Becomes

Chapter 0012

“Calvin, Bill’s in the hospital. He needs surgery. I’ve signed the papers, but you should be here,” I explain hastily.

“Oh my God, is he okay?” Calvin asks.

“I don’t know,” I reply, my voice shaking. “They’re taking him to surgery. Please hurry.”

“Hey, calm down, I’m on my way,” Calvin reassures me through the phone, his voice steady. “Just hang in there, I’ll be there as fast as I can.”

Hearing frantic footsteps, I first assume it’s Calvin. However, my initial relief shifts to concern when I see Elena, my ex–mother–in–law, approaching with a look of deep worry on her face. Following closely is Bill’s aunt, Claire, whose expression is more angry than worried.

With tears in her eyes, Elena grabs my arm tightly. “What have your done to my son?” she demands.

Feeling the tight grip of Elena’s hand on my arm, I respond, “Elena, I didn’t do anything. Bill got hurt trying to protect me. I’m worried about him too.”

“I just know it’s all your fault. Like always, you fail as a wife,” she says, trying to hurt me with her words.

I break free from Elena’s grip and say, “But I’m not his wife anymore. “I swiftly retrieve the signed divorce papers and hand them to her. As she reads them, her brows furrow in surprise. “You have no right to call me a failure,” I emphasize, standing up for myself.

“The nerve of you!” Claire exclaims angrily. “How dare you bring up

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divorce when Bill’s fighting for his fe? You’re just after his money.”

“Bullshit!” I let out a curse, not holding back. “This is your problem, Claire. You’re always poking your nose into other people’s business,” I say firmly.

“Just so you know, I didn’t ask for a single penny from Bill,” I emphasize.

“I don’t believe a word you just said,” Claire says sharply. “We all know what you really are, Serena… A social–climbing bitch!”

I let out a mocking laugh. “Really Claire?” I say with a smirk. “And what about you? Well, maybe if you weren’t such a nagging bitch, your husband wouldn’t cheat on you so much!”

Claire and Elena look at me as if they have seen a ghost. Their eyes. widen in shock as I defend myself, “That’s right! I know all about the dirty little secrets in your family.”

“Are you blackmailing us?” Claire demands. “How dare you!”

Claire raises her hand swiftly, ready to deliver a slap. I tense up and close my eyes, bracing myself for the impact.

Out of nowhere, I hear Calvin’s voice. “Enough of this!” he yells. I open my eyes to find him blocking Claire’s hand, preventing her from slapping me. “You two are acting like kids. Let’s focus on Bill, please, ” he urges.

A heavy silence follows. “Is it true?” Calvin finally asks, his voice softer. “Are you and Bill divorced?”

In response, I reach for the papers and hand them to Calvin, allowing him to examine the divorce documents for himself.

Calvin quickly scans through the papers, then sighs, saying, “Yeah, it’s true. They’re divorced. Can we please stop giving Serena a hard time now?”

Elena remains silent, looking down contemplation. However,

Claire le persistent. “I don’t know how that woman could possibly brainwash you too, Calvin,” she insists.

Calvin’s patience wears thin, and he raises his voice. “Stop it, Claire!” he yells. “Serena didn’t ask for a settlement either, Quit accusing her of using Bill.”

Claire falls silent and shifts her attention to consoling the crying Elena, choosing to let go of the argument for the moment.

“Thanks for standing up for me,” I express my gratitude to Calvin for defending me against his half–sisters.

He reassures me with a warm smile, saying, “Serena, it’s because you did nothing wrong. I appreciate you taking Bill to the hospital so quickly.”

I shrug. “Anyone could have done what I did.”

As we talk, I notice the signal light of the operating room going out. I can’t help but feel that Bill is going to be alright. My heart lifts with hope.

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