Chapter 3 A Harsh Choice

CHARLOTTE

My throat bobbed as I sat before the doctor who examined me.

I clenched my fist tight, my chest heaving with deep breaths as anxiety rolled through my veins in waves.

After a few minutes, the doctor sighed and turned to us, extending the result.

“From what I see, I advise against her donating the bone marrow. Her recent health condition does not allow it. I think you should find another donor.” He told us, dropping his glasses gently on the desk.

Relief washed through me at his words, but it was short-lived when Liam’s voice came through.

“No!” He exclaimed adamantly, and I flinched.

His eyes turned dark as he picked up the file, skimming through the pages. “She is strong enough.“

He held my hand up in the air.

The doctor shook his head, “Mr. Liam, I understand your pressing need for a donor, but Mrs. Charlotte is not the right person. The surgery could harm her in different ways and even lead to her death. I would say you should find a healthy donor to speed up time and—”

“Doctor, I said she will do it.” Liam gritted out, shooting the man a glare.

“Liam, he—” His hardened gaze cut to me, and I closed my mouth.

“Okay, if you say so. I will suggest that she maintain a healthy diet to survive the surgery and recover well.” He advised.

Spit dried off my tongue at what he said. How could he!?

As we stepped out of the doctor’s office, Liam fumed about what happened under his breath.

He paused and turned to me. “Don’t celebrate too soon, okay? You will eventually donate the bone marrow to her. You will pay for all your sins.” He insisted through gritted teeth.

My heart shattered.

Why did he still think like this? Even after the doctor had tried to convince him?

Our ten-year relationship didn't mean anything to him, and the fact that he could throw it all in the wind baffled me.

Did he hate me so much that he would want to hurt me this way? Why wasn’t he even thinking right?

“Did you hear what I just said?” He asked again, interrupting my thoughts, and I just bobbed my head sadly.

“I did,” I mumbled. “I’m here.”

“Good.” He scoffed.

“I…” I hesitated. “Where is Charles? I want to see my son?”

“You want to see your son?” The look he gave me sent shivers down my spine. “Do you think you deserve to?” He scoffed again, a ridiculous smirk curling at the end of his lips.

His nose flared angrily as he stepped forward, bringing his face closer to mine. “You don't at all. And again… How dare you demand that of me? I will decide when or how you meet him.”

“Please… Liam.” I begged again.

“You can beg from now till tomorrow; it won’t do a thing. Originally, I wanted to go easy on you because of him, but I don’t think I would. After all, he’s a bastard.”

The color drained from my face.

“W-What?”

“Oh… you think I don’t know.” Liam snorted, eyes narrowing in fury. “You think I have no idea that you cheated on me. Thank goodness for Sophia, who told me just how despicable and infidelous you were. Who knows how long you would have managed to deceive me?”

“Liam, what… what are you saying?” I asked again.

What did Sophia tell him again? That I cheated on him? What the hell was that? And how could she—

I didn't think she would go that far. Gosh, I let a lot slide.

“I have my proof. Sophia did the paternity test and showed it to me. You had the guts to have a child out of wedlock and bring him into my home! You brought your shame into the Hamilton’s home! But no more… no more…”

“N…no!” I couldn’t even hold my words, but I kept on talking. I could see nurses passing by and throwing glances our way, but that didn’t stop me from continuing. “I have done nothing of such, Liam. I would never cheat on you! I did not cheat on you. Why would I even try to—”

“Try to do what? Huh? Charlotte, you’ve always wanted things that didn't belong to you, miss. I'm not surprised.”

“No, Liam. These things you’re saying… It's a lie. Please believe me. Just this once. Charles is your son.”

“One mention of that bastard being my son again, and I’ll make sure he sees more hell than what he’s getting now.”

“What?” I blanched.

“Yes. Your son is being treated like the bastard that he is. And you did that to him. You caused it!”

“No… no…” Liam’s words pierced my heart.

“What you all must have heard is not true. Charles belongs to you. There is no way I will let another man touch me when I was married to you.” I tried to convince him, but he was not having it.

“Enough! I've heard enough.” He shunned me with a raise of his hand. “My goodness, you disgust me.”

I opened my mouth to speak again, but his phone vibrated, interrupting me. He pulled it out, and his brows creased together as he clicked the answer button.

“Yes?” He answered. “Sophia?”

I took a step backward on hearing that name.

She must have told him something very important because the way he replied hurriedly had me curious.

“We have to leave.” He growled, rushing out of the hospital, and I trailed behind him.

He paused at his car and stared at me like he was trying to think about something. Then he turned to the road and hailed a cab.

He told the driver his address and then faced me, his glare still his place.

“The driver will take you to my home. Don’t think of doing anything funny like leaving or running away. Because if you do, I’ll cause untold harm to your child.”

I winced at his words.

He harshly continued. “Now, get in.”

“But—” I protested.

He glared at me. “Get the fuck in!”

Tears stung at the corners of my eyes, and I sighed before entering the vehicle. He slammed the door shut, and I let out a shaky breath.

Leaning back in the seat, I closed my eyes tightly and tried to push aside the emotions that swirled inside me, but I couldn’t.

What did I do to deserve all this? Why me?