Chapter 6 A Good Girl

Jared's POV

After leaving the fire scene, I immediately called Sophia back. Her voice sounded off, sending a chill down my spine.

Her cold laughter rang in my ears. "You'll regret this for the rest of your life."

"Don't say that, Sophia. I know Molly is hurting right now, and I swear I'll go see her as soon as possible. But Mia..." I turned to look at Charlotte, who was sitting behind me.

Charlotte was a single mom. Life was hard on her, and I couldn't abandon them like that.

I wanted to say more, but Sophia abruptly ended the call. My heart ached, a sense of unease washing over me. I couldn't grasp what she meant. There must be some misunderstanding.

Molly was my daughter too, and I was worried about her.

I just thought we had plenty of time, so I decided to help those who needed me more.

"Is everything okay? Is Sophia upset? You should go comfort her," Charlotte said, walking up to me with concern. "She must be jealous. It's all my fault. If I could handle this on my own, I wouldn't have to ask for your help, and you could have been with your wife and daughter."

Charlotte looked down, her expression filled with guilt. Despite her struggles, she always seemed to put others first.

"Sophia is kind. She feels bad about what you're going through and wouldn't be angry about this," I said, deciding to go see her and Molly. "I have to go now."

"Uncle Jared, can you stay a little longer? I'm so scared," Mia gasped anxiously, tugging at my sleeve. "What if Mom faints again?"

"Don't cry, Mia," I said, patting her head and hugging her. "I have to go see my daughter, but I promise I'll be back soon, okay?"

"But..." she cried even louder.

I rubbed my chest, feeling a sharp pain.

I thought of Molly. She was usually so strong, but she must be terrified right now. I had been absent for too long, and she needed me. Today, I would put everything aside to be by her side.

With that thought, I looked at Charlotte seriously. "I won't be coming by for a while. I think you and Mia are doing fine now."

Meeting her surprised gaze, I continued, "I feel guilty for leaving Sophia alone to deal with everything when I sent my colleague to save Molly. And I haven't been able to see Molly because I've been taking care of you. Now, I need to be by her side."

Charlotte looked dejected. "I understand. We won't bother you anymore. We'll be leaving the hospital soon."

"Why? Isn't Mia still recovering?" I asked, surprised.

I thought they would stay until Mia was fully healed.

"Yes, but I'm a single mom. I don't have that kind of money," she said, stroking Mia's cheek. "My poor child will have to recover slowly at home."

"Don't worry about the money. I'll pay for it," I said quickly.

"But Sophia is your wife. Won't she mind?" Charlotte asked, waving her hands.

"Sophia is also a mother. She'll understand your situation. She wouldn't want to see another mother cry over medical bills. Besides, she's always been supportive of me helping you," I said.

"Oh, Jared, I don't know how to thank you!" Charlotte exclaimed, rushing over to hug me and kissing me on the cheek.

This was too sudden. I stood there, shocked. We had broken up a long time ago, and what she did was inappropriate.

"I'm so sorry. I was just so grateful. I couldn't help myself," she said, jumping back.

"It's okay. I understand," I said, stepping back.

"Sophia is so lucky to have you as her husband," she said, smiling.

My chest ached even more. I loved my wife and my family. I felt that Charlotte and I should just be friends, and I was only helping her out.

"Well, goodbye," I said, quickly leaving her room.

This feeling was so strange. It seemed I had forgotten something important.

I shook my head, wiped the lipstick off my face, and hurried to the nearest bakery.

Whenever Molly was upset, a strawberry cake always seemed to make her troubles disappear. I hoped that it would bring her some happiness and take her mind off her pain.

I returned to the hospital and happily walked toward Molly's room. I stood at her door and knocked lightly. "Sweetheart, I'm here."