Chapter 1

The door to the hospital ward burst open as my mother charged inside.

"You ungrateful wretch! Grace didn't sleep for three days trying to save you, and the moment you wake up, you spout this nonsense?"

I looked down. "Haven't you always wanted a daughter? Why don't you take her as one? Such a wonderful woman is wasted on me anyway."

"You!" Mom trembled with rage.

Grace Reed steadied her, saying gently, "Mary, please don't get upset. Derek just woke up. His mind isn't clear yet."

I let out a cold laugh. The way she called my mother was so intimate.

The attending physician entered, frowning as he glanced at Grace, whose eyes were red and swollen.

"Mr. Hudson, you just came back from death's door. Your health should be the priority. As husband and wife, you shouldn't fight when you just cheated death."

I closed my eyes, refusing to engage. The ward fell silent except for the monotonous beeping of the medical equipment.

Shortly after, a student nurse entered carrying a syringe. "Ward 6, time for your blood work."

She held the needle, repeatedly positioning it over the back of my hand. The first attempt missed the vein. A drop of blood appeared as she frantically pressed a cotton swab to the spot.

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."

She tried a different spot, her hands shaking even worse. The second needle went straight through the blood vessel.

Sharp pain shot through me as cold sweat broke out on my forehead. The rage inside me ignited completely.

"Get out," I growled.

The nurse was on the verge of tears.

"What's happening here?" A clear male voice came from the doorway.

Ryan Cross, Grace's graduate student, walked in. Seeing the nurse's distressed state, he frowned. "Can't you handle something this basic?"

He looked at Grace with obvious concern. "Dr. Reed, you haven't rested? You look awful."

Grace's previously tense expression unconsciously softened when she saw Ryan. "It's fine. I'm used to it. What brings you here?"

"I finished my shift and was worried, so I came to check." Ryan naturally took the syringe from the nurse's hands. "Let me handle this."

I swatted away his approaching hand.

"Keep your filthy hands away from me," I said through my labored breathing.

The head nurse who had just entered was furious. "What kind of man are you? You've managed to offend everyone in our hospital by taking your anger out on us. I think someone as wonderful as Dr. Reed should definitely leave you."

I laughed bitterly. "She absolutely should."

Mom grabbed my hand, sobbing hysterically. "Derek, what's gotten into you? Don't frighten me like this!"

Grace's usually calm, dark eyes showed a hint of hurt as she tugged at Mom's sleeve. "Mary, Derek just woke up and needs rest. Let's step outside."

I wearily closed my eyes as they filed out one by one. Once the ward was completely quiet, I struggled to sit up.

My body felt like it had been torn apart. I was unable to summon even an ounce of strength. The aftermath of the car accident was far more severe than I had imagined.