18
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The nurse walked in with a list. “Family of patient in bed 25, please go pay the fee.“}
Ronan shoved the list at me. “Ava, go pay for mom.““]
I didn’t take it, clutching my belly and heading for the door.
A sudden gust of wind hit me from behind as Ronan swung at me.”
The doctor grabbed him. “Assaulting a pregnant woman in public? Someone call the police!”
Ronan jumped and cursed. “Mind your own business!“}
“Ava, whether you live or die, you’re a Pierce. If you don’t pay for Mom today, you’ll regret it!”
I straightened my hair and smiled at him.”
What joke are you telling?
“Your brother, married into my Montgomery family. Alive or dead, he’s a Montgomery. Now that he’s gone, I have nothing to do with you. Why should I care about your mother’s hospital bills?“}
“You!”
Lyla’s head tilted, and she passed away.
“Madam!”
“Mom! Mom!“}
The hospital room erupted into chaos, and I quietly slipped away.}
I was about to give birth and didn’t want any trouble with Lyla, Ronan, and their crew. So, I used the insurance money to buy a house.”
I was packing my clothes when the door burst open again.}
Ronan barged in, pushing Lyla, with Everly following close behind, clutching a bag.
Lyla’s face was contorted, drool leaking from the corner of her mouth, and her old eyes were fixed on me with intensity. Everly’s head was wrapped in a towel, her expression full of fury.
Ronan was smug, thinking he had foiled my plans.
“Ava! I knew you were going to run! You can go but leave Archer’s insurance money behind, or you’re not getting out of this door, he demanded.”
I couldn’t help but laugh.
“Ronan, the insurance was bought by Archer, and I am the beneficiary. What does it have to do with you?“}
“How does it not? Your husband is my brother! His mother and his son are right here. Do you think you can just take the money and run?“} I crossed my arms.
“Ignorance is no excuse; maybe read a book sometime. Insurance money is not an inheritance; what does it have to do with you?” “You wretched woman, you just wait!”
Rorian raised his foot to kick me, but I pointed at the surveillance camera.”
He stopped his foot mid–air.
“Cut the useless chatter.
“You are Archer’s wife, and today, I’ve brought your mother and your son to you. You’ll take care of them whether you like it or not.“} As soon as Ronan finished speaking, he turned and left.
What?!
Was he just dumping his mother and nephew on me and walking away?”
Did he just assume I would take care of them?
I had been overly generous with Lyla and Ronan in the past, providing money and gifts and never missing a holiday. Did he think it’s still like before?
I brushed off the dust from my hands, gathered the essentials, and was about to head out the door when Everly grabbed me.
Her face was pale, and she swayed unsteadily. “Ava, please, take care of Archer’s son.”
I was stunned. Just this morning, she was madly in love, and now she was abandoning her son.
My gaze stung her, and Everly broke down.
“Ava! How can you look at me like that? We both had Archer’s children, so why did you get ten million dollars, and I got nothing, not even a healthy child?
“I had his son! His son!“&
Her voice cracked as she yelled, and I stepped aside to distance myself from her.
“Don’t understand? It’s because you knew the risks, and yet you broke our family. You keep your so–called good son to yourself, then.” With those words, I turned and walked away.
Behind me, there was a crash–Lyla had knocked over the wheelchair.
