
"Wow, Olivia, you really pulled out all the stops just to get me to notice you. What a performance! You must be so proud of yourself!" he scoffed.
The edge of the paper scraped across my cheek, leaving a sharp, burning pain.
I looked closer and realized it was a signed hospital's internal settlement agreement.
He jabbed a finger at me, seething with rage.
"Stop acting like you're the victim here! Adam's accident was all your fault. So what if he can't have kids now? We still have Ryan, don't we? Be grateful he survived; what else do you want from me?"
He glanced at the suitcase on the floor, his expression dripping with mockery and disdain.
"What, you're pulling the old 'run away from home' trick again?" he sneered.
"Olivia, your tricks are getting cheaper and cheaper!"
Just then, a soft, delicate voice drifted in from the doorway.
"Dr. Carter, please don't be mad at your wife."
Emily peeked in, clutching a beautifully wrapped gift box, looking like a frightened little rabbit.
"I think your wife just loves you so much, that's why she's trying so hard to hold onto you. Honestly, this is all my fault. I'll make it up to her," Emily said softly.
She was pretending to be helpful, but in reality, she was just stirring the pot and making things even worse.
James shot me a look of pure disgust.
"Did you hear that? Even Emily, someone who's not even family, knows how to be decent, unlike you!" he spat.
He pulled Emily close, shielding her like a man guarding his most treasured possession.
"And you? All you ever do is jump to conclusions and stir up drama. What else are you even good for?" he sneered.
He towered over me, his tone dripping with disdain.
"Now you're making a scene and threatening to leave. What about Ryan? Who's going to look after him? Can't you show Ryan even a fraction of the concern you have for Adam?
"This is your duty as a mother!"
I watched him shielding Emily, preaching about morals and motherhood while protecting her, and I nearly laughed out loud.
The irony was almost too much to bear.
Seeing this, Emily snuggled up to James, clinging to his arm and acting all sweet and clingy.
"Dr. Carter, it's getting late. We've got that important meeting later, so let's hurry back and get ready, okay?" she said.
James's face went from stormy to sunshine in an instant, his voice so sweet it could melt butter.
"Alright, I'll listen to you."
Before leaving, he tossed a command over his shoulder at me, "Go take care of Ryan right now. Don't make me call you again."
Just as they were about to leave, Emily suddenly turned back, like something had just popped into her mind.
She nestled into James's arms, tilting her chin at me, her eyes putting on that innocent act but practically sparkling with smugness and challenge.
I looked away, watching them disappear behind the door, my heart cold and untouched.
I should go take care of Ryan?
I arched an eyebrow, thinking of Ryan, the one who'd just survived the worst.
If James hadn't brought it up, I would've totally forgotten about that little devil still lying in the hospital.
I was done wasting my money and energy for nothing; there were no more thankless jobs for me.
Thinking that, I grabbed my phone and texted James's parents.
[Hey, something happened to your grandson. Can you come to the city hospital tomorrow?]