"Don’t act like you’re the victim. If you hadn’t run into the street and scared Regina, she wouldn’t have gotten hurt! This is all your fault. You need to take responsibility!"
His voice was loud and sharp. He hit the table by accident and knocked over the chicken soup. The hot liquid spilled all over my thigh, burning it badly.
I gasped in pain, trying hard not to cry. My hand reached for the emergency bell, but Michael grabbed my wrist again.
"Regina doesn’t feel well after the surgery. She needs the doctor to stay with her. You’re used to pain, right? Just deal with it. Stop acting weak."
My arm started bleeding again. Before I could say anything, a doctor rushed in.
"Miss White is showing signs of a strong rejection. She needs another operation immediately."
Michael turned to me and grabbed my arm tightly.
"Come with me," he said, dragging me into the hallway.
When we entered the room, I saw Regina lying on the hospital bed. Her eyes were full of tears and her lips trembled slightly. Michael’s heart softened at the sight. I could see the pain in his eyes, but none of it was for me.
"Regina, don’t worry. Evelyn still has plenty of skin. If one surgery isn't enough, we’ll try again."
The doctor quickly stopped him and said grimly, "Mr. Purnell, that’s not possible. Doing another transplant could damage your wife’s arm permanently. She might never be able to use it normally again, let alone play the piano."
But Michael didn’t even hesitate. He pushed me forward.
"It’s fine if she can’t play anymore. Regina can take her place as the lead musician in the orchestra. Evelyn can just stay at home to wash clothes, cook and live comfortably. I’ll take care of her for the rest of her life."
I couldn’t speak. My whole body was shaking.
To make sure the surgery would be successful, Michael told the doctors not to use anesthesia on me. I felt every slice of the scalpel, every pull of the skin. The pain was so intense I nearly passed out.
As I was lying there sweating and in agony, Michael patted my shoulder like he was doing me a favor.
"I owe you for this. When everything calms down, I’ll come home more often to keep you company."
From behind him, Regina snorted unhappily.