Chapter 46

Chapter 46 One’s Reputation Is Important

“Quick! Step aside. She might have HIV!”

“How shameless! She did it for money and status. How fucking shameless!”

“Get lost! Get the hell out of here!”

Suddenly, desperate screams echoed from the ward. It was Katie’s voice.

Caroline regained her composure and swiftly pushed through the crowd, making her way into the

chaotic ward.

The floor was a mess, and there were shattered glass scattered everywhere

The sight made Caroline struggle to breathe. Even swallowing felt unusually difficult. Her eyes fell upon

Katie, sitting on the hospital bed, looking pale and struggling to catch her breath.

Tears welled up in Caroline’s eyes as she choked out, “Mom…”

“Don’t call me that!” Katie roared fiercely.

Caroline’s entire body trembled, and she sobbed, trying to reason with her mother, “Mom, please don’t

be angry. Let me explain, okay?”

Through tear–filled eyes, Katie pointed an accusing finger at Caroline, her voice filled with hurt and

disbelief, “Why would you do that? Why?”

Caroline broke down in a torrent of tears, her voice choked with emotion. “Mom, it’s not what you. think.

Please calm down. Let’s talk and sort things out, okay?”

“Caroline! You… you!”

But before Katie could finish her sentence, she suddenly blacked out and collapsed to the floor.

“Mom!” Caroline rushed forward, embracing Katie tightly. Then, she screamed from the ward, Nurse!

Nurse! Help! My mother needs help!”

Within moments, a nurse hurriedly entered the room.

In less than two minutes, an anxious doctor arrived.

Caroline was swiftly pushed out of the ward as the medical team urgently attended to Katie.

The commotion outside the ward had dispersed, leaving behind a vacant and silent corridor that

seemed to suffocate those present with its eerie gloom.

Caroline collapsed onto a nearby bench, her gaze vacant as she stared off into the distance.

+15 BONUS

‘If only I had realized something was wrong last night and rushed here, could I have prevented this

from happening today? I should have noticed sooner that the person who wanted to harm me is still out

there, likely with more schemes. But I was careless and allowed myself to be taken

advantage of.

Caroline hugged herself tightly, attempting to calm her racing thoughts, but it proved futile.

Soon, urgent footsteps echoed through the corridor, and a pair of black leather shoes came into

view

“Caroline, I’m sorry I’m late. Scott’s voice carried a deep sense of concern.

Caroline looked up, her gaze distant. Her red and teary eyes caused Scott’s brows to furrow.

“Dr. Wilson…” Her voice quivered, nearly hoarse.

She reached out and tightly grasped Scott’s pants “Please, I’m begging you. Go in and save my

mother, please.”

Don’t worry. I’ll do everything I can to save your mother. Promise me you’ll stop overthinking. okay?”

Scott gently consoled her.

Caroline nodded resolutely. “Okay…”

Scott turned around and entered the ward. When he opened the door, Caroline heard the urgent

sounds of the medical equipment.

Fear washed over her once again. 1

Half an hour later, the door of the ward was swung open.

Several doctors and nurses emerged from the room.

Caroline hurriedly approached them. “Doctor, how is my mother?”

The lead doctor shook his head regretfully. “Go and see her one last time. We did everything we

could.”

Caroline stood frozen, as if her soul had left her body in an instant.

She raised a trembling hand to steady herself against the wall and slowly made her way into the

ward.

At a glance, she saw her mother’s once vibrant face now worn and yellowed. A respirator covered

Katie’s mouth.

Scott sat by the bed, his expression filled with guilt as he watched Caroline enter.

+15 BONUS

He stood up with his head lowered as he whispered, “I’m sorry, Caroline.”

However, Caroline remained silent.

She sat down by the bed and looked at her mother. The sight of Katie’s sunken checks caused her

heart to ache so intensely it felt like it might shatter.

Suppressing the tears welling up in her eyes, Caroline reached out and held Katie’s hand, which. was

gradually losing its warmth. She leaned in close to her mother’s ear and whispered, “Mom, can you

hear me?”

Katie’s brows twitched, and she struggled to open her eyes slightly. When she saw Caroline, tears

streamed down her cheeks. She tried to open her mouth, gesturing for Caroline to remove the

respirator.

Caroline glanced at Scott, who nodded and gave his permission.

With trembling hands, Caroline gently removed the respirator. Katie mustered all her strength to speak

weakly, her voice barely audible, “Carol…”

Caroline nodded firmly.

“Carol, don’t be a mistress. Reputation is very important for women…”

Caroline’s lips quivered “Okay, Mom. I’ll listen to you.”

Katie closed her eyes and weakly pursed her lips. “Having you in my life is my great satisfaction.”

Caroline bit her lips hard, but the tears couldn’t be held back.

“Mom, I’m begging you. You may be satisfied, but I’m not. I want you to stay with me. I have a plan.

We’ll leave this place once you’re discharged from the hospital.”

“It’s too late… I won’t make it…” Katie’s breathing grew weaker. “Carol… Actually… You… You’re

not… my…”