Chapter 4
"Why are you like this? You really don't care about yourself, do you? Surgery was supposed to be in three days, and now look at you," the doctor scolded.
"Listen, as a woman, you've got to put yourself first. Forget about everyone else. Nothing's more important than your own health," the doctor continued.
I lay there on the operating table, silent tears kept falling, one after another.
"When you get home, take good care of yourself. Don't punish your body for anything, understand?" the doctor said gently.
Even my doctor seemed to care more about me than Dylan ever did. That gentle reminder from someone who barely knew me just shattered whatever walls I had left. I buried my face in my hands and broke down, sobbing uncontrollably.
Every bit of hurt and grievance I'd been hiding finally spilled out, and there was no way to hold it back anymore.
Two nurses were quietly chatting in the hallway outside.
"Did you hear? Just now, a guy rushed in carrying a woman, saying she'd had a miscarriage and calling for a doctor. Turns out, it was just her period," one nurse whispered.
"Seriously? He can't even tell the difference between a miscarriage and a period?" the other nurse replied, sounding incredulous.
"Talk about a mix-up. He must really want another baby or something. But honestly, that guy was so sweet. He carried her the whole time, didn't let go once.
"And their son was super thoughtful, running around grabbing things for them. Seriously, she hit the jackpot with a husband like that," the first nurse said.
I gave a sarcastic chuckle to myself. Must be nice, having such a perfect family,
And me? Where did I fit in?
I was nothing but an outsider.
When I got home, Dylan still had that dark, brooding look on his face.
"Amina, I don't know what's going on with you lately. If something's wrong, I hope you'll tell me right away," he said.
"You pushed Ellis today. It's a good thing she's okay, but I don't want to see that happen again," he added.
I gave him a cold, emotionless stare.
"She didn't have a miscarriage?" I asked.
"She doesn't even have a boyfriend. Why would you think she had a miscarriage?" I pressed.
Dylan was caught off guard, like the thought had never even crossed his mind.
"Amina, I just saw the blood and assumed the worst. Don't read too much into it," he said.
"You were the one in the wrong. If there's an issue, just talk it out. Why do you always have to use your hands?" he said coldly.
I stared at him, stubborn and unyielding, refusing to show any weakness.
"I didn't shove her. She fell by herself," I replied, my voice icy.
Dylan's expression changed, and he smirked.
"So she fell and now you're saying she's blaming you?" he scoffed.
"How could you even think something like that? She's your own sister!" he snapped.
"I never thought you'd be so resentful toward her!" he added.
I shook my head, not the least bit surprised. Figures. He never believes me anyway.
"You trust her, not me," I said.
Dylan realized I was really upset and let out a sigh.
"Are you having any side effects from those injections recently?" he asked.
"If it's getting to be too much, why don't you stop for a while?" he suggested.
Suddenly, Jaxton burst out of Ellis's room.
"Dad, Ellis's got a stomachache again," he called out.
Dylan's expression shifted instantly as he rushed over, then remembered I was still standing behind him.
"Amina, could you make some soup for Ellis? She's really not feeling well," he urged.
Staring at my reflection in the mirror, I looked as pale as a ghost.
Not like anyone would notice if I was falling apart.
I went back to my room, tucked the miscarriage report into a folder, and crashed straight into bed.
'Putting myself first is what really matters,' I told myself.
'Everyone else? I couldn't care less. Let them love whoever they want,' I thought, feeling completely done with it all.
A few days later, we were having dinner.
"There's a company party tomorrow night. You should come with me. Ms. Kaya Hinton will be there too," Dylan said.
Ellis asked curiously, "What kind of event is it? I've heard you guys mention it before. It sounds pretty upscale."
Dylan turned to Ellis and explained patiently.
"It's our company's anniversary gala. All the big clients and partners get invited, and the higher-ups bring their families too," he told her.
"I've never been to one before. Can I go too?" Ellis asked, looking all excited.
Seeing Ellis's hopeful face, Dylan paused for a second and sneaked a glance at me.
"Amina, are you going this year?" he asked.
"Is it really appropriate for you to bring Ellis when everyone else is bringing their family?" I said, my tone flat.
Dylan cleared his throat awkwardly.
"You two look so much alike. Seriously, unless you say something, no one's gonna know," Dylan said.
I let out a quiet "oh," realization dawning on me.
"So that's it. You just need her to be my stand-in," I said.
Ellis's face clouded over, her expression turning awkward and dark in a flash.
Dylan's brows furrowed.
"Since you're still trying for a baby, it's better not to drink. Just sit this one out," he said.
I just kept eating my soup, totally unfazed.
"Fine," I replied, my voice flat.
Dylan looked at me like he thought I was acting weird.
Ever since our last fight, Ellis and I had been giving each other the cold shoulder.
I didn't say a word to her, and even when she cautiously tried to win me over, I just pretended not to notice.
And now, for something as important as the company party, I was surprisingly just letting her have it without a fuss.
All those excuses Dylan had lined up were suddenly useless.
"There's a year-end company event coming up. Let's go together then," Dylan said.