Just as Emma was about to leave with me, she sat back down and coldly told me, "James, you should know I hate threats the most. Get out!"

"Why don't you just call the hospital? Then everything would be clear." I was nearly out of patience with their absurdity.

"Everyone knows you're the darling of your hospital, even the director asks his daughter to apprentice under you, probably wanting to marry her to you."

"I bet you've already arranged everything with the hospital. If you call, they'll definitely back you up," Dave sneered.

Hearing this, Emma became even more furious, pointing at me, "No wonder you mentioned divorce. So you want to become the director's son-in-law? Wow, James, you're really something. I've totally seen through you now!"

Crazy?

I didn't know what to say anymore. I could only stand up and say, "Emma, I won't say much more. If you don't want to regret it, just come with me."

With that, I turned to a friend at the door, "From now on, these two are not allowed in this store. Kick them out."

Then I went downstairs.

What followed was chaos, but my friend supported me, calling security to escort them out.

I waited downstairs for the disheveled Emma, coldly saying, "Get in the car. We're going to the hospital!"

Emma approached me in two steps and slapped my face, "James, you're really something, kicking me out?"

"Your dad is dying. Can't you think straight?" I shouted.

At that moment, Dave suddenly cried out behind me and collapsed.

He then screamed loudly, clutching his chest, claiming his heart was acting up.

Seeing this, Emma quickly went to help him, "Are you alright, Dave? Let's go to the hospital."

"We can't go to James's hospital. I'm afraid he'll kill me."

The grown man was pitifully wiping tears.

"Alright, alright, we'll do as you say."

Emma glared at me, then helped Dave into the car.

I didn't bother with them anymore and returned to the hospital. In the ward, my father-in-law's complexion looked very good, especially after seeing me. He even laughed out loud. But I knew this was just a moment of lucidity before the end.

"James, give me a cigarette," he said with a smile, reaching out his hand.

I nodded, took out one of my specially blended cigarettes, lit it, and placed it between his fingers. "Dad, I couldn't bring Emma back."

"I know, you've done your best."