A Sip of Regret

I caught a whiff of my own sweat and decided to take a shower before picking up my son.

But I never expected Jamie to burst into the bathroom while I was showering. Without a word, he grabbed my arm and started dragging me out, saying, "Tara is suffering from internal bleeding and needs a blood transfusion. You have the same blood type as hers. Hurry up. Come with me to save her."

I clutched my robe tightly around myself, only to meet his disdainful gaze.

"I've seen every part of your body. Drop that act."

I struggled against him, but he shoved me into his car and sped to the hospital.

As soon as we arrived, Jamie pulled me toward the operating room while shouting, "Doctor, take her blood! She's O-negative!"

I tried to run, but Jamie's next words froze me in place.

"If I were you, I would listen and donate your blood to see Andy again."

"What did you do to Andy?" My voice trembled. "He's your son! Are you willing to harm your son for an outsider? How dare you call yourself his father?"

Tears began streaming down my face as I spoke.

In the three years we'd been married, this was the first time I had cried in front of him.

Seeing me like this, Jamie softened his tone . He stepped forward to embrace me. "Noelle, I don't want to do this either. But if I don't, you won't donate your blood.

"And Tara only got into the car accident because she was on her way to visit Andy in the hospital. We're responsible. I'll agree to whatever you ask as long as you save Tara, okay?"

Just as I was about to respond, the doctor emerged from the operating room.

"Have the blood bags not arrived yet?"

A look of anxiety crossed Jamie's face as he pushed me toward the doctor. "My wife is O-negative. You can draw her blood first."

I felt like a puppet as I extended my arm.

The doctor frowned at my dazed expression. "Ma'am, do you consent to donate your blood?"

It wasn't like I had a choice.

I forced a smile and replied, "Yes."

After my blood was drawn, dizziness swept over me. My vision was dotted, and I felt like I was about to collapse.

I instinctively grabbed Jamie's sleeve.

He frowned. Stepping back, he snapped coldly, "What's this? Are you pretending to faint after giving a little blood?

"Tara is in critical condition. I don't have time for your theatrics."

Those were the last words I heard from him before everything went black.

I was unconscious for an entire day. When I woke up, an IV needle was attached to my hand.

Without hesitation, I pulled out the needle. Blood trickled down the back of my hand as I forced myself up to look for Jamie.

After searching several rooms, I finally found Jamie with Tara. He was gently feeding her some soup.

The sight stung. I couldn't hold back anymore. "Where's Andy?"

Jamie froze for a moment before hastily looking for his car keys.

"He's in the trunk."

The trunk? My teeth chattered as I glared at him.

"Did you put Andy in the trunk? Jamie, you're worse than an animal."

Jamie didn't argue back.

Suddenly, he turned to Tara and asked, "Tara, where's my jacket?"

Tara looked innocent as she replied, "I'm sorry, Jamie. I noticed it hadn't been washed in a while, so I got it delivered to the dry cleaners. Did I cause you trouble again?"

Hearing this, I snapped. I lunged forward and grabbed her by the neck. "What did you just say? If anything happens to my son, I'll kill you!"

Jamie yanked me off her and slapped me across the face. Then, he stood protectively in front of Tara like some sort of guardian angel.

"Have you come to your senses? Tara didn't mean to do it. She's injured too. Stop bullying her."

"Andy will be fine. I'll go home with you to get the spare key."

I shot Jamie a cold look and fell silent.

Just as we turned to leave, we heard Tara cry out in pain.

Jamie paused and said apologetically, "Noelle, why don't you go home first? Tara can't be left alone right now."

Saying nothing, I rushed home. There, I grabbed the spare key and sped back to the hospital parking lot.

When I opened the trunk, I saw Andy's little face turning blue.

He wasn't breathing anymore.