I hit the floor hard, pain tearing through my wounds, making it difficult to breathe. Just then, a figure passed by and the bodyguards immediately stepped aside to make way. I quickly grabbed the hem of her coat. "Doctor, please, let me see Jace."
She looked down at me with an air of indifference. "I'm sorry, but the patient's family has requested that no one disturb him."
"I am his family. I'm his wife. Please, I beg you." I had never humbled myself like this before. Never.
She simply gave a cold laugh. "Ms. Lennox, please leave." I saw her name tag, Mila Sage. She was the doctor who had performed my surgery. In that moment, everything clicked. She was the doctor Cecilia had bribed.
I struggled to my feet and returned to my room, only to be told that I hadn't paid my hospital bills and had to leave immediately. Cecilia hadn't given me any time to think. Almost simultaneously, my father's creditors called. They threatened to throw him off a thirty-story building if I didn't pay them.
I felt all the strength leave my body. I sat on the edge of the bed, found a sticky note in my bag and wrote a message for Jace. Then I took the check Cecilia had left and left the hospital. By the time I managed to get my father back from the debt collectors, my wounds had bled through the bandages.
"I'm sorry," he sobbed. "I failed you. Cut ties with me, go back to your husband."
I closed my eyes in despair, tears slipping down my cheeks. "I can't go back." I had taken the money. So, I had no right to return.
A year later, the only five-star hotel in Kevern was hosting a prestigious event. After setting up the water and stationery for the meeting, I leaned against the wall, taking shallow breaths. I had never fully recovered from the surgery. After escaping to Kevern with my father, I had spent the year on the run, settling in this small town far from the bustling cities. The salary wasn't excellent, but it was just enough to get by.
Cecilia had only given me $70000, which wasn't nearly enough to cover his debts. Plus, she had blacklisted me, so no company in Hensford would hire me.
"Sharon, there's a signing ceremony later. You'll be in charge of serving coffee to the guests."
"Okay." I had just finished preparing the coffee when I saw Jace walk into the hall, surrounded by an entourage."