5#05

5

I flung the blankets off and dashed out of the hospital room, my pulse racing.

Nurse Maevie's concerned voice trailed after me down the corridor.

"Verena, wait! Where are you headed?"

"There's been so much chaos since yesterday! The internet is flooded with people labeling you as ungrateful and heartless for not rescuing your spouse!"

"Please, don't seek out Matias, they're—"

I disregarded her pleas, my attention fixed on the corridor ahead as I made my way to Matias's room.

As I pushed the door open, I was startled to find the room bustling with people.

Matias was sitting up in bed, his complexion wan, but his expression gentle and comforting.

Alastor and Milana stood beside him, beaming with pride as they presented a thank-you banner to Odette.

The hospital's chief administrator gave Odette's shoulder an approving pat, his face radiating satisfaction.

"Dr. Hewitt demonstrated remarkable bravery under stress and rescued a patient on the verge of brain death. When your superior retires, you'll be the ideal candidate to take over."

The door's creak drew everyone's attention, and I halted mid-stride as all eyes shifted to me.

Matias spotted me first. His smile wavered, freezing awkwardly on his face.

"You're up. See, Mom even brought our little one over."

The infant, not yet a toddler, screamed inconsolably, her wails filling the space.

I paid no heed to his words, striding in with purposeful steps.

The chief's frown deepened, his tone laced with growing impatience.

"Verena, given the recent negative press surrounding you, perhaps you should take a leave. It's best not to be present right now."

I briefly glanced at the camera positioned in the room's center, broadcasting the entire scene to the public. A slight smirk played on my lips.

"Negative press?"

"Are you referring to the allegations that I'm ungrateful and cold for not saving my husband? Or the assertions that I'm pursuing fame and fortune?"

The livestream had initially captured the Campbell family presenting their gratitude banner to Odette. But my arrival caused viewership to skyrocket.

The screen was inundated with scathing comments, each more cutting than the last.

"Isn't that the patient's wife? I heard she's a doctor, but she refused to save her own husband!"

"I watched the video! Her husband was struggling for his life, and she was just outside, playing games!"

"And it's her fault he got into that accident in the first place. How can she be so apathetic? It's revolting!"

"How can such scum even deserve to live? She should just perish already!"

"What kind of family raises such an ungrateful child? Her parents should die, too!"

Hearing my question, Matias's eyes reddened, and tears flowed freely. His voice was icy but tinged with resentment.

"Verena, I get why you didn't save me at the time," he began, his words heavy with bitterness.

"But after all, I was injured trying to protect you. And now, you haven't shown any worry for me; you're more concerned about your career, aren't you?"

His voice broke, and the words tumbled out in a rushed stream.

"Have you considered our daughter? She's still so young... How could you bear to let her grow up fatherless?"

I arched an eyebrow, unable to conceal the cold amusement that surfaced.

"Our daughter?" I echoed, my voice a sharp inquiry hanging in the air.

His face paled, though he seemed prepared for what was coming. With a slow, deliberate motion, he produced a paternity test.

The white document bore a vivid red seal, official and undeniable.

"I know you've never been fond of our child," he began, his voice tinged with acrimony.

"But you can't refute her parentage!"

"Look, it's all here in black and white. If she's not your daughter, then whose is she?"

"Don't you care at all about me or about our child?"

The comments on the livestream exploded, scrolling so rapidly they blurred together.

I glanced at the viewer count, a small smile curling on my lips as satisfaction washed over me.

"Care? Of course, I care," I replied, my tone cool and detached.

"Not just about the child; I also have something special for you."