The guards scrambled back, startled by the murderous look in my eyes.
"Come on!" I brandished the shard, blood dripping from my forehead. "If you're not afraid to die, come and get me!"
No one wanted to risk their life against a madman. They parted like the Red Sea.
I wasted no time. I scooped my mother up and sprinted for the exit.
Olivia chased after us. This time, she didn't block the way—the "auspicious hour" had passed. She even handed me her phone to call the ambulance.
"Husband, you two go home first." Her voice was breathless. "I wanted to discuss this with you yesterday, but I knew you wouldn't agree to the body display."
She grabbed my arm, eyes pleading. "But do you know? I owe Spencer a life debt. Years ago, when I was dragged into that alley... he saved me from being raped. He was severely injured in the process. He can never have children because of me."
Spencer Delgado was castrated saving her?
I paused, stunned. The revelation was heavy, but reality didn't offer the luxury of processing it.
"Fine," I said through gritted teeth. "Just help me get Mom to the hospital."
Before she could answer, Spencer rushed out and grabbed her wrist.
"Olivia! Get back in there. The customers are saying they'll leave if the model doesn't return."
He wanted her to go back and lie on that table?
I looked at Olivia, certain she would refuse. My mother was critical. Surely, she would choose us.
But she nodded solemnly, as if facing a war. "Okay. I'll go back and stabilize the situation."
"Olivia!" I shouted.
She didn't turn back.
She walked away decisively. Cleanly. Without a single glance at her dying mother-in-law.
At that moment, I finally woke up.
The bond between us was severed.
***
The wait at the emergency room was an eternity of torment.
Two hours later, the doctor emerged. His expression was grave.
"Your mother has had a heart condition for a long time. The extreme anger triggered a massive attack. She... she might not make it."
The words struck like lightning. A heart condition? I had no idea.
I rushed into the ward. She was awake, but her complexion was gray, her breathing shallow.
She looked at me and offered a weak, bleak smile. "Chris..."
"I didn't tell you... I was afraid you'd worry." Her voice was barely audible. "I knew you'd borrow money, beg people... do anything to save me. I didn't want you and Olivia to fight over the cost. So... cough, cough..."
I broke down.
I fell to my knees beside the bed. I grasped her rough, weather-beaten hand and pressed it to my tear-streaked face.
"Mom, Dad left when I was a baby. You raised me alone. How could you ever be a burden?" A sob tore through me. "I have to save you. I will save you."
She shook her head slowly, tears leaking from her eyes. "My lamp is out of oil, son. Don't do anything foolish for me."
She squeezed my hand weakly. "Back then... it was because I pushed you that you married Olivia. I made you give up your career to stay home and care for her. It's my fault. I ruined your life."
"I only ask one thing..." She gasped for air. "For the rest of your life... live for yourself."
Her hand went slack.
Her eyes slid shut.
"Mom? Mom!"
I screamed her name, shaking her shoulders. No response.
Doctors and nurses rushed in, dragging me away from the bed as the monitors flatlined.
*Live well.* That was her last wish.
But as I watched them work on her, a desperate thought flashed through my mind.
A heart transplant.
It was the only way. But a new heart required money—an astronomical amount of money I didn't have.
