4#04

4

During my postgraduate exam preparation, Matias frequently brought over delicious meals cooked by his parents, showing his concern for my well-being.

These meals were always abundant, consisting of four dishes and a soup, with a perfect balance of proteins and vegetables. Milana even took the initiative to learn my favorite recipes, going above and beyond to make me feel comfortable.

Their warmth and generosity provided a soothing comfort to my soul, filling me with a sense of belonging.

When Matias and I tied the knot, I had nothing to my name - no employment, vehicle, or residence. Even my education costs were covered by the Campbell family.

At our wedding reception, some of Matias's relatives struggled to hide their disapproval. A few distant cousins exchanged critical remarks and whispered judgments about my lack of assets.

However, Matias's parents stood firm in their support. They publicly declared their position without hesitation.

"Verena is an excellent person, the daughter-in-law we've chosen for our family."

"Anyone who speaks negatively about her will no longer be welcome in our home."

At that time, being young and insecure, their words deeply moved me.

In that moment, I made a silent promise to always respect and honor Matias and his parents for the rest of my days.

They had given me something I had never experienced before: a complete family and the kind of love I had always yearned for.

Now, Alastor and Milana were on their knees before me, their faces etched with age and desperation, their eyes silently imploring me.

I lowered my gaze, unable to meet their pleading looks any longer.

The injury on my wrist throbbed painfully, making it difficult to breathe steadily.

As the older couple continued their desperate pleas, Odette rushed to their side with urgency.

"Verena, what are you doing? Not only are you refusing to help your husband, but now you're trying to take away this elderly couple's possessions?"

"Have you completely abandoned your morals for the sake of money and your career? How repulsive."

She cast a sharp look at me and raised her voice, filled with self-righteous indignation.

"Stop wasting your breath begging her. I, Odette, will risk my professional standing to save the patient. Not just because it's my duty as a physician, but because I still have a conscience!"

Her passionate declaration echoed through the crowd, eliciting applause.

People praised her, hailing her as an exemplary doctor, and at that moment, I felt diminished and selfish in comparison.

A slight smile crossed my lips as I ignored the sharp pain in my wrist and joined in the applause.

"I wish you the best of luck, then."

Odette shot me a venomous glare, her eyes filled with hatred before she turned and headed towards the operating room.

It wasn't until she disappeared behind the closed door that I slowly reached for my shaking wrist. Beads of cold sweat formed on my forehead, and the pain I felt was now more than just physical.

Alastor and Milana, consumed by their worry for Matias, helped each other up and hurried off, determined to gather funds for his treatment.

The crowd began to disperse, the chatter fading as people gradually left.

My vision grew hazy, and I felt my consciousness slipping away like water through cupped hands...

When I finally regained consciousness, I found myself in a hospital bed.

Maevie Yesron, my close colleague, was seated beside me, her face filled with worry.

"Dr. Scott, you're finally awake!"

"You've been unconscious for an entire day and night; we were terrified."

Still disoriented, I sat up, surprised by how much time had passed.

Clearing my throat, I spoke, my voice weak and raspy. "Matias... How is he doing?"

Maevie paused before answering cautiously.

"Dr. Hewitt spent ten hours struggling to save him. He survived and is no longer in critical condition."

A heaviness settled in my chest, and I was unsure whether to feel relieved or disappointed.