Chapter Four

Chapter 4

“I can’t imagine what Bruce’s parents would do to you if you go to see them. I have already lost enough, and I don’t want to lose my mom too. She is the only source of strength I have right now,” Sharon continued, her eyes lowered as tears streamed down her face.

Her mother gently stroked her daughter’s cheek, while trying to control the tightness in her chest.

“What should you do, Sharon? What should a mother do for you? I regret letting you marry Bruce,” her mother said.

“I don’t regret it. Bruce is a good husband. He loves me very much. But fate has turned the tables. Now I am the one who has to sacrifice for Bruce. I’m pregnant, Mom,” Sharon whispered, closing her eyes.

Her mother cupped Sharon’s face in her hands. Did she hear correctly?

“You’re pregnant?”

Sharon nodded.

“Yes, I’m pregnant. Bruce doesn’t know yet. His parents don’t care. They want me to get rid of the baby.”

“The baby is innocent, Sharon! He knows nothing!”

“I don’t know what to do. They told me to stay away from Bruce. If this situation happens, they threatened to kill me and the child.”

Her mother’s face turned to anger.

“Then let’s leave this house, Sharon. If we stay here, Bruce will come looking for you. And his parents will hurt you again.”

Sharon looked at her mother in confusion. “But where do we go, Mom?”

“Your late grandmother’s house. The last time I took you there was when you were ten months old. Bruce doesn’t know about that place. We can live there quietly.”

Sharon thought about her mother’s words. If she wanted her unborn baby to be safe, she had to go as far away as possible. That way, Aileen and Dean wouldn’t be able to reach her.

“I want to move to Grandma’s house. I will raise my son there. Maybe over time, I will forget about Bruce,” Sharon said with a sad smile. Her hand rubbed her flat stomach.

Her mother gently stroked Sharon’s long hair, which reached her waist, and then held onto Sharon’s body tightly.

Now Sharon rested her head against her mother’s chest, finding solace in her warm embrace.

**

“Bruce, you shouldn’t force it,” the therapist helping Bruce with his rehabilitation said.

“I can do it!” Bruce said firmly.

The therapist took a deep breath. This patient was too stubborn.

“Alright. If you really want to continue, let me help you.”

Aileen watched from behind. Bruce nearly stumbled again, biting his finger, making a grimace.

“I told you, if possible!” Bruce said as he managed to stand up. Though his body leaned slightly forward as his legs still couldn’t fully extend.

“Very well,” the doctor replied.

Bruce felt his legs shaking. But he clenched his lips, stopping his legs from falling again. He was a normal person!

A few seconds later, Bruce’s hand holding the cane began to shake violently. Cold sweat broke out on his forehead and temples.

“Bruce! That’s enough. Today’s treatment was good. You can do it again next time,” Aileen touched Bruce’s arm.

“Yes, Bruce. The treatment is finished for now. It’s not good for your legs if you keep falling,” the doctor added.

But Bruce shook his head firmly once again.

“No! I want to try standing up one more time.”

“Bruce! But Mom is worried—”

“Mom! Don’t treat me like a weak and helpless person! I have to prove to that woman that I’m not a cripple as she claimed. I will make her regret leaving me!” Bruce said fiercely.

“I will repay all the pain you caused me with every ounce of joy!” Bruce thought.

It seemed that his hatred for Sharon had become deeply ingrained.

Eight years later…

“Mr. Bruce, I’m sorry I couldn’t find Sharon anywhere,” one of Bruce’s men now stood before him, looking nervous.

Bruce’s sharp gaze seemed to pierce his heart. Bruce had become a relentless and determined person.

Eight years was not a short time.

Now both of Bruce’s legs were able to stand and walk normally.

But the wound in his heart had never healed.