The Woman He Didn't Value

Chapter 8 The Unfolding Storm

Mary's pivotal surgery day had dawned, bringing with it a swirl of emotion. As she stood on the brink of the operating room, her body trembled with anxiety.

Chloe, aware of her mother's deep Buddhist beliefs, sought to calm her with gentle words. "Mom, your life's a testament to kindness. Surely the Bodhisattva will watch over you," she whispered encouragingly.

This bolstered Mary's spirit, infusing her with a serene courage.

Years earlier, Mary's parents had toiled relentlessly, rising before dawn to prepare soup, their livelihoods, which they offered freely to those less fortunate. Their benevolence, though small, had rippled through the community.

With a silent prayer and faith renewed, Mary crossed the threshold into the operating room.

Hours ticked by slowly before the surgical doors opened again. The doctor's reassuring words brought relief. Mary's surgery was successful, but a week's hospital stay was essential.

"Post-op care is critical," the doctor stressed. "Avoid distress at all costs."

Chloe and Mark, grateful, wheeled Mary back to her room. Observing her mother's gradual recovery, Chloe found unexpected strength, contemplating that perhaps her looming separation from Simon wasn't as insurmountable as it seemed.

While walking with her mother one afternoon, an unexpected encounter with Simon and Mia froze Chloe. Simon's dismissive comment to Mary, "You look fine. Who'd believe you were ill?" cut through the calm.

Mary, mustering courage, probed, "Simon, who is she to you? Why are you always with her?"

Fearing her mother's agitation, Chloe quickly withdrew her. As they reached the room, Chloe's eyes caught on the calendar. Only a week remained in Simon's ultimatum.

Then came the night of unwelcome chaos.

Rushing into the hospital room, Chloe discovered her mother convulsing on the cold floor. Holding her close, Chloe saw Mary's face etched with misery, her heart twisted.

Tears pouring down, Mary grasped Chloe's hand, gasping, "Chloe, I never realized how much you've endured."

Chloe, confused, followed her mother's sharp gaze, landing on Mia's smug silhouette. Before comprehension could dawn, medics whisked Mary to emergency care.

Seething in the waiting area, Chloe's restlessness was palpable. Then Mia emerged, her expression dripping with contempt.

"How was I to know your mother was so delicate?" Mia jeered.

Chloe's anger boiled over as she seized Mia's arm. "What did you do?"

Unfazed, Mia smirked, her fingers dancing over her phone. "I showed her this," she taunted.

Chloe stared at the screen, heart sinking as footage of Simon and Mia's betrayal unfolded. Mia's voice dripped with malice, recounting how her mother had pleaded for mercy.

"She collapsed after watching, her pleas pitiful," Mia continued, grinning.

Infuriated, Chloe shoved Mia. "She just had surgery. How could you?"

Mia, ready to retaliate, paused, eyes glinting with a twisted amusement. "Let's see whom Simon trusts," she challenged.

Chloe turned to find Simon, who'd arrived unnoticed. Mia, seizing the moment, clung to him, simulating distress.

"Simon, she pushed me," Mia whimpered.

His gaze hardened. Simon frowned at Chloe, disappointment evident. "Why do you persist in attacking Mia? What has she done to you?"

Chloe, tears blurred by anger, declared, "My mom was in no state for this. She's in the ER because of her!"

Casting a doubtful glance toward the emergency room, Simon probed Mia, "Her mom's really in there?"

Mia shrugged nonchalantly. "If she is, that's on her for not managing her health."

Chloe's fury peaked, a tempest barely contained, she moved to slap Mia.

"You're despicable!"

But before she could connect, Simon intercepted, retaliating with a shocking slap to Chloe.

"Enough already!" he demanded, leaving Chloe to grapple with the sting of betrayal far more painful than his slap.