Chapter 2

My chuckle was so light that it vanished like the wind the moment it appeared.

"Tina was diagnosed with a heart condition a week ago. I called you 78 times. You never picked up."

…

Xavier made his way to the hospital the next day. Tina had been hospitalized for seven days, and this was the first time he'd arrived at the hospital to see her.

"Daddy! You're here!" Tina exclaimed, smiling at him purely and innocently. However, he acted like he'd just been pricked by a needle and refused to meet her eye.

"Yeah."

Then, he pulled me out into the hospital hallway.

"What did the doctor say?"

"Ventricular septal defect. It's a bit off-center and requires a minor open-heart surgery to repair it."

"Is it dangerous?"

"The risk is small if she doesn't get emotional or worked up."

Xavier heaved a sigh of relief. "Thank goodness."

Then, he lifted his wrist and checked his watch.

"It's Ian's birthday today. I promised Winter that I would be there for the party. When is the surgery? I only have three more hours to spare."

Xavier used the word "spare" on us—to describe the time he would be spending accompanying his own daughter for a heart surgery. It felt as though this precious time was something that his wife and daughter had to fight for.

I gave him a deep look before turning and walking back into Tina's ward.

The surgery was scheduled for 2:00 pm. Sherry then wheeled Tina out, who'd lost a lot of weight since being hospitalized, to prep her beforehand.

Tina's eyes were red. She gripped both me and Xavier tightly as she was wheeled out, refusing to let go.

"Mommy, does the surgery hurt? I'm really scared…"

Her surgeon, Dr. Paul Quentin, suggested, "The patient is only five years old, and it's important that her emotional stability is maintained throughout the surgery for it to succeed. As parents, I hope that you will give your child as much emotional support as possible during the surgery.

"Especially you," Dr. Quentin added, eyeing Xavier. "The child has been crying all night asking for her dad. I don't know what you've been busy with lately, Mr. Galvan, but your daughter needs you at this crucial time."

Tina then lifted her head, her dark eyes blinking with tears as she looked at Xavier expectantly.

"Daddy, can you please stay here with Mommy and wait for me?"

Xavier looked at her, a flicker of emotion in his eyes.

"Alright. I'll stay with you."

Tina smiled. She was just about to say something when his phone suddenly rang, and Winter's tearful voice came through.

"Xav! Where are you? Ian's looking for his 'Daddy' everywhere and he can't find you. Can you please hurry up and come over as soon as possible?"

Xavier was stunned for only a split second before he agreed without much thought.

"I'll be right there."

Tina grabbed his sleeve at once.

"Daddy! Where are you going?"

Xavier didn't even look at her as he pried off each of her fingers, one by one, his tone urgent and impatient.

"Winter has an emergency. I have to go there now. Stay here and be good, okay, Tina? There's nothing scary about the surgery. Mommy will be here with you."

Then, he left without another backward glance.

"Xavier Galvan!" I yelled out after him. "If you leave now, then you're not Tina's dad anymore!"

Xavier paused. Seconds later, he slowly turned around and looked at me.

"Stop saying nonsense."

Then, he left resolutely.

Tina stared at his disappearing back in vast disbelief, her soft sobs gradually turning into loud wails.

Everything seemed to have just happened in a matter of seconds. However, it felt incredibly long, like the past seven years.

The surgery lasted five whole hours. Xavier never called at all, not even once. However, Winter posted three new updates on her Instagram stories.

"If they love you, they'll always be there for you, whether rain or shine. Love needs no urging. Just a single phone call.

"So thankful to a certain someone today for his wonderful surprise. Ian said he loved his new daddy now.

"Every day is filled with happiness when you're with the right person."

I tapped through Winter's stories, feeling a pang in my heart. I knew that some things had been thoroughly shattered today.

…

"What the hell do you mean by this, Heather? I just didn't stay for Tina's surgery! It's not like it's major surgery anyway."