CHAPTER 3 - Bad News

The next day, Serena returned to her usual routine at the office. Telephones rang one after another, while the sound of keyboards clicking echoed throughout the workspace.

Serena sat at her desk, staring at her computer screen with tired eyes.

The stack of documents on her desk seemed endless. She rubbed her temples, trying to focus. Even though her thoughts repeatedly drifted to her mother's condition at the hospital, she forced herself to keep working.

She had to go to the hospital later. Earlier that morning, the hospital had contacted her and asked her to come in. There was something they needed to discuss regarding her mother's condition.

Although it was difficult to concentrate, Serena did her best to remain professional.

As soon as her workday ended, she quickly packed up her things and headed straight to the hospital.

That afternoon, the steady beeping of an ECG monitor filled the room. The scent of medicine and antiseptic stung Serena's nose every time she entered.

Lying in the hospital bed was a woman who had once been healthy and full of smiles. Now, her mother lay silent, asleep with a pale face and a frail body covered in tubes.

Serena pulled up a chair and sat beside the bed. She gently took her mother's cold hand in hers.

"Mom, Serena's here. I'm sorry I haven't visited much lately. I've had a lot going on. But you have to stay strong, okay? I promise I'll do whatever it takes to help you get better."

Her eyes immediately began to burn.

Ever since she was little, her mother had been the only person who was always there for her. But since her mother fell ill, everything had changed. Her father rarely showed any concern. He was always busy with his mistress, Claudia, who had now become her stepmother. He never seemed to have time when it came to Serena and her mother.

A knock sounded at the door. A middle-aged doctor entered, carrying a file in his hand.

"Miss Serena, may we talk for a moment?"

Serena nodded, releasing her mother's hand as she stood up. The two stepped out into the hallway.

"Your mother's condition has shown no improvement for quite some time," the doctor explained in a serious tone. "We've provided the best treatment possible here, but I'm afraid this hospital's facilities are no longer sufficient. She needs to be transferred to a larger hospital with more advanced equipment. Of course, the cost will be significantly higher."

Serena bit her lower lip.

"How much, Doctor?"

"For the initial stage alone, the expenses could reach hundreds of millions of rupiah. Our medical team is waiting for approval from the family so we can transfer her immediately and begin intensive treatment."

Serena fell silent.

The amount was far beyond her means. Her salary as an ordinary employee would never be enough to cover such a cost. Her only option was to ask her father.

But would her father be willing to pay even more?

"All right, Doctor. I'll discuss this with my father first," Serena finally replied.

Her voice nearly trembled, but she did her best to remain composed.

After saying goodbye, Serena left the hospital. Her mind felt overwhelmed.

What if her father refused?

What if her mother didn't get transferred in time?

Those frightening possibilities haunted her every step of the way.

During the drive home, she thought about how to bring up the matter with her father. Their relationship had been strained for years, and they hardly discussed even the smallest things anymore.

Still, no matter what, Serena had to fight for her mother.

When she arrived at the Collins family mansion, Serena stood outside her father's study. She was going to discuss her mother's medical expenses right now.

Before entering, she took a deep breath and knocked on the door.

"Come in," Richard Collins's firm voice called from inside.

Serena carefully opened the door.

She could smell cigarette smoke and alcohol. Her father sat behind his desk, busy signing documents with a serious expression. Serena walked closer, carefully choosing her words.

"Father," she greeted softly.

Richard looked up briefly.

"What is it, Serena? It's late. You should be resting."

Serena gripped the edge of her dress, hesitating for a moment before speaking.

"I just came from the hospital this afternoon. I visited Mom."

Richard stopped writing. He straightened his shoulders and leaned back in his chair.

"How is she?"

"There hasn't been any improvement, Father. The doctor said she needs to be transferred to a larger hospital with better equipment. Otherwise, her condition could become even worse."

Richard looked at Serena. His eyes were cold, yet calculating.

"How much will it cost?"

Serena lowered her gaze.

"It's a substantial amount, Father. I know it's a burden, but... it's for Mom."

Silence filled the room for a moment.

Richard tapped his fingers against the desk before answering flatly.

"Talk to Claudia. She manages all household matters. If she agrees, I have no objection."

Serena bit her lower lip, suppressing the frustration threatening to erupt.

Why did her father always leave important decisions regarding her mother to Claudia?

Hadn't her mother been Richard's lawful wife before Claudia came into their lives?

"All right, Father," Serena finally said, forcing herself to sound calm.

She lowered her head respectfully before leaving the room with her gaze fixed on the floor.

It didn't take long for Serena to find Claudia.

Her stepmother was lounging comfortably in her private sitting room, dressed in a burgundy silk gown. Her face carried the same arrogant smile as always.

Serena stood in the open doorway and knocked softly before entering.

"Stepmother," she called.

Claudia raised an eyebrow, her eyes sweeping over Serena from head to toe.

"What is it at this hour?"