Chapter 4 I Needed to Escape

• Ariana's POV:
• So, the patient I had to treat was her?
• I felt my expression harden instantly. Todd had never wanted to marry me all those years ago, but since we were already tied together, he had no right to treat me and our child in such a cruel manner. He could have chosen not to be emotionally abusive and to refrain from threatening me with a gun. All he needed to do was ask for a divorce; did he really believe I would refuse?
• "Mr. Ferrero, I'm sorry."
• "What do you mean?"
• "I'm unable to treat her condition. You need to find another doctor!"
• With that blunt declaration, I turned on my heel and walked away.
• Mr. Ferrero was speechless.
• Lilith's eyes burned with fury upon hearing my words. She shouted after me, "What did you just say? Repeat that!"
• Her voice dripped with menace and hostility!
• Unfortunately, I had no intention of answering her.
• Without a backward glance, I strode away with resolve.
• That b*tch wasn't worth my time!
• "What's her problem? Is she crazy? Does she want to lose her job?"
• "No, no, Mrs. Lockford, please calm down. Dr. Nancy must have misunderstood. I'll clarify things with her and ensure she treats Mr. Lockford tomorrow. You can count on that!"
• Mr. Ferrero rushed to explain, his voice tinged with urgency as he called for me to stop.
• Mrs. Lockford?
• Treat Mr. Lockford?
• Ha! What was there to treat? I was surprised that after five years, they were both still alive. I thought they would've been in hell by now.
• I quickened my pace.
• I didn't even realize I was trembling, my fists clenched so tightly that my knuckles turned pale. It wasn't until I jumped into my car and slammed the door shut that I finally broke down against the steering wheel, tightly shutting my already reddened eyes!
• Five years. A full five years!
• I thought I had moved on, but the moment that woman appeared, I realized my wounds were still fresh, and the hatred inside me flared up, making me want to confront her right then and there!
• What right did Todd have to ask for my help? A man who would trample over our child's lifeless body just to get away from me? I wouldn't lift a finger to save him, no matter what!
• It took me a while to regain my composure in the car before I finally drove back home.
• When I arrived, both kids were already asleep.
• Griffin was impressively responsible; he not only ensured that Mirabelle had eaten but also bathed her. At that moment, he was nestled up with her, fast asleep in the nursery, radiating a sense of peace.
• "Mommy, is that you?"
• He murmured softly in his sleep.
• I leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss on his small forehead. "Yes, sweetheart. I'm home. Now go back to sleep."
• He rolled over and quickly drifted back into his dreams.
• A smile spread across my face as I tucked the blankets around them. I took a moment to watch my two precious children before reluctantly heading to my study.
• "Susan, are you still up?"
• "Yes. What's up?"
• "Could you do me a favor? I need you to go to the hospital tomorrow morning ... "
• While I spoke to my friend on the phone, I hurriedly booked three plane tickets to Zenovia online.
• I had a strong feeling that it wouldn't be long before Todd found out I was alive. With his influential connections, he would undoubtedly track down my two kids, and I couldn't stand the thought of him taking them away from me. They were my entire world.
• I needed to escape—quickly!