The stitches from my recent surgery had torn open, and I could feel warm blood pooling beneath me, seeping through my hospital gown.

Yet Sean didn’t spare me a single glance.

His gaze, once filled with love, was now cold, distant—merciless.

"Marie, I never thought you could be this cruel."

The hospital room buzzed with noise—doctors, nurses, staff whispering among themselves.

But among all the voices, one word stood out.

"Cruel."

I suddenly laughed.

A low, bitter laugh that shook my aching body.

"Sean, the real cruel one here—is you."

At my words, his brows furrowed, a flicker of unease passing through his eyes.

"What are you talking about?" he snapped. "Do you think this is easy for me? Do you think I don’t feel anything?"

His voice cracked with emotion.

"That was my child too! Do you think losing them didn’t hurt me?"

He inhaled sharply before continuing, his tone softening.

"Marie, I know you’re hurting, but I swear to you—even if we never have children again, I will still love you."

Then, with a deep breath, he added,

"But did you really have to do this to Mandy? She’s innocent. She’s always seen you as her sister."

I stared at him, unable to comprehend the words coming out of his mouth.