"Is that so?" My voice was steady. "Congratulations, sister-in-law."
I didn't care about the lead role. As long as my son lived, nothing else mattered.
The phone in my pocket rang.
The hospital. The doctor's voice was the most beautiful sound I'd ever heard—the bone marrow match was successful.
Relief hit so hard my knees nearly buckled.
As I passed Brooklyn on my way out, I leaned in close.
"He's just a man, Brooklyn. If you enjoy picking up my leftovers, be my guest."
I didn't wait for her reaction. I rushed out, desperate to reach the hospital.
In my haste, I missed the murderous glint in her eyes.
When I arrived, breathless and hopeful, I asked when we could schedule surgery.
The doctor wouldn't meet my eyes.
"Mrs. Farley... the donor... the bone marrow has been allocated to someone else."
The room spun. I couldn't believe what I was hearing.
"Doctor, who took it? We waited so long—we finally got the match!"
"It was... Director Farley."
I froze. The blood in my veins turned to ice.
A small, cold hand slipped into mine. My son looked up at me, eyes wide with fear.
"Mom... am I going to die again?"
The words shattered me. I forced a smile, squeezing his hand. "No. I won't let that happen."