Chapter 3 One Last Call

That afternoon, I walked into the obstetrics and gynecology clinic alone.

The doctor studied my medical report as she furrowed her brows.

"Ms. Calloway, you already have several health issues. Going through with an abortion despite your condition could very well leave you permanently infertile. Are you sure you want to do this?"

I lowered my eyes, clutching the hem of my clothes, and nodded numbly.

As I headed toward the lobby with the payment slip in hand, my phone began vibrating.

It was my mom.

The moment I answered, her ragged breathing came through in broken gasps. "Sienna, did Cassian stop my medication? I-I can't breathe…"

Her words drove into my chest like red-hot nails.

With trembling hands, I frantically called Cassian. After what felt like an eternity, he finally answered.

"Cassian! Why did you stop my mom's medication? Don't you understand that taking away her medication is no different from killing her?"

My voice came out shrill and trembling.

He gave a quiet scoff, his voice cold and utterly indifferent.

"Sienna, weren't you the one threatening to divorce me and swearing you wouldn't rely on me? If you want to leave, then I have to teach you how to stand on your own. What, you can't even go one day without her medication?"

The blood in my veins seemed to turn cold.

I'd thought he simply didn't love me anymore. I never imagined he'd be cruel enough to make even my closest family pay for it.

Before I could say another word, Celine's sweet voice came through the phone. "Cassian, does this dress look good on me? You promised you'd be my date today. Go put on your suit already."

Cassian's voice softened instantly. "Okay, I'm coming."

He hung up without the slightest hesitation.

A moment later, a WhatsApp voice message from my mom popped up. Her voice was so weak I could barely hear it. "Sienna, my chest hurts so badly. If I don't make it, take care of your brother…"

I broke into tears, dialing Cassian's number like a madwoman.

When he hung up, I called again and again, but he declined every call.

As my missed-call log grew into a long list, I sent him a message while trembling. "Please, Cassian. Give my mom her medication. I'll do anything you want!"

His reply was a selfie of the two of them.

Celine was smiling brightly as she linked her arm through Cassian's, the two of them looking like a perfect couple.

And the man with severe germophobia, who hated anyone touching his phone, was now letting her provoke me without saying a word.

"Sienna, Cassian says you need to be taught a lesson today, so stop messaging him, okay?"

A suffocating pressure closed around my throat. I staggered out through the hospital doors.

My phone rang again. It was my mom.

However, when I answered, a stranger's voice came through. "Ms. Calloway, your mother just suffered a sudden heart attack and has been pronounced dead. Please come to the hospital and make the necessary arrangements."