Kate snatched the paper from my hand, glanced at it casually, then tossed it on the ground.
"Natalie, this paper is obviously fake. I have a doctor friend, and I know what an actual critical condition notice looks like. You're trying to deceive Nick without even a stamp.
"I feel sorry for Meryl. With a mother like you, using her as a pawn for attention every day. Nick and I are just friends; why can't you believe that?
"Could it be that the previous fevers Meryl had were deliberately orchestrated by you to make her catch a cold and force Nick home?"
Her disdainful gaze made it seem like every word she spoke was the absolute truth.
"Nick, let's go now. We can explain later to Natalie. My foot really hurts."
Kate's urgency prompted Nick to push me aside once more, ready to leave.
The anger within me erupted.
"Kate, who do you think you are? How dare you say such things!"
Ignoring Nick's impatient look, I moved forward, intending to push Kate away.
But she clung tightly to Nick, crying out in pain.
"Nick, Natalie bumped into my foot..."
Nick's expression grew gloomier as he raised his foot and shoved me aside.
"Enough, Natalie! Stop embarrassing yourself here. Kate's foot injury could worsen if we delay any longer."
"I've told you countless times, we're just friends. She got hurt, so I took her to the hospital. Why do you always have to make a scene?
"Can you try a different lie? Meryl is fine. How could she be sick? You even brought a fake notice to deceive me. I don't have time to argue with you here. Move aside! Kate's in pain!"
As I clutched my stomach, the area where he kicked me throbbed painfully. I struggled to stand, realizing the extent of force he had used.
He was truly capable of anything for Kate.
Seeing Meryl upstairs waiting for a blood transfusion and then looking at Kate, who Nick was protecting in his arms, infuriated me.
I rushed over and grabbed onto his leg with all my might.
I pleaded desperately, "Nick! Meryl is our daughter. No matter how much we argue, I would never joke about her life. She's really in grave danger now. You used to cherish her the most; are you really going to ignore her now?
"I can take Kate to the doctor, and you can go to the fourth floor for the blood transfusion."
Nick was moved by my words but hesitated. He turned to Kate and said, "Kate, I'll go to the fourth floor to check on Meryl. Natalie can take you, okay?"