On the other end of the line, Isabella's voice oozed mockery. "So, you want more money again?"
"My son's sick," I said, trying to stay calm. "He needs surgery."
A pause. Then a lazy hum. "Fine. But tonight, I want to try something new."
My grip on the phone tightened. I swallowed the bitterness. "Alright."
Minutes later, a ping—fifty thousand transferred. But I wouldn't see the rest unless I fulfilled her request. And from her tone, I knew tonight would be worse than usual.
I turned back toward Noel's room, but bumped into someone—Adeline.
She stood there, arms folded, eyes full of disdain. "Gavin Cooper," she said coldly. "Still trying to use a child to tie a woman down?"
Her words hit harder than I'd admit. Once, I'd loved her. Believed her lies. Kept our relationship secret because she asked. Trusted her promise we'd go public once she got pregnant. Gave her everything.
I never tried to trap her with a child. I just wanted something real. But it had all been a game to her.
I laughed dryly. "Sorry to disappoint you, but this time, I actually succeeded in using a child to tie someone down."
Her fists clenched. She was seconds from exploding—but then she surprised me.
"Leave Isabella. Come with me," she said flatly.
I blinked.
"But I won't raise someone else's bastard," she added. "Just dump him on her. I doubt she'll let her own kid die."
The words stabbed deep. She had looked at Noel and still didn't recognize him?
I stared back, voice cold. "Even a donkey doesn't fall in the same hole twice."
Her jaw tightened. "You'd rather humiliate yourself for Isabella's kid?"
So that was it. She wanted me back. But I couldn't do it. Not anymore.
I said nothing.
Adeline scoffed and stormed off. "You don't know what's good for you!"
After she left, I returned to Noel's room, tucked him in, brushed his damp forehead. Then dragged myself to Isabella's villa.
By the time I left, dawn was breaking. My body ached, bruised from her hands—and the leather strap. The rest of the money had arrived.
Back at the hospital, I sat by Noel's bedside. His breath was steady, cheeks pale. I didn't notice my tears until one landed on his hand.
His eyes fluttered open. "Daddy... why are you crying?"
I wiped my face quickly. "It's nothing, buddy. The doctor said you can have your surgery soon."
His eyes lit up. "Really? After surgery... can I run like other kids?"
My throat tightened. I nodded. "Of course. We'll go to the amusement park. You can ride anything you want."
He smiled faintly and drifted off.
Later, I slumped on a bench in the hallway, finally closing my eyes—only to be jolted by a shrill voice.
"That's him! That shameless homewrecker!"
A woman in a fur coat and heels stormed toward me, fury on her face. Burly bodyguards flanked her.
Before I could react, she slapped me. Hard.
"You filthy rat!" she screamed. "You're the reason my sister is still single?!"
I staggered, stunned and then someone yanked my hair, forcing me down.
"Strip him!" she shrieked. "Let everyone see what this pathetic man really is!"
Crowds gathered. Some gasped. Others laughed. Hands grabbed at my clothes, yanking and tearing.
I struggled, humiliated. Then I heard it.
"Daddy! No! Stop hurting my daddy!"
Noel was crying, trying to reach me—but they held him back, shouting insults at a child who just wanted his father.
