"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."
Martin remained quiet for several minutes. He was still grumbling about the hospital bill, prompting Sheila to distract him with small talk. Now, as they stepped out of the car, the hospital surroundings were noticeably quieter than earlier, when the halls were filled with the cries of mourning visitors.
Martin silently followed Sheila inside. She scanned the lobby, searching for Sharlene or her sisters. She spotted Vivianne at the information desk and called out.
"Vivianne!"
Vivianne turned and looked at the two of them.
"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 was carrying.
"Do you want some help?" Sheila offered.
Vivianne gave a tight-lipped smile and shook her head. "No, but thank you."
Sheila could hardly contain her irritation. She knew Sharlene wasn't even their real sister, yet they acted like they were her guardians—possessive and cold. It rubbed her the wrong way.
"She's getting extorted again," Sheila muttered loud enough for Vivianne to hear as they entered the elevator.
Vivianne turned to look at her with an arched brow but didn't say a word.
"Must be nice, having money," Sheila added with a sigh.
Martin leaned toward her and whispered, "What are you talking about?"
"Nothing," she said quickly, smiling thinly.
They arrived on the fourth floor, where Ashley's private room was located. Sheila was surprised when Vivianne led them instead to the ICU waiting area. She and Martin followed without hesitation.
There, she saw Sharlene and Tashia sitting quietly, still in casual clothes. Without warning, Sheila approached and hugged Sharlene, who stiffened under the embrace.
Sharlene gently pushed her off.
"Look, I'm sorry, Sharlene, for what I said earlier," Sheila said earnestly.
Sharlene raised an eyebrow at her.
"What did you eat today?" she suddenly asked Martin, her voice cold.
"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, didn't I? Don't you understand?" Sharlene's voice rose.
They were taken aback by 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 insisted, her voice steady.
"Help?" Sharlene repeated, looking directly at her. "What kind of help, Sheila?"
"If you need money for Ashley's treatment, I can assist. I know it's expensive, and as your friend, I'm willing to support you."
"Friend?" Sharlene gave a bitter chuckle. "Are you still playing that card?"
Sheila hesitated, casting a glance 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, her eyes locked on Martin. "I've been wanting to do that for so long."
"When did you find out?" Sheila asked, stunned.
"It's been a while," Sharlene said firmly. "I only stayed quiet for the sake of my child. I endured that scumbag for her—but not anymore. Thankfully, Ashley can't hear any of this. And from now on, I will stand on my own two feet."
Martin snarled, "Then don't ask me for help with that child! Don't come crying to me when you can't pay for her treatment. I'm done with this responsibility."
Sharlene's expression didn't waver. "Under the law, you're still responsible for Ashley, whether you like it or not. Even if you have another woman, you can't escape being her father."
Martin scoffed. "You're pathetic."
"And you're worthless," she shot back. "You couldn't even provide for your own child. Don't talk to me like you're some noble man. You're a coward."
"I never wanted to marry you! It was your grandmother who forced me!" Martin barked.
Sharlene let out a bitter laugh. "Because you were too afraid of your family's expectations, right? 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."
She turned to Sheila, her tone calmer now. "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 she were about to slap Sharlene, but before she could act, Sharlene beat her to it—again.
Smack.
"I'm done playing nice," Sharlene said, cold and calm.
"Leave. And don't ever show yourselves to me again."
Neither Martin nor Sheila said another word. They turned and walked away, heading straight for the elevator.
Inside, Sheila rubbed the side of Martin's face. "I'll get back at that woman for humiliating me," she muttered angrily.
Martin remained silent.
No one had ever dared do that to her before.