3|Beloved Ones

Arriving at the hospital, I headed for the emergency room. Seeing that Mom wasn't there, I looked at my phone and found a new message from her. Dad was taken to the ICU. I rushed to meet her there. I was worried for my dad, causing my heart to beat rapidly.

"Camari!" called Mom frantically.

I approached her and let her hug me tightly. "What happened, Mom?"

"The doctor said your dad had a heart attack. They've managed to help, but the critical period hasn't passed. He needs surgery immediately." She released her embrace and then looked at me with wet eyes. "Camari, the cost is huge."

"What about insurance? Don't you have one?" I asked.

"Not with this type of surgery. I called the agent. He said they don't cover this surgery. You'd better call Farrell so he can help us," Mom urged.

What surgery did Dad need that wasn't covered by health insurance? I was so angry. That insurance agent I knew well. He was so persistent in offering his product. Why would he throw up his hands when my parents needed him?

"What about the jewelry? We can sell it quickly." I glanced at my watch. "Damn. The store is closed. Um. Did the doctor mention when the surgery needs to be scheduled at the earliest?"

"As soon as possible. His condition is declining if not treated immediately," she sobbed.

"Wait here. I'll talk to the nurse."

I went to the administration and talked about the cost of Dad's surgery. I swallowed hard at the amount needed for it. I gave her my credit card. Fortunately, I carried it with me.

"Sorry, ma'am. Is there another card? This one is blocked by the bank." The woman handed back the black card I'd given her earlier.

"That's impossible." I frowned. "My husband is—"

What a jerk! Did Farrell order the bank to block this card? I presented another card, but the result was the same. My whole body was shaking with rage. That money wasn’t only his but also mine as his legal wife.

My savings were sufficient, but he blocked my debit card, too. Mine, not his. I had jewelry, but it was all useless. I couldn't ask the servants to sell them. Borrowing money from friends was the last resort. However, how did I convince them? Would they believe Farrell Haworth's wife needed money?

Gosh. I was an only child. I had no siblings to turn to for help. Dad was also an only child, while Mom had long since parted ways with her gambling and drunken younger brother. Who would I call in an emergency?

My cell phone vibrated, and I took a deep breath. I knew who was calling. After I calmed down, I pulled out my phone and saw Farrell's name on the screen.

"I know your family is your weakness," he said arrogantly. "You don't have any advantages against me, Camari. What happened to your father is just a small example."

I bit my trembling lip. It was so easy for him to play with other people's lives. Not a stranger he met on the street but his father-in-law.

"It's so low, Farrell, even for you. I thought too highly of you all this time. It turns out you're not an honorable person as the name you bear,” I snapped.

"Watch your mouth! I won't stand still when anyone insults me, and you're no exception," he growled. "My patience is running out. You want your father to be safe? Sign the divorce papers, and I'll pay for his surgery and write off his debts."

Someone approached on my left. I turned and saw a man standing, holding an open folder. I read the letterhead on the paper. Divorce agreement. I snorted. So, he sent people to follow me while carrying this document. Crazy.

Alright. I didn't need a cold-hearted husband like him. He wanted to marry his first love. Fine. I didn't want to suffer any longer, either. Why would I keep a husband who hates me in this marriage? I'd heard enough of his insults.

"I've sent the surgery payment. I'll settle your father's debt if you come to the courthouse on Monday. Don't let me down again." He ended the call without waiting for my response.

I had more important things to do, so I hurried to accompany Mom to the waiting room. The medics were taking my father to the operating room, and we could only walk him to the door. Mom and I waited not far from the room.

A few hours later, I felt hungry. Realizing I hadn't eaten dinner, I went to the hospital cafeteria and brought two portions of food to the waiting room. I forced Mom to eat even though we both had no appetite.

I sat beside Mom after throwing away our food boxes. "Dad is very healthy. Is there a problem that made him have a sudden heart attack?" I asked carefully, not wanting to add to her sadness.

"It was ...." Mom squeezed her hand.

I held her hand. "Did you borrow money from Haworth Finance?" Seeing her silence, I smiled. "Mom, I won't be mad."

She nodded slowly. "Your father borrowed money from Farrell. The company had problems. So, he couldn't pay the installments for the past few months."

Why did Farrell do that? He could give a few million to help Dad's company's financial condition. It was a small amount for him. Dad's company was small, not as grand as Haworth Incorporation.

"When you talk about jewelry, I've got nothing but this wedding ring." Mom looked at her hands.

"Why didn't you tell me?" I asked sadly. "I could have helped look at the financial statements to resolve the difficulty."

"I told your father that, but he didn't want to trouble you." Mom smiled faintly. "I'm at ease now that you know."

"Can I see the company's financial statements for the past few months? I'll help you cut down on unnecessary expenses." I offered to help.

"Of course!" Mom looked at me expectantly.

The doctor exited the operating room and told us the surgery went well. They succeeded in solving the problem in Dad's heart. Mom and I both breathed a sigh of relief. Fortunately, the critical period was over.

Since things had calmed down, I went home. I was exhausted. I hadn't had a chance to rest since driving without stopping for more than five hours. Looking at the bed, I wanted to lie down. But I couldn't leave Mom alone.

