3#03

3

Dr. Huxley scribbled medical directions while instructing the nurse to contact my relatives.

The nurse paused before replying, "Doctor, her spouse just departed."

Those words sent a jolt through my chest. I quickly stood and explained, "That wasn't my husband. He's a compassionate cab driver who assisted me. You've misinterpreted the situation."

Dr. Huxley's brow furrowed, his voice inquisitive yet compassionate. "Then where is your husband? You've just had a termination. Why isn't he by your side?"

An image of Maxton drinking with Priscilla flashed in my mind. My chest constricted and my voice was heavy with grief as I answered, "My husband was taken into custody for an offense."

Dr. Huxley observed the anguish on my face and wisely refrained from further inquiry. Instead, he exhaled softly and said, "Solana, regardless of life's challenges, you must put your well-being first."

Exiting the maternity wing, I retrieved my prescribed medication and made my way to the elevator. But as the doors parted, I gasped. There stood Maxton and Priscilla, locked in an intimate embrace, unaware of their surroundings.

The scene made me nauseous and I instinctively moved to retreat.

However, Maxton spotted me. He swiftly released Priscilla and extended his arm, as if attempting to draw me back.

Without hesitation, I pressed the elevator's close button and clutched my medicine tightly, rushing away before he could reach me.

As I descended the hospital staircase, a wave of relief washed over me, believing I had finally evaded those two deplorable individuals.

But as I pushed open the door to the ground floor stairwell, an unexpectedly powerful force yanked me out.

I looked up and froze. Maxton's eyes met mine, filled with a burning anger that sent shivers down my spine.

"Solana, what are you playing at? Why did you deliberately shut the elevator door, trapping Priscilla inside?"

Before I could react, he forcefully pushed me against the wall, his hands encircling my neck, his grip tightening with each labored breath I took.

"I didn't," I choked out, struggling with all my might to pry his hands away. "I didn't know she was trapped when I left."

"Still deceiving?" His voice was caustic and the rage in his eyes promised severe consequences. "Today, I'll make you learn your lesson."

A resounding slap echoed in the stairwell, the impact sending a shockwave through my head. Blood began to seep from the corner of my mouth, its metallic taste sharp on my tongue.

His face contorted with fury, his anger so intense I feared he might tear me apart.

"Maxton, it's painful..."

Priscilla's voice, strained with discomfort, cut through the air.

Maxton instantly released me, hurrying to her side, his tone gentle as he examined her injuries.

"Maxton, look! I lost so much hair. You must make her pay for this," Priscilla whimpered, her eyes glistening with feigned tears as she sought his support.

He turned back to me, his face twisted in contempt. With deliberate cruelty, he stepped on my hand, grinding it beneath his shoe.

From above, he glowered at me, his words laced with scorn. "See what you've caused, all due to your spite. How much suffering has Priscilla endured? Apologize to her."

I stared at Maxton, my voice sharp and unyielding. "She only lost a few strands of hair. Is this how you're going to treat me?"

Priscilla, her eyes puffy and red, glared at me with intense hostility. "Solana, I know you despise me, but I never imagined you'd be so ruthless. If Maxton hadn't pulled me away, I could have been crushed by the elevator."

Their words attracted a crowd of onlookers and suddenly, the atmosphere was thick with accusations. People began pointing fingers, convinced I had intentionally trapped Priscilla in the elevator.

"This young woman is merciless! The elevator could have killed her!"

"They have no reason to be quarreling, so why would she try to harm anyone?"

"Exactly! The man's doing what's right. If his wife is being mistreated, he needs to teach her a lesson."

An elderly woman took Priscilla aside, her voice soft with reassurance. "Don't fret, dear. With so many witnesses, we'll ensure you receive justice. This wrongdoing won't go unpunished."

Maxton's boot pressed down hard on my palm, his patience wearing thin. "Solana, why are you so obstinate? Everyone here is saying you're at fault and you still refuse to admit it?"