Chapter 6

"Aren't you the one who has been constantly abandoning me for a stranger? Don't be such a hypocrite, Nolan," I retorted.

Now that I'd humiliated him like that, Nolan scowled. His hand was clenched tightly around the ring.

"Fine, Teresa. You'll regret not marrying me!"

He stormed out of the hospital room and ran straight into Mia, but he didn't slow down at all. Mia glanced at him before walking into the hospital room with a smile. She sat down on the chair.

I looked at her, and my pale lips curved up slightly. "Aren't you in love with Nolan and eager to be with him? I've stepped aside now. If you want him, go after him."

Mia gave me a genuine smile. "Who'd be interested in that scumbag? I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy."

I raised a brow in surprise. Her eyes crinkled as she grinned at me. "We can talk about him later. I've got something important to tell you! Remember that plagiarism scandal? The artwork I uploaded was actually in your name."

She tapped on her phone and showed me that my name really was listed as the creator of the artwork.

Looking pretty pleased with herself, she declared, "This piece will be the one you're most proud of in the future—and your daughter's favorite too."

I looked at her in confusion. "Why did you do this?"

Mia blinked before replying, "Because you're a good person, and it was your artwork, to begin with. All the honor and glory should go to you."

I was even more confused now, but she didn't seem inclined to explain any further. Gripping my hand tightly, she continued, "You know, in the future, even though many of Nolan's mistresses kept humiliating you, you chose to grit your teeth and put up with it—until one of them hurt your daughter.

"That was when you lost it. You gave the mistress a good beating and even ended things with Nolan. Even though it meant leaving the marriage with nothing, you insisted on taking your daughter with you.

"But you were in frail health the whole time. And to force you into getting back with him, Nolan made it hard for you to earn money. Your only option was doing the most tiring odd jobs that no one else wanted to do, just so you could raise your daughter.

"You were so silly, you know. With how attractive and intelligent you are, you could've easily had a fresh start if you had chosen to give up on your daughter. But even though it meant working yourself to the bone, not once did you think about letting go of her.

"You did a great job raising her. She became an upright citizen and even a great contributor to the nation."

The more I heard, the more puzzled I became. "Didn't you tell me before that Nolan got custody of our daughter?"

Mia froze and didn't speak.

My heart trembled as an inconceivable possibility occurred to me.

"Are you… my daughter?"

Mia's eyes filled with tears. After glancing at the time, she suddenly threw herself into my arms. Her smile was bright and earnest.

"Teresa, that scumbag can't hurt you anymore. In this life, you'll finally be free to pursue your dreams. I have faith in you. I know you'll become the best designer to ever exist."

She kissed my face. Her eyes were wet, and her smile never faded. "I love you, Teresa. I love you the most in this entire world. This time around, live a happy, healthy life. And if there's ever a chance… I hope we'll meet again."

The moment she finished speaking, the clock struck midnight. Her body began to turn transparent.

"No! Mia—"