After putting down my bag, I cleaned up and changed my clothes. I tidied up the kitchen and put away the cake lying on the counter; packed clothes for Dad and Mom; and returned to the hospital.

I found Mom asleep on the couch in Dad's hospital room. I tiptoed out and closed the door as quietly as possible. The hospital had been familiar to me since childhood. So, I could sleep comfortably on the waiting room couch.

My phone vibrated, and I took it out of my pants pocket. Reading Bella's name, I sighed. What else did she want? Did she think I still wanted to deal with her? I ignored the video call.

Since she kept calling, I answered it. “What else do you want?”

“Hi, Camari!” she greeted cheerfully. “You must be wondering. Where's Farrell whenever he's not home?”

She pointed her camera at Farrell, who was fast asleep on her chest. Bella and the cheater were wearing nothing to cover their upper bodies. The sight made my eyes heat up.

“We have longed for a child for months. Tonight, we celebrate our love by sleeping unprotected. Grandfather Angus will cry tears of joy knowing the successor to his family will be born.”

“You are so shameless.” I gripped the phone tightly.

“Oh. Are you angry?” Bella said as she put her hand on her cheek. “Camari, don't blame me because Farrell and I love each other. Blame yourself for thinking you could separate us forever.” She caressed Farrell's hair.

I disconnected the call and turned off the cell phone. My hands clenched into fists, and my whole body trembled. Tears streamed down my face. My heart was beating so fast, suffocating my chest.

Oh, God. What did I do wrong to make this happen? If loving Farrell was a mistake, I would have forced him out of my heart. I didn't want to feel this pain any longer.

"Camari." I felt a tap on my shoulder. "Wake up, Camari."

Recognizing Mom's voice, I opened my eyes. I looked around and found myself lying on a couch with a blanket covering my body. I rubbed my eyes, then sat up.

"Yes, Mom? What time is it?" I glanced at my watch.

"Your dad is awake." She smiled happily.

I stood and hurried to follow her into the room. Dad was still lying down, but his eyes were open. He smiled weakly at me. My eyes heated up seeing him awake. I rushed over and held his hand. I remembered I couldn’t hug him. Thankfully, he was safe.

"Did your mom report my condition to you, Cupcake?" Dad stroked my hand with his thumb.

"Don't do this again, Dad. You have to love your body so you can take care of us longer," I protested. "I told you, exercise regularly. Don't just sit on your throne."

"I'm fine. My body is just like an old car. Occasional problems are normal." He defended himself.

"Ah, James' favorite daughter is here. He'll be fine soon," said someone entering the room.

"Hi, Doctor Darwin." I smiled at the doctor I had known since childhood.

He stood beside me. "It's good to have you here. Your father needs a rebuke from you." Doctor Darwin glanced at my dad. "He needs to be careful as this is not his first attack. The operation is only an aid. His lifespan will be determined by his lifestyle going forward."

"Not the first attack?" I said in surprise.

"Given his age and poor lifestyle habits, it's unsurprising," he taunted. "He can live a long life if he gets regular rest, eats nutritious food, gets enough exercise, and stays away from stress. I trust him to you."

"What about me?" Mom asked. She looked offended at being ignored. "Don't you want to entrust him to me?"

"Cara, it happened when he's with you." Doctor Darwin raised both eyebrows playfully. "I don't mean to blame you, but James is only afraid of his daughter." We laughed at that.

I kept my promise by checking the financial statements of Dad's company. My hatred for Farrell built up, knowing the terrible things he'd done to the company. However, I waited until Dad was better to discuss the state of it.

On Monday, I arrived at the court a few minutes before ten. Shamelessly, Farrell came with Bella. My heart ached at the sight, but I tried to act nonchalant.

The judge asked for a maximum of two months to examine all the files we submitted until the divorce was deemed legal. I took a deep breath. Unfortunately, I couldn't escape my status as his wife sooner.

"You need to leave my house immediately," Farrell stated. He blocked my path as I exited the courtroom.

"I know. I don’t want to stay there any longer either." I tried to get past him, but it was his woman's turn to block my way.

"Says the one who set up the bedroom to flirt with another woman's lover," Bella taunted.

I clenched my fists. So, Farrell saw the condition of the room I'd prepared for his return that night. What else had he told her about our marriage?

They flaunted their relationship shamelessly, but I couldn't use their affair as a weapon. Farrell and I signed a prenuptial agreement that prevented me from touching his wealth.

"I'm disappointed in you, Farrell." I looked at him with concern.

"I'm more disappointed in you," he retorted.

"Your problem is with me, not my dad. I don't know what crime you're referring to, but I'll never forgive you for involving him in our affairs. I won't take kindly to either of you anymore." I glanced at Bella before staring at Farrell again.

"I gave up many things for you, but this is your response. We'll see. You won't be happy. Keep this in your mind. I won't return to you even if you kneel at my feet," I stated.

Bella's laughter erupted. "What did you say?" she said between laughs. "Farrell will never meet you, let alone kneel at your feet. Stop dreaming. You're nobody. Three years of being his wife doesn't give you any privileges."

"Oh, yeah?" I smirked. "You want to bet? Farrell will come crawling to me before you celebrate your first wedding anniversary, asking me to return to him." I glanced at the man I was referring to. “Don't bother when that day comes. I won't take you back."