Chapter 4
I arrived at the hospital as promised.
When Merrick saw me, he nodded. “Lina, thank you for coming.”
When Liliane saw it was me, she suddenly became emotional, her eyes immediately reddening as she struggled to get up. “Lina, please don’t report me. I can’t bear to leave my child. Please give us mother and son a little more time…”
As she spoke, she tremblingly knelt down before me.
The healer was frightened and quickly held her down. “You just had a C-section—you can’t kneel!”
Jenna hurried to support her, her tone reproachful. “Lina, why have you become so cold?”
People around us stared, and I stood there having done nothing, yet I became the cold-blooded, vindictive villain.
Fortunately, Merrick still had some dignity and brought me to the car first.
When getting in, Liliane seemed to want to ease the tension.
She handed me the baby. “Lina, hold him for a bit. The little one has been especially good today.”
Before I could agree, the child was placed in my arms.
He really was soft and sweet.
My heart softened for a moment.
But before the car had even left the hospital gates, the baby in my arms began to squirm, then let out a series of sharp cries.
“What’s wrong?”
Liliane’s expression changed, and she said tearfully, “He’s breaking out in a rash. Is he having another allergic reaction? The healer said the baby is allergic to perfume. Jenna gave him a rash a few days ago that just went away.”
“Hey, don’t blame me. I didn’t do anything,” Jenna quickly defended herself.
Only me.
Merrick glanced at me, his expression displeased. “Lina, are you wearing perfume?”
Before I could say anything, the baby’s cries became more piercing, and dense red spots appeared on his face.
“Stop the car!” Liliane shouted anxiously.
Merrick yanked the steering wheel and rushed into the hospital emergency lane.
As he got out with the baby, he lowered his voice and cursed, “Acting like a wicked stepmother before you even are one. You really disappoint me!”
My hands trembled and I nearly collapsed in the bone-chillingly cold hospital corridor, standing there like a shell with its soul sucked out.
Jenna’s eyes were full of disgust. “How has Merrick wronged you? He never even cheated, and now you can’t even tolerate a pup. You’re too vicious.”
I kept my head down, saying nothing.
Merrick finally appeared. “The healer says the child is out of danger.”
I looked at him, trying to explain, “I didn’t do it on purpose. I didn’t know.”
But he wouldn’t listen, immediately cutting me off.
His gaze held unfamiliar judgment. “Lina, you’ve become someone I don’t recognize—cold-blooded.”
I clutched the documents in my hand, my heart feeling like it was stuffed with a thousand-pound boulder.
Finally, with a trembling voice, I handed them over. “Fine, I’ll compensate you with a happy family. Merrick, let’s… break the mate bond.”
He froze, then his eyes darkened, but he said nothing.
I didn’t dare look at him again, afraid I might really break down and cry.
“Merrick.” Liliane appeared weakly at the ward door, her steps unsteady. “Lina, if you’re angry, take it out on me. Why hurt my child?”
Onlooking family members and nurses turned to stare, whispering among themselves.
“Is that the woman who made the child allergic and hospitalized?”
“She looks quite refined. How could she do such a thing?”
I opened my mouth but couldn’t make a sound.
Merrick quickly walked over to support her, holding her protectively in his arms, his expression panicked. “Your health is what matters.”
He turned back to look at me, his eyes cold as blades. “Lina, come apologize to Liliane! Otherwise…”
I stuffed that crumpled paper into his hands. “Otherwise, isn’t this it?”
He looked down at it briefly, his lips pressed thin, but he still took it. “Jealousy has made you lose your rationality. Separating for a while so you can calm down might be good.”
I laughed, but tears fell. “Since you’ve already decided, don’t ask me anymore.”
I turned and left, my steps unsteady, each one like walking on knife points.
