Chapter 3: The Stepmother

Davina's POV: 

As I stumbled out of the dimly lit room and into the brighter hallway, a figure emerged from the shadows near the nurses' station. My father's wife, Federica. Her face, usually carefully composed, was a mask of cold fury. Her eyes, sharp and unforgiving, locked onto mine. 

"Well, well," she sneered, her voice low and venomous. "Look what the cat dragged in. Back to pick over the bones, are you?"

My own emotions, raw and exposed from my encounter with my father, flared into anger. "What are you talking about, Federica? Your husband is the one beaten half to death! Instead of talking nonesense, maybe you should take better care of my father."

"What do you imply you little viper?" she hissed, taking a step closer. "Your reappearance can only bring trouble. You were better off staying away, just like your precious sister."

Her words were like a dagger in my heart, each syllable laced with years of resentment. "Don't you dare talk about my sister!" I retorted, my voice rising. "I came to see my father, because I was told he had a heart attacked and he wanted to see me. "

"Lies!" Federica spat, her face inches from mine. "You're nothing but a bad omen, Davina. Always have been. Your father would neverr want to speak to you. " 

"You are one to speak, stepmother. If it wasn't of your loose morals, my parents would still be with my mother. His real wife." I said with all the rage I've been holding inside me for years.

Her hand shot out, catching me off guard. The force of the slap rocked my head, a sharp sting blooming on my cheek. Federica's slap landed with a sickening thwack, the force of it sending a jolt through my skull. The immediate sting was nothing compared to the burning humiliation of being assaulted in a public hallway, the shocked faces of strangers a blur in my vision.

"You venomous little leech!" Federica snarled, her breath hot and laced with years of pent-up hatred. "You think you can just waltz back in here after all this time and accuse me? No wonder your father left your mother. She couldn't raise her daughter to keep her mouth shut!"

"Don't you dare bring my mother into this!" My own anger, simmering since my father's brutal rejection, finally boiled over. "This has nothing to do with her! Your husband is lying in there, beaten! Shouldn't you be more concerned about that than slinging insults?"

"Concerned?" Federica's laugh was sharp and brittle. "This is probably your fault somehow! You always were trouble, a dark cloud hanging over this family from the moment you were born!"

Before I could react, two figures appeared as if from nowhere. Cecilia, Federica's daughter from her previous marriage, grabbed her mother's arm, her face etched with embarrassment. "Mama, please! This is a hospital."Cecilia's grip on her mother's arm tightened, her face pale with distress. "People are watching!" Her voice was a desperate plea, but Federica seemed beyond reason, her fury a raging inferno.

"Let me go, Cecilia!" Federica shrieked, trying to wrench her arm free. "She needs to know her place! She doesn't belong here!"

It was Nathan, my younger half brother, who finally managed to create some distance. His hand on my arm was firm but gentle, pulling me steadily away from the volatile scene. His expression was a mixture of apology and a quiet understanding of the toxic dynamic I was caught in.

"Davina, please," he murmured, his voice low and calming amidst the chaos. "Just come with me. There's no point in this."

I allowed him to lead me, my cheek throbbing, my heart pounding with a confusing mix of anger, hurt, and a growing sense of unease. 

"Stay away from him!" Federica's voice echoed down the hallway, sharp and unwavering. "Stay away from our family! You're not welcome here!"

Nathan kept walking, his grip on my arm reassuringly steady. We didn't stop until we were outside, the relatively normal sounds of traffic and distant chatter a stark contrast to the emotional violence I had just experienced. 

He finally released my arm, turning to face me, his eyes filled with a weary sadness. "I'm sorry, Davina. My mother... she's been through a lot."

"And what about me, Nathan?" My voice was raw, the carefully constructed composure I usually maintained crumbling under the weight of the day's events. "I came here because I thought my father was dying. Instead, I find him beaten, and his wife attacks me in the hallway. What exactly have I walked into?" My question hung in the air, unanswered, the weight of the unknown pressing down on us both.

"I'm so sorry Davina. It's not your fault." he said and run his hand through his hair. "My mum is not the easist person to deal with, I know that, and I'm so sorry for what she did to you. I will have a word with her. I promise you!"

A comfortable silence settled between us for a moment. He might be Federica's son, but he has nothing in common with that vicious woman. Finally, I took a step back. "Well... I should probably... go."

Nathan nodded again, his eyes filled with a quiet concern. "Take care, Davina. I'll text you for updates." he pulled me into a warm embrace. 

"You too, Nathan."

I turned and started walking, away from the hospital. As I walked, my mind replayed the events of the past hour – the anonymous call, my father's battered face and hostile rejection, Federica's venomous words and the stinging slap. It all felt surreal, like a scene from a poorly written drama. Yet, the throbbing on my cheek was undeniably real.

Narrator's POV:

Unbeknownst to Davina, as she navigated the bustling sidewalks, a figure kept pace a safe distance behind. They moved with a practiced ease, blending seamlessly into the flow of pedestrian traffic.

Their gaze, though seemingly casual, remained fixed on her retreating form, a silent shadow. They had witnessed the confrontation outside the hospital, heard the raised voices.

Now, their boss gave a clear order, ensure Davina Wilson won't disappear again. Their reasons, were clear. But yet for Davina, like the anonymous call that started it all, remained a shrouded in mystery.