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Vivian POV

As soon as Mary walked in behind the men, I realized what the situation was all about and got up, blocking their path with my hands.

How did they even get past the security in the hospital? Do they even realize this was in a hospital? Oh I forgot who my father was. One of the most influential businessmen in the city. My father was rich but wouldn't compare to Max who was inextricably ten times wealthier than he was. I guess that was my father's prejudice for his hatred towards me- the fact that I married the son of his enemy which was Max's father.

"Teach the bitch a lesson!" Mary yelled immediately at the men and they rushed further to cease me.

As long as they took me and nothing would happen to my Mom then it's fine. I braced myself, ready to take the roughness of their pull at me.

"Lay a finger on her and each of your fingers would be chopped by the end of today" A feminine familiar voice raced across the room, immediately making the men halt on their tracks and turn to face her.

I knew it was Sofia, my best friend who was also a lawyer. And exactly, she came at the right time!

I could see the slight fear paint the men's faces as she approached, her stern demeanor and brevity was something to never underestimate. The aura of authority she commanded was one that could keep one hanging with curiosity of her identity. Of course, she was the lawyer who never lost a case in the city. Countless times, Sofia had asked me to divorce Max so that she would handle the case herself but I had been too stubborn to do that, my love for Max blinding me against the sheer truth.

She stopped in front of the men as her eyes flashed at them from head to toe in a condescending manner.

"Article 25 of the universal declaration of human rights- protects patient privacy and security and illegal restraints of a patient, unlawful taking or detention of a person and___ "

"What are you still waiting for, get that bitch or I'll call my Dad right this minute!" Mary threatened further, cutting in on Sofia's words and the men instantly grabbed me, pulling at my arms roughly that I winced, struggling to free off their fierce hold.

Sofia's expression deadpanned, her face turned with anger and her gaze shifted to Mary " You wouldn't want to witness what the Norman's can do to you right?" She chipped and the men dropped on their actions immediately and Mary's face turned pale as if suddenly drained off colors.

Oh... I already forgot that I was married into the Max family.

Surprised! I forgot how powerful their name alone influenced the city. Their company was the largest, the richest in the city and Max's father secretly ran a dangerous Mafia group.

"You really wouldn't want to mess with the wife of Max Norman, would you?" She turned, pointing at the men who left me as soon as they heard the word. The shock and surprise on their faces was evident.

Wait. Didn't they know I was married to Max? I mean it was literally advertised on every Media the day we had our wedding.

"Good. Now I would need you all to get out right this moment!" She snapped and as if waiting for the words to roll off her lips, they left, brushing past Mary like she no longer mattered.

Power could be sweet at times? Especially for the look on my stepsister's face.

"You've escaped this time Vivian, but you've not escaped me, watch out" She cursed, turned and walked away fuming.

I sighed, my shoulders slumped in relaxation and Sofia smiled at me.

"Max is an asshole but you really should know when to use his name for defense Vivian," She walked towards me and took my hands. For a moment, I had forgotten that my mother was still awake and had witnessed the whole situation.

"Thank you Sofi." I called her in short, smiling sadly. I was already feeling tired. The day had been so exhaustive for me.

"I'm sorry I left for something Vivian, it was urgent but I had read the report from the doctor earlier, your Mom needs the surgery as soon as possible, I will help you with some money and......" She uttered and immediately, my hands ran across her lips, shutting her up as I realized immediately that my Mom was listening to our conversation and she instantly grabbed the hint, shifting her gaze to my Mom whose eyes were wide open, staring at nothing in particular.

" Vivian" My mother's voice rang out faintly and I turned sharply to face her, feigning a smile on my face. I never want my Mom to worry about me in her sick state, it would only depreciate her health.

"Are you short of money? Your husband doesn't give you money as well?" She asked and I shook my head, smiling even wider than the latter.

"Mom, you don't have to worry about anything, I've got it all covered and you're getting your surgery okay? Now you need to go rest" I patted her brown hair, putting on the cutest expression on my face but knowing the Mom that raised me, she was going to become restless. I pressed my lips on her forehead, pecking her and after a short while, I dragged Sofia by the hands and rushed out of the room .

As soon as we got out of my mom's ward, she spoke out "She's going into shock at time intervals now Vivian, that's one of the signs it's becoming severe, she needs that surgery" Sofia whined with worry. She loved my mother because my Mom had also taken her in and cared for her the day her own Mom died in a ghastly accident.

"Listen Sofia, you don't have to give me such an amount of money, you've already done enough. You've got kids too and trust me, I will get the money" I said with assurance but she shook her head.

"From who? Your father? Or your Husband?" She asked and I gritted my teeth reminiscing as a thought scaled through my mind.