A flicker of regret crossed Mandyâs face as Bradleyâs cold gaze met Estherâs concerned look. He calmly said, âYou saved me. Thereâs no need to apologize.â
Mandy and Bradley went to her hospital bed.
Esther desperately wanted to know how hurt Bradley was. Unfortunately, her legs felt heavy, as if made of lead, making it nearly impossible to move.
The doctor and nurse changed Bradleyâs bandages while Mandy watched, her eyes filled with worry.
She thought, âI shouldâve tried harder. Why didnât I make his wound worse? He deserves to feel the pain I felt when he left me at âDoctor, his woundâ¦â
r weddings T âMr. Warner needs rest and should stay in bed,â the doctor advised.
âCan I move to this hospital?â Bradley looked at Mandy and added softly, âThereâs something important I need to take care of here.â
The doctor checked the bed records before reluctantly saying, âIâm sorry, Mr. Warner, but we donât have any available beds.â
Mandy quickly suggested, âCould Mr. Warner stay in this room? We can arrange for another bed next door.â
Upon hearing Mandyâs proposal, Bradleyâs eyes brightened. The doctor was aware of Mandyâs true identity, so he agreed without hesitation. âAlright, we can do that for now.â
The hospital was a private facility known for its top-notch service.
Mandyâs belongings were moved to Estherâs room, and Bradley settled into what was originally Mandyâs bed.
Mandy entered Estherâs room with excitement. Pretending to be concerned, she asked, âMr. Warnerâs condition has worsened. The doctor said he needs more rest. Would you mind sharing a room with me for a while, Mrs. Warner?â
Estherâs eyes were red from recent tears, which brought a sense of satisfaction to Mandy. She took pleasure in Estherâs suffering and anticipated more moments of joy.
âI donât mind,â Esther replied, her voice husky. âBut please, stop calling me Mrs. Warner.â
Mandy pretended to be confused and continued. âYouâre not officially Mr. Warnerâs ex-wife yet, so technically, you are Mrs. Warner.â
âI am not and never have been Mrs. Warner,â Esther declared, her heart filled with sorrow.
And I never will be.â
She was legally bound to Bradley but had never felt like his wife. So, she couldnât rightfully consider herself Mrs. Warner.
âSo, what should I call you?â Mandy maintained her facade of sweetness. Internally, she relished seeing Esther and Bradley in such a state. It made her eager to celebrate.
Mandy had always blamed her past failures on her naivety, but now she was sharper and Î determined to exact revenge on Esther and Bradley.
âWhat should you call her?â Chadwickâs frosty voice interrupted. âMandy, the term youâre looking for is âsister-in-lawâ!â