Heavy Burden

Joanne walked through the hospital corridors, her heart heavy with anxiety.

Her mother's hospital room was at the end of the hall, and with every step she took, the weight of her secret pressed down on her.

She had told Diana the truth about her marriage, but how could she tell her mother?

Her mother, who had sacrificed so much for her. Who had always wanted her to have a happy marriage filled with love.

But this marriage… was nothing like that.

Taking a deep breath, Joanne finally reached the door. She plastered a small smile on her face before stepping inside.

—

Inside the Hospital Room

"Mom."

A weak but warm smile spread across her mother's face as she turned her head toward Joanne.

"Joanne, sweetheart," she said softly. "You look beautiful today."

Joanne forced a chuckle. "Mom, I always look beautiful."

Her mother let out a small laugh, but Joanne could see the exhaustion in her eyes. The illness was taking its toll.

She reached for her mother's hand, squeezing it gently. "How are you feeling?"

Her mother sighed. "The same as always. But don't worry about me, sweetheart. Just knowing you're doing well is enough."

Joanne's heart ached.

How could she tell her mother the truth? That she had been abandoned at the altar? That she had married a stranger out of desperation?

She couldn't.

Not when her mother's health was already so fragile.

So instead, she smiled. "I'm doing great, Mom. Everything is… working out."

Her mother sighed, "Sophia was here...and she told me everything."

Joanne's heart skipped, "Mom are you OK...did she do anything to you."

"No Joanne and fine...just her usual arrogance and tantrum."

Her mother studied her face. "Are you sure your fine Joanne? You seem… different."

Joanne quickly nodded. "I promise, I'm fine."

Before her mother could ask more, a knock on the door interrupted them.

The Doctor's Bad News

The doctor stepped inside, his expression neutral but professional.

"Miss Baker, may I speak with you outside?"

Joanne's stomach tightened, but she nodded, giving her mother's hand one last squeeze before following him into the hallway.

The doctor sighed, glancing at his clipboard. "Miss Baker, I'll be straightforward. Your mother's treatment is progressing, but the hospital bills…" He looked up, his expression apologetic. "They need to be settled soon."

Joanne's heart ached, her father never made any payments

Joanne swallowed hard. "How much?"

The doctor hesitated before telling her the amount.

Her blood ran cold.

It was a staggering sum—far more than she could afford on her own.

She had been relying on the Baker family's financial support, but now… her father had cut her off.

She clenched her fists. "I… I just need more time."

The doctor nodded. "I understand. But please, try to make the payment as soon as possible."

Joanne barely registered his words as he walked away.

She stood frozen in the hallway, her mind racing.

She had married Alexander King thinking she could handle the consequences…

But now, reality was crashing down on her.

And she had no idea how to fix it.