"Don't worry. I have the influence to stay in the medical field and protect you for life," Darwin gently said.
"Director Higgins has already abandoned you!" I shouted.
His body stiffened for a moment, then he let out a chuckle. "No. He won't."
A heart-wrenching scream tore through the air. Sweat mixed with tears slid down my forehead.
For the sake of a single promise—‘Save her’—Darwin could go this far...
I couldn’t feel my right hand anymore. I didn’t dare turn my head. I didn’t dare imagine what my hand had become.
“Anna, it’s okay now. It’s fine. Be good…”
A towel wrapped around my mangled hand. Darwin kissed my wrist gently. "Don't worry. I will stay with you for the rest of your life."
My voice trembled. "Get out—"
"Anna—"
"Get away from me!!" I shouted.
Gasping for breath, he finally let go. "Anna, I'm sorry. But until this is settled, you must stay here. Beatrice's reputation cannot be ruined."
I laughed and cried at the same time. "You're just afraid I'll go out and tell the truth."
"Sorry..." His apology was swallowed as the door shut in my face.
Darkness swallowed the room. My consciousness slipped into chaos.
...
I woke up again when Darwin shook my arm.
"Annalise! Annalise, wake up! Why is Carmella bleeding again? Didn't you save her?"
My right hand was numb—gone to cold nothing. I stared at the man who looked like he would burst into pieces. A bitter laugh escaped me.
"Such a severe injury needs follow-up care. How could everything be fine after a single surgery?"
"You..." Darwin tightened his grip, panic sharpening his voice. "Why didn't you say anything sooner?"
Then, as if remembering, he loosened his hold and yanked my left hand, trying to drag me out.
"Hurry up! Stabilize Carmella's condition, or Beatrice will be held responsible!"
"Darwin!" I summoned every ounce of strength I had left. "My right hand is gone!"
He froze mid-step, eyes snapping to my right wrist. His pupils dilated.
"It'll be fine..." He inhaled sharply. "You can do it with one hand."
He looked into my eyes and added, "Anna, you're so skilled—you can manage with one hand, right?"
Slap!
My left hand left a red print across his face. My whole body trembled in rage. "Do you really believe Beatrice—that surgery can be done single-handed?"
He mumbled, as if arguing with himself, "No... Beatrice said a one-handed delivery is possible..."