Chapter 4

My mind went blank.

"Mom, I didn't…" Before I could finish, Mom's sobs suddenly stopped.

My heart lurched.

A year ago, Mom's health took a sharp turn for the worse. She was admitted to the ICU several times in less than six months.

To start making money and give her better medical care, I gave up going to graduate school and chose to find a job.

When I rushed to the hospital, Mom was already barely clinging to life.

"Leah, did you really get between another couple?" She passed out before she could finish speaking.

"I didn't. I really didn't!" I was sobbing so hard I could barely speak. I rushed Mom into the emergency room, then took my debit card to pay the bill.

A few minutes later, the doctor handed my card back to me. "Miss, there's not a penny in this account."

"How is that possible?" I asked.

I had kept all the scholarship money I had earned over four years of college in that account. I had never touched it!

Wendy hurried over and looked surprised when she saw what had happened.

"Oh, I forgot," she said. "I already asked the school's financial office to revoke your scholarship.

"After all, you've been expelled. The money should go to students who deserve it more."

I held back my tears and called the company where I had been interning, hoping to get my pay early.

But the person in charge answered coldly, "We received a complaint about your conduct. You've seriously damaged our company's reputation, so your job offer has been revoked!"

The call ended, leaving me stunned.

I grabbed Wendy by the collar and screamed, "What did I do wrong? Why are you doing this to me?"

Zack happened to see this and immediately shoved me away, stepping in front of Wendy.

He was furious. "I've already sent someone to pay the hospital bill. Why are you taking your anger out on Wendy?"

I stumbled back a few steps. Before I could even steady myself, I heard Zack's icy voice.

"Apologize to Wendy."

I looked up at Zack in disbelief.

He pulled Wendy into his arms, his tone leaving no room for argument.

"Wendy is my wife, after all," he said. "Every time you hurt her, you cross another line with me.

"Apologize to her until she forgives you. Otherwise, I'll have the doctors stop all of Carla's treatment right now!"

Wendy suddenly laughed softly. "Forget the apology."

She continued, "Leah, remember what we said when we were kids? Whoever did something wrong had to listen to the other person.

"Grovel and beg for my forgiveness, and I'll let this go."

Thinking of Mom's frail body, I swallowed my pride and did as Wendy said.

I lowered myself to the floor and begged her to forgive me.

Seeing me humiliate myself like that, Zack looked slightly annoyed. "That's enough. Carla was just moved to a room. Go check on her."

Before she left, Wendy gave me a long, meaningful look.

I didn't stop to think. I scrambled to the hospital room as fast as I could.

Yet all I saw was Mom's body being wheeled out under a white sheet.

I completely lost it. "Didn't you say she was being treated? Why did this happen?"

The doctor looked at me sadly. "Her condition had stabilized, but a young woman slipped into the room just now and said something to her.

"Carla couldn't catch her breath and died. What a shame."

I remembered the malicious look Wendy had given me earlier, and it tore me apart.

I collapsed to the floor, sobbing until I couldn't make a sound.

…

Third-Person's POV

Zack and Wendy returned to school, where everyone was talking about Leah.

Cruel insults filled the air. Zack frowned and was about to tell them to stop.

Suddenly, a group of police officers rushed over and surrounded Zack and Wendy.

"The two of you are suspected of murder. You're coming with us!"