Chapter 3

The golden window for saving a patient with amniotic fluid embolism was measured in mere minutes. It was essentially a battle between the doctor and the grim reaper.

In the past three years, Wilfred had saved five women from this condition. Only one life had slipped through his hands.

His success rate had solidified his position as the top obstetrician in the hospital's department.

At last, Bernice's call connected.

In a panic, she cried, "Wilfred, you need to come to the hospital! Your sister is experiencing an amniotic fluid embolism. You're the only one who can save her!"

On the other end of the call, the sounds of children laughing and glasses clinking filled the air.

"Aunt Bernice, must you spiral out of control like Ariana? Isn't this chaos enough already? I spend all 365 days of the year catering to her every need. I just want one peaceful day. Can't you just let me be?

"Kelly and I aren't involved in any way. Her family just returned, and I was simply having a meal with them. Please, just stop calling me!"

"I'm not making this up, Wilfred! Sarah is in grave danger. She has an amniotic fluid embolism, and only you can save her! You need to come back, or you'll regret it!"

"I'll only regret it if I come back!" Wilfred snapped, his voice devoid of any warmth.

Hearing Wilfred's response, Susan broke down.

Clutching the phone, she cried out, "Wilfred, Aunt Bernice isn't lying! Sarah's life is at risk! Even if you don't trust Ariana or Aunt Bernice, can't you trust me? Please come back!"

I let out a quiet sigh. To me, Susan was nothing more than a traitor. Despite knowing about Wilfred's affair, she still helped him cover it up. But to Sarah, she was the perfect mother.

"Wilfred, did you hear what your mom just said? Do you really think she'd lie to you? Hurry up and come back!" Bernice shouted, panic evident in her voice.

"Mom, you—" Wilfred's voice faltered.

"Ah! Wilfred, my eyes... They hurt so much!"

A woman's anguished cries erupted from the other end of the line.

In the next moment, the stern voice of an adult scolding a child cut through the noise. "How could you shoot marbles at Ms. Shapiro's face?"

Wilfred's voice softened with concern. "Kelly, does it hurt? Stay still. I'm a doctor, so let me take a look."

But in the blink of an eye, his tone hardened as he said into the phone, "Mom, stop with the excuses. Even if what you're saying is true, it doesn't matter. I've had too much to drink, so I won't be able to make the drive back."

With that, he mercilessly hung up.

The phone slipped from Susan's hand, hitting the floor with a sharp crack. She collapsed in a heap, her head slamming against the ground.

She remained still, trapped in a moment that seemed to stretch on forever.

Bernice dropped to her knees beside her, tears silently falling down her cheeks.

"How did Wilfred become like this?" she murmured. "How could he abandon his family for another woman? What kind of monster is he?"

As I helped Susan to her feet, my eyes landed on the bruise forming on her forehead. She didn't deserve a son like Wilfred.

Still, I felt no pity for her. After all, she was partly responsible for my death in my past life.

After what felt like an eternity, the door to the operating room swung open again.

"I'm sorry. We did everything we could."

Sarah and her unborn child were gone. At that moment, Susan seemed to lose all semblance of life.

She couldn't bring herself to eat or drink. Holding onto Sarah's clothes, she broke down, sobbing without restraint.

Furious, Bernice recounted everything that had happened at the hospital to each relative. She didn't hold back, calling Wilfred a good-for-nothing.

Henry and Edna broke into even greater sorrow upon discovering that the baby she carried was a boy.

Matthew returned from out of town as quickly as he could. Seeing Sarah and their unborn baby lifeless before him, his face contorted with agony, and his eyes turned red with grief.