Alexis pushed open the door to the adjacent VIP room.
Alexis observed Evelyn sitting on the bed, her expression vacant.
Evelyn wore a hospital gown adorned with blue stripes against a white backdrop, with traces of fire ashes still on her face.
Despite the blankness, fear still lingered in her wide eyes.
Alexis overheard Evelynâs trembling voice as she asked Leonel, who stood beside her, âDad, will I never regain hearing in this ear?â
Alexis saw Leonel holding Evelyn, her small frame trembling in his arms.
Why? Why was it that, despite Leonelâs culpability, Evelyn bore the brunt of the consequences? She was only ten years old and had exceptional talent for playing the piano.
She dreamed of becoming the worldâs foremost pianist.
And now Evelyn was left with impaired hearing in one ear.
She released her grip on the doorknob, causing the door to sway gently.
Leonel glanced up at Alexis, but she averted her gaze, focusing solely on Evelyn.
Evelyn met her motherâs gaze, tears streaming down her cheeks as she whimpered, âMommy.
â
Alexis approached slowly, her lips quivering.
Evelyn threw herself into Alexisâ arms, trembling uncontrollably.
She was consumed by fear, both of death and of losing her hearing.
Alexis held her close, her voice low and laden w
Evelyn burst into tears, her pain overwhelming her.
Only they understood the perilous situation they had faced.
Had it not been for Alexisâ quick thinking in seeking refuge in the shaft, they might not have survived.
Leonel came over and wanted to hug Alexis, but she spoke softly.
âDonât.
Stay back, Leonel.
â
Leonelâs Adamâs apple bobbed as he spoke.
âAlexis, at least let me take care of you and Evelyn.
â
In the past, Alexis had always maintained a respectful demeanor towards him, especially in front of the children, upholding his fatherly image with great reverence.
However, at this moment, Alexis harbored an intense loathing for Leonel.
Through gritted teeth, she questioned him coldly, âLeonel, do you even deserve to be called a father? I warned you about Anikaâs danger and urged you to handle her properly.
Yet, what happened? Your reckless affair nearly cost Evelyn her life.
Do you truly deserve to be called her father? When you were indulging with Anika in that apartment, did the thought of being a father ever cross your mind? Leonel, youâre the real monster under her bed.
â
Leonelâs face paled, rendered speechless by Alexisâ accusations.
Alexis clung tightly to Evelyn, yearning to whisk her away, but her own weakness caused her to collapse suddenly.
âAlexis! Alexis!â
âMom! Mommy!â
In the ward, Alexis fell back into a coma, and the doctor said that she was exhausted.