Chapter 13

Outside the operating room, the man stared hard at the tightly shut doors. His hands were clenched together, knuckles pale, and he bit down on them to stop the trembling. His bloodshot eyes didn't blink. "Hang in there, Emily... just hang in there..." "It's okay, we'll have another baby... please, just stay with me." Suddenly, the door flew open and the surgeon stepped out. James jumped to his feet. “Severe hemorrhage. The patient's critical—get more blood, fast!” The word "critical" had just left the doctor's mouth when the man dashed off, disappearing in an instant. James kicked the OR doors open, rushed in—then froze. Lying on the bed, Emily was covered in blood, eyes gently shut, face terrifyingly quiet. He dropped to his knees right there, legs giving out, unable to move any closer. “Family members can't be in the room right now!” Someone grabbed his arm, trying to pull him away, but he didn't react—just stared silently at the woman on the bed. “Get blood in her, right now!” James turned toward the doctor, a slight glimmer flickering in his lifeless gaze. “She's... still alive?” “Yes, but she's in serious condition. Sir, please leave immediately.” Out in the hallway, the man leaned against the wall, barely able to stay upright. Four hours passed before Emily was finally wheeled out. The doctor removed his mask and spoke quickly, “The transplant was a success. The donor is stable. But... the baby didn't make it.” Something punched the air out of James's chest. His lips pressed tight, breath ragged, the pain nearly unbearable. As long as she's okay… we can try again. We still have time for a baby... Outside, the night sky had turned pitch-black, not a single star in sight—like ink spilled over the heavens. Emily slowly opened her eyes. The dim yellow light at the bedside illuminated the familiar contours of the room. Wait... this was their bedroom... She made it. The surgery was over? Her hand moved to her belly, shaking uncontrollably. Then... what about their baby? The door opened softly. A man stepped in, his movements extra careful. “You're awake?” he said, holding up a food container. “Eat something. You're really weak.” “Where's my baby?” Her voice was hoarse, unfocused eyes locked onto James. His throat tightened as he forced out, “We'll try again... we'll have another one.”“Heh...” she whispered, “The baby... is gone...” Any trace of hope in her eyes shattered, leaving behind nothing but emptiness. James could feel something slipping away—something he could never get back. He set the food container aside, sat on the edge of the bed, and tucked her messy hair behind her ear. “Emily, just focus on getting better. Everything will be okay.” “James,” Emily closed her eyes, “I want a divorce.” She never imagined the words could come out so calmly. The hatred buried deep inside had taken root—it no longer needed to scream. His hand froze mid-motion. His face didn't change, but his voice got a lot lower. “You always said you wanted a honeymoon after the wedding. Pick a place...” “I said, I want a divorce.” She cut him off, her voice steady and firm. James suddenly grabbed her chin, his fingers trembling, the color drained from his knuckles. With veins bulging on the back of his hand, he looked terrifying. “You want to leave me?” “Yes.” Emily's answer was quiet and unbearably painful. All she wanted now was to hide and heal alone. James let go and stood up, clearly using every ounce of strength to stay calm. “This your way of getting back at me? You think I'll cave to that?” Emily didn't say a word, just stared at him—cold, emotionless, empty. The warmth that used to fill her eyes, all because of him, was gone—what replaced it was a chilling sense of finality. And James panicked. She was leaving. She didn't love him anymore. That thought nearly broke him. “Say that one more damn time!” He snapped, flipping the food box onto the floor. It crashed loudly, but the anger in him didn't fade. He kicked over the bedside drawer next. The loud bang hit harder than any slap. “What right do you have to leave me?! Who the hell do you think you are?!” “Even if I die, you're not walking away!” He was roaring, completely unhinged, like a wild animal abandoned in the dark. Emily stared blankly at the ceiling, eyes unfocused, floating. It used to be her throwing tantrums, and him smiling softly. But now... How did they end up like this...? Outside the door, a pair of eyes fixated on them through the crack, poison in their gaze. Soon, that figure slowly raised their phone, lips curling into a cruel smile.