“Let’s go see Sharlene first,” Sheila said calmly, once Martin had settled down.

He didn’t respond.

“Come on, I’ll go with you,” she added, gently taking his hand.

“Yeah, whatever,” he muttered.

Martin remained silent for several minutes, still grumbling about the hospital bill. Sheila tried to distract him with small talk. When they stepped out of the car, the hospital was noticeably quieter than earlier, the halls no longer echoing with mourning visitors.

Martin followed her silently as they entered the lobby. Sheila scanned the area for Sharlene or her sisters. She spotted Vivianne at the information desk and called out.

“Vivianne!”

Vivianne turned, eyeing them coolly.

“You’re still here?” she asked flatly.

“Yeah. Are you heading to Ashley’s room?” Sheila asked, forcing a smile.

“Yes,” Vivianne replied curtly, adjusting the household items she carried.

“Do you want some help?” Sheila offered.

Vivianne shook her head, giving a tight-lipped smile. “No, but thank you.”

Sheila suppressed a frown. Sharlene wasn’t even their real sister, yet they acted as if they were her guardians—cold and possessive. It rubbed her the wrong way.

“She’s getting extorted again,” Sheila muttered loud enough for Vivianne to hear as they stepped into the elevator.

Vivianne raised an eyebrow but said nothing.

“Must be nice, having money,” Sheila added with a sigh.

Martin leaned closer and whispered, “What are you talking about?”

“Nothing,” Sheila said quickly, forcing a thin smile.

They reached the fourth floor, expecting Ashley’s private room, but Vivianne led them to the ICU waiting area. Sheila and Martin followed without hesitation.

There, Sharlene and Tashia sat quietly, still in casual clothes. Without warning, Sheila approached and hugged Sharlene. Sharlene stiffened under the embrace and gently pushed her away.

“Look, I’m sorry for what I said earlier,” Martin said earnestly.

Sharlene raised an eyebrow.

“What did you eat today?” she asked Martin suddenly, her tone sharp.

“Sharlene, please, forgive him,” Sheila pleaded. “Let’s not fight anymore.”

“Huh? Did he even do anything wrong?” Sharlene replied sarcastically.

“Can you not?” she continued, her voice tightening. “My mind is a mess right now. Just leave me alone.” She rifled through a bag Vivianne had handed her.

“But what can we do to help the child?” Sheila pressed gently.

“I already told you. Don’t you understand?” Sharlene snapped.

Both Sheila and Martin froze at her tone.

“Just go,” Vivianne cut in firmly. “She’s not in the mood to see either of you right now.”

“I just want to help,” Sheila said, voice steady.

“Help?” Sharlene repeated, locking eyes with her. “What kind of help, Sheila?”

“If you need money for Ashley’s treatment, I can assist. I know it’s expensive. As your friend, I’m willing to support you.”

“Friend?” Sharlene chuckled bitterly. “Still playing that card?”

Sheila hesitated, glancing at Martin.

“If you already knew we were in a relationship, I wish you had just stayed away,” Martin muttered quietly.

A loud slap echoed through the waiting area. Everyone turned in shock. Sharlene had slapped Martin across the face.

“Sharlene!” Sheila cried, horrified.

“Finally,” Sharlene hissed, eyes blazing. “I’ve been wanting to do that for so long.”

“When did you find out?” Martin asked, stunned.

“It’s been a while,” Sharlene said firmly. “I stayed quiet for the sake of my child. I endured that scumbag for her—but not anymore. Thankfully, Ashley can’t hear this. From now on, I’ll stand on my own two feet.”

Martin snarled. “Then don’t ask me for help with that child! Don’t come crying when you can’t pay her bills. I’m done.”

Sharlene’s expression remained steady. “Under the law, you’re still responsible for Ashley. Even with another woman, you can’t escape being her father.”

“You’re pathetic,” Martin scoffed.

“And you’re worthless,” she shot back. “You couldn’t even provide for your own child. Don’t act noble. You’re a coward.”

“I never wanted to marry you! It was your grandmother who forced me!” Martin yelled.

Sharlene laughed bitterly. “Because you were too afraid of your family’s expectations? Grandma Felicia only wanted what was best. But you—your greed and weakness dragged us into this mess. You and your family are exactly the same.”

Turning to Sheila, her tone softened slightly. “You’ll understand once you marry him. I still pity you, a little.”

“What are you saying?” Martin snapped. “You and Sheila aren’t even alike!”

“Birds of the same feather flock together. I can smell your stink.”

Sheila’s hand twitched, as if to slap Sharlene, but Sharlene beat her to it—again.

Smack.

“I’m done playing nice,” Sharlene said, cold and calm. “Leave. Don’t ever show yourselves to me again.”

Neither Martin nor Sheila said another word. They turned and walked silently to the elevator.

Inside, Sheila rubbed the side of Martin’s face. “I’ll get back at that woman for humiliating me,” she muttered, anger simmering.

Martin remained silent. No one had ever dared do that to her before.