Chapter 309
Anastasia had no clue that Sean hadnât been informed about the successful matching for the transplant. Looking at the four different faces in the room, Anastasia lost interest in sticking around. She thought, let them deal with this mess on their own. âI donât think I need to stay for dinner considering the circumstances.â Anastasia said, âIâll get going.â
With that, she left.
When she reached the door, she saw Salma who had returned earlier. In reality, Salma had never left. She was lingering at the door, keeping an eye on Anastasia and listening to the sounds inside the room.
Salmaâs eyes were red-rimmed. She had finally seen Tavon for who he really was and it was too much for her to bear. Tavonâs real reason for inviting Anastasia to Willowbrook was to get her to donate bone marrow.
Anastasia didnât say anything; she just silently took her motherâs hand and left.
Back in the private room.
Anastasiaâs words had thrown the family into turmoil.
Ashley quickly tried to explain, âSean, Anastasia is trying to pit us against each other. Sheâs lying to you. Sandy, donât believe what Anastasia said. We love you so much, and we would never not try to save you.â Ashley was scared that Sandy would blame her for standing by and doing nothing. She could be selfish, but she couldnât let her daughter know that.
Tavon added, âSandy, donât worry. Daddy will find a suitable bone marrow donor for your surgery.â
Sandy didnât say anything, she just quietly nodded. Sean didnât believe their words. âLet me and my sister get tested again.â He said.
âThereâs no need for you two to get tested again.â Ashley replied anxiously. She was worried her son would impulsively try to save his sister. She signaled to Tavon, âTake Sandy back to the car. Iâll settle the bill with Sean.â
âAlright.â Tavon helped Sandy up and said, âDaddy will take you back to the car. Once youâre recovered, Daddy will take you anywhere you want to go and get you anything you want to eat.â
And with that, Tavon took Sandy away, leaving Ashley and Sean alone in the private room.
Sean wasnât a fool. He knew his parents hadnât been truthful. âMom, can I save Sandy?â He asked, âIf you wonât tell me the truth, Iâll get tested with her again.â
âSean, you stubborn kid.â Ashley said angrily, giving Sean a light smack, âI wonât let you donate bone marrow. It can harm your health. Youâre still so young. What if -something happens to you? Drop it. Iâll find a way to get Anastasia to donate her bone marrow. You donât need to save Sandy.â
It became clear to Sean what his motherâs real intentions were. He was in disbelief, Mom, Sandy is my own sister. She could die any minute. I can save her and youâre telling me to do nothing? Donât you think this is unfair to Sandy?â
âI only have one son.â Ashley responded sternly, âI said no, so donât bring this up again. Youâre my son and your health is the most important thing. Donating bone marrow can have serious side effects. It could affect your future and even shorten your life. I canât let you sacrifice yourself for your sister!â
âDonating bone marrow wonât kill me. Iâm young and healthy. It wouldnât be a big deal to donate some marrow. Even if it shortens my life a few years, itâs worth it. Sandyâs life is hanging by a thread.â Sean retorted. He didnât particularly like Anastasia, but he was very close to Sandy. He couldnât bear to see his sister in danger. That was why Tavon and Ashley had been hiding the matching results from Sean.
âEnough, this discussion is over.â Ashley said firmly, âYour sister doesnât need your help. If you bring this up again, youâre just troubling your father and me.â
âMom.â Sean sighed helplessly and stormed out.
On the way back to the hospital, Sandy acted like nothing had happened. As long as she had the energy, she would endure the pain and chat happily with her family. This made Sean even more upset. He couldnât bear to look at Sandy. He felt guilty and sad.
When they arrived at the hospital, Sandy took her medication obediently and went to bed. She spent more time in the hospital than at home, all year round.
Several times, Sean wanted to say something, but Ashley kept him silent. Ashley smiled at Sandy, âRest well, Sandy. Weâll come and see you again tomorrow.â Ashley hired a caregiver for Sandy. Since Tavon had his own business to take care of and she couldnât stay at the hospital all day, Sandy spent most of her time with the caregiver. Ashley could only visit during the day.
Sandy nodded and smiled, âOkay, you guys should go home.â
Sean looked at Sandy and said with difficulty, âSandy, you will get better.â
Sandy smiled, âBrother, I want to get better soon too. I want to go with you to see fashion shows like you promised. I also want to see the snow and the sea of clouds. We have so many things to do.â
âAlright, I promise. Once youâre better, Iâll take you there.â Sean said, his heart aching. Seeing Sandyâs determination to live and her hopes for the future, he was even more determined to save her.
âOkay.â Sandy was as obedient as ever, and appeared very sensible.
Sean gently touched Sandyâs head, âRest well. Iâm going home.â
âOkay.â Sandy still smiled, not mentioning the bone marrow donation at all.
The three of them all left. The caregiver brought Sandy some water, âSandy, hereâs your water.â
âGet outâ Sandyâs face darkened in an instant, a stark contrast to the bright smile and obedient demeanor she exhibited just moments ago. The caregiver, frightened by Sandyâs look, quickly exited the room.
Sandy sat alone on the hospital bed. Her hands were gripping the sheets tightly, while her eyes were filled with defiance and hatred. Her parents refused to save her, and now her brother was her only hope. She had to grasp it.
Sandy knew how kind-hearted Sean was, and she knew her parents disapproved of Sean donating his bone marrow. She had no choice but to feign weakness to win her brotherâs sympathy.
She wanted to live. Even if it meant sacrificing her brotherâs health, she needed to survive. Her brother would only be sacrificing his health, but if she didnât seize this opportunity, sheâd lose her life.
Chapter 3uy
After leaving the hospital, Ashley and Tavon felt uneasy. Ashley then spoke to Tavon in a menacing tone, âIf Anastasia doesnât agree, weâll just have to force her. I need her bone marrow. Letâs see how she fights back.â
Ashleyâs words were filled with resentment towards Anastasia. If it wasnât for what Anastasia said, how would Sean know about the match? Neither would Sandy, and she wouldnât have been so embarrassed in front of the kids.
Tavon thought about the three conditions Anastasia proposed and felt that it would be difficult to handle, so they had to resort to other measures. âDo whatever you think is best. Just donât make a huge mess.â Tavon reluctantly agreed. He had a certain status and influence in society, and he couldnât be the one to scheme against his own daughter. If word got out, his reputation would be damaged.
Ashley sneered, âGot it. Iâve got a friend who runs a clinic. We can just take Anastasia there to extract her bone marrow. Weâll give her some drugs and see what kind of fuss she can kick up.â
Ashley already had a plan in mind. Once Anastasia arrived in Willowbrook, she wouldnât be able to leave so easily.
Willowbrook was her territory. Whatever she wanted to do to Anastasia, it was as easy as pie.