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I crouched down, protecting Alma fiercely as I retrieved the first–aid kit to assist with her baby’s delivery.
Compassionate onlookers removed their thick jackets, spreading them on the snowy ground as improvised bedding and creating a human barrier around us to guard against the chill and curious
-eyes.
Time seemed to stand still, but eventually, a newborn’s cry pierced the air. As jubilation broke out around me, my sight dimmed and I fell onto the frozen grass.
Enthusiastic voices called out, “She’s delivered, it’s a little girl!”
“My goodness, look at that woman’s back, it’s completely scorched from the blaze. The skin is entirely gone.”
“She’s expecting too! Seems to be about four or five months along!”
Alma wept uncontrollably, her voice trembling with emotion, “Previously, your brother rescued my father. And now, you’ve endangered yourself to save me and my child. Eleanor, how can Barren Family ever repay such an enormous debt?”
As the Barren Family’s emergency vehicle raced towards us, my strength finally gave way and I blacked out. Upon regaining consciousness, I found myself in a private room arranged by Alma. The nurse tending to my bandages informed me that the hospital had utilized up to 5,500 milliliters of blood to rescue me, pulling me back from the brink of death and managing to save my unborn
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She reassured me, stating that Alma was undergoing a comprehensive examination at the maternity center but would visit once she was done.
Her eyes welled up with anger as she inquired, “Miss White, the ambulance arrived within five minutes. How could your injuries be
so extensive?”
“How did those medics overlook such severe blood loss? I’ll notify the director immediately. It’s shameful for our hospital to have such emergency personnel!”
Her words stirred a pain in my heart. Even a stranger like her, someone I’d just encountered, showed genuine worry. Yet the man I shared my life with could only ridicule me and accuse me of faking everything.
I bit my lip, tasting bitterness.
Noticing my silence, the nurse’s face filled with empathy. She vowed not to disappoint me, assuring me she’d care for both me and my baby diligently.
Her words brought a flicker of warmth to my otherwise numb heart. After the nurse departed, I reached for my phone, intending to contact a divorce attorney.
Before I could make the call, my hospital room door opened
abruptly. Joanne entered with Gerald supporting her. Her
downcast eyes seemed on the brink of tears as she said plaintively, “Eleanor, I know you dislike me, but why did you have to take my hospital room?”
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Gerald immediately moved to shield her, his cold eyes filled with
concern for her. His voice, stern and icy, cut into my ears, “Eleanor, I don’t have time for your dramatics. If it weren’t for Joanne’s mercy, you’d likely be in custody now. Quickly discharge yourself from the hospital, give the room to Joanne.”
Joanne’s eyes momentarily lit up, though she feigned selflessness and said magnanimously, “Gerald, please don’t quarrel with Eleanor because of me. I’ll just use a shared ward downstairs. It’s fine, I can rest adequately there.
She added, “And don’t blame Eleanor. If she truly insists on
involving law enforcement, I’m prepared to take responsibility for the incident. I’ll be alright, honestly.”
H
Gerald’s scowl deepened and his gaze grew icier, “Joanne, why are you always so considerate? Can’t you see Eleanor takes advantage of this, constantly mistreating you?”
“Eleanor, I’m cautioning you, if you don’t leave today, we’re getting divorced!” This wasn’t Gerald’s first threat of divorce.
In my previous life, I would have yielded. I’d have obeyed him and dutifully made space for Joanne.
But now, I met his gaze firmly, unwavering and devoid of emotion “Very well, Gerald, let’s divorce.”
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The room plunged into a profound silence. One could have heard a needle drop.
