4#04

4

Micah's influence caused Denver's trust in me to steadily deteriorate.

The situation had worsened to the extent that he now fully accepted Micah's accusation of my involvement in starting the fire. Due to Denver's public disclosure of my family's details during his online broadcast, we found ourselves facing dire consequences.

"Surrender the fire-starter!"

Families of those injured in the blaze forcibly entered our home, destroying everything in their path.

"My child was burned! You must face retribution!"

My mother was knocked to the floor, while a muscular individual forcefully restrained my father. "Where is Sheila hiding? Tell us now!"

My parents, who had always lived respectably, endured slaps and hair-pulling. Rage clouded my vision, but I was powerless to intervene.

Suddenly, Denver appeared. Momentarily, I hoped he would assist my parents and restore order.

He retrieved his phone, and I anticipated him contacting the authorities. Instead, to my dismay, he began filming.

"Sheila, you've harmed people and run away. Do you think you can evade responsibility while your parents suffer the consequences?"

"Do you feel any remorse for implicating your family in your misdeeds?"

Denver gazed intently at the camera, his eyes seemingly searching for me through the lens.

"I implore you to surrender yourself. Otherwise, your parents will continue to endure daily humiliation and anguish!"

Upon finishing the recording, he promptly shared the video online.

The response was immediate and overwhelmingly negative.

[Such an ungrateful daughter deserves no mercy!]

[Denver is commendable for not shielding a criminal. It's clear why he's the hospital director. A true exemplar of citizenship.]

[Poor man, married to such a vicious woman.]

I glared at him with such intense loathing that I struggled to breathe. How could he treat my parents, who had embraced him as their own, so cruelly? I wished I could rip out his heart and shred it to pieces.

"Denver." A gentle female voice interrupted my thoughts.

I turned to see the person I despised most—Micah.

She wore a look of contrition and worry. "Did I err in claiming Sheila started the fire? Perhaps if I hadn't, her parents wouldn't be suffering like this."

Tears flowed down her cheeks as if she genuinely mourned for my parents' plight.

Denver tenderly wiped away her tears. "You've done nothing wrong. She injured many people and must face the consequences."

"If she had any conscience, she'd turn herself in."

Micah's eyes glistened with appreciation. "Denver, I'm deeply sorry for causing you trouble."

Denver's expression softened, filled with affection as he regarded her. "If you hadn't saved my life that night, I wouldn't be here. I owe you everything."

"And this time, you were hurt because of Sheila. It's my responsibility to care for you."

Micah's face briefly revealed smug satisfaction before she quickly masked it with modesty. "It's the least I could do," she said in a sweet, soft tone.

I stood frozen, my mind racing. Micah saved Denver's life?

But I was the one who rescued him that night!

On my birthday, Denver departed abruptly after receiving a call.

"There's an urgent matter at the hospital. Eat alone, and happy birthday," he said before hastily leaving.

I felt disappointed but understood his work's importance.

Noticing he'd forgotten his phone, I grabbed it and ran after him. That's when I discovered him in a dark alleyway, unconscious and being assaulted by a man.

"You dared to report me? I lost my wife and ended up imprisoned because of you. I'll end your life!" The assailant, dressed in black, repeatedly struck Denver with a stick, shouting furiously.

I recognized the attacker—a man involved in a previous medical dispute with Denver.

I intended to alert the police, but when I saw the man draw a knife, poised to stab Denver, I panicked.

"Help! Someone please help!" I screamed, attempting to divert the man's attention.

The assailant turned and charged at me instead. I ran as fast as I could, crying out for assistance. "Someone's trying to kill me! Help!"

The man caught up, knocked me down, and began choking me.

I fought back with all my might, but my vision blurred as I started to lose consciousness. In those fading moments, I glimpsed Micah hiding nearby, observing the entire scene.

It became clear then—the hospital emergency Denver had rushed to wasn't real. Micah had lured him out to meet her, and that's when he encountered the attacker.

Micah didn't save Denver that night. She didn't even attempt to help him or me. She merely stood by, watching. And now, she was using my sacrifice to ingratiate herself with Denver.

My mouth opened and closed repeatedly as I struggled for air. In my final moments, just before blacking out, I desperately hoped Micah would summon the police.

But not only did she fail to report the incident, she distorted the truth and claimed my heroic actions as her own. She convinced Denver that she had risked her life to save him.

How preposterous.

I now regret saving Denver that day. If I had let him die, not only would I still be alive, but my parents wouldn't be enduring online abuse, physical attacks, and relentless accusations.

I despise them both. I hate Micah. I hate Denver even more!

If I could, I'd flay them alive and make them pay for their actions!

At that moment, Denver's phone rang.

"Mr. Watkins, we've located your wife..." someone said on the other end.

For a brief instant, relief flickered across Denver's face as if he could finally relax. He cut off the caller before they could finish. "Excellent, I'm on my way now!"

Micah's expression tightened with anxiety. "They've found Sheila?"

Denver didn't notice her reaction. His relief quickly turned to anger as his face darkened. "Yes. She caused your burns. I'll give her a piece of my mind!"

Shortly after, Denver arrived at the police station and met Chief Calloway.

"Chief Calloway, has she confessed?" Denver asked impatiently.

Chief Calloway's expression was somber, and he paused for a moment.

Assuming I had refused to admit guilt, Denver's anger erupted. "She's ruined her parents' lives with the online attacks, and she still won't confess?"

Chief Calloway frowned and said quietly, "Come with me."

Denver followed him, growing increasingly uneasy as they approached the morgue.

At the entrance, Denver finally asked, his voice shaking, "Why are we here, Chief Calloway?"

Wordlessly, Chief Calloway led him inside and pulled back the white sheet covering the body.

The sight of my lifeless form made Denver's voice tremble with shock. "Sheila?"