Chapter 1 Being Forced to Donate My Blood

I held the urn numbly. My tears had run dry.

I pinched my palm until it bled, deeply regretting not leaving Jessica back then.

All of this definitely could have been avoided.

My mother had treated Jessica like a daughter ever since I married her.

I did nothing wrong. Yet Jessica refused to listen to a single word of explanation from me. In the end, she had even caused my mother's death.

After making proper arrangements for my mother, I dragged my weary body home.

…

Seven days later, I would take my mother's ashes back to my hometown. After that, I would have nothing more to do with Jessica.

She did not come home until the next day.

Ignoring my pale face, she said coldly, "Eric, I seriously didn't expect you to watch your mother get caught in the explosion rather than tell me where my daughter was. Do you know Isabella is still in the hospital because of you?"

My heart ached so badly I could not speak. Her daughter was still alive and receiving treatment in the hospital, but my mother no longer had that chance.

When Jessica saw how emotional I was, a glint of pity flashed in her eyes.

"Forget it. You must be tired from taking care of Mom these past few days. I'll take you out for a walk in a couple of days," she comforted, wanting to hug me like before.

However, I pushed her away hard.

Upon seeing this, Jessica frowned and questioned, "What's with the tantrum again? This whole thing is your fault."

After saying that, she prepared to leave. Just then, she received a phone call.

Tears welled up in her eyes the next second, and she gripped my hand tightly. "Come to the hospital with me!"

Jessica was completely unconcerned about my current weak state and just dragged me to the hospital.

…

Before I could even steady myself, Callum abruptly lunged at me and slapped me hard across the face.

That still was not enough for him. He began hitting me again and again.

Thinking of my late mother, anger surged through me as well. I tried to fight back with all my strength.

To my surprise, Jessica suddenly pushed me to the ground and let Callum punch me in the face again and again.

By the time she pretended to stop Callum, I was already beaten to the point of near death.

"Isabella's condition is not good. Just let Callum vent his anger," she explained as she looked at me, her expression a mix of emotions.

I forced a smile, but tears streamed down my face.

Shortly after, the doctor came out.

"The baby is bleeding heavily from the wound. Are there any family members who would like to donate blood?"

Before the sound of his voice faded, Jessica immediately dragged me inside and said, "Doctor, his blood type is compatible. Start the transfusion now."

I desperately struggled to break free, but she held me down. All I could do was watch helplessly as they prepared me for the transfusion.

Jessica coaxed me gently, "It'll be over soon, Eric. Just think of it as making amends to Isabella."