Realizing what Mary meant, her heart sank. “Gone?”
“Gone,” Mary confirmed sadly. “Dr. Sophia, you wouldn’t believe it. Her family is absolutely heartless! There are a dozen of them, and every single one of them is terrible. I’m at Wood Kesha’s house right now. After she passed away from her illness, Tamia refused to let her body stay in the house. She claimed it would bring bad luck to the family and her brother’s marriage prospects. She even said it was inauspicious because his wife is pregnant and can’t be exposed to death. So, they want to cremate her immediately. In big cities, this might be normal, but in villages like ours, the body usually stays at home for a few days. Everyone in the village is talking about how heartless this is.”
Sophia sighed. “Buy a wreath for me. I’ll send you the money.”
“Okay.”
—
Wood Kesha’s death became a major topic online, with many netizens expressing disbelief. Doctors confirmed that Wood Kesha had wanted treatment, but Tamia refused to spend a single cent on her, not even to buy her milk. Meanwhile, she had spent a significant portion of the donated money on nutritional supplements for her son’s wife, who was pregnant with the family’s “heir.”
The outrage boiled over. Many netizens visited Wood Kesha’s home to burn incense and pay their respects. Some were so furious they confronted Tamia directly. Tamia, however, remained defiant, daring them to call the police. Even lawyers pointed out that legally, there wasn’t much that could be done to hold her accountable.
Disheartened, people observed how Tamia showed little grief over her daughter’s death. If anything, she seemed pleased that the family was building a three-story house and preparing for her son’s wedding.
As with all news, the controversy eventually faded. At first, it was heavily discussed, but soon newer topics replaced it, and people moved on.
—
Meanwhile, Andrea’s surgery had been completed before the New Year.
The tumor was malignant, and to save her life, she underwent a mastectomy on one side.
She was now recovering in a VIP hospital room, receiving the best care available. But losing part of her body left her emotionally devastated. Post-surgery, she was irritable, depressed, and dissatisfied with everything. To make matters worse, her husband, Richard, rarely visited her, always claiming he was busy with work, leaving her even more frustrated.
Olivia, however, was attentive, taking care of her bedside needs. Despite being pregnant and often complaining of backaches, she tended to Andrea personally, which deeply moved her.
One day, Henry returned and announced, “Mom, Kim is here to see you.”
Andrea froze, her expression souring. “Why is she here?”
Since her hospitalization, Kim had only visited once, exchanged a few polite words, and left flowers. Even on the day of the surgery, she hadn’t shown up.
In comparison, Olivia had been a constant presence, despite her pregnancy. Her efforts were beginning to shift Andrea’s feelings. she thought, *If I were to die, at least Olivia could take care of Henry. That would give me some peace.*
Kim entered the room, made some polite remarks, and then coldly glared at Olivia.
“I heard you’re still freeloading in the Scott household?”
Olivia sneered, “That’s my home! Why wouldn’t I stay there? Besides, I’m carrying a child, and Mom is sick. Seeing her grandchild grow might lift her spirits.”
“Stop using your child as an excuse. You just want to cling on, don’t you?” Kim snapped, then turned to Henry with a cold order: “Tell her to move out now!”
“Kim, give me some time,” Henry pleaded. “Mom is in this condition; we shouldn’t cause a scene. Once she recovers, I promise I’ll handle it.”
“Time? Time for what? You promised to marry me, and I’ve already accepted that you have a child. But now you want me to tolerate her, too? No way!” Kim crossed her arms and delivered an ultimatum. “I’ll give you three days. If she doesn’t leave, we’re done!”
“Kim…” Henry called after her in frustration but couldn’t stop her from leaving.
Andrea’s face darkened. She realized for the first time that Kim dominated her son in their relationship. This was unacceptable. The Scott family might not be as affluent as Kim’s, but they weren’t lacking. How could she allow her only son to be bossed around like this?
“Is she here to visit me or to cause trouble?” Andrea asked, clearly displeased.
“Mom, she didn’t mean it that way,” Henry said weakly.
“Then what did she mean?” Andrea sighed and took a deep breath to calm herself. “I don’t want to argue with you, but I have something to tell you. Keep an eye on your father. Pay attention to that mistress of his. Don’t let anything happen while I’m sick.”
“Mom, you’re overthinking it. Dad wouldn’t dare cause trouble while you’re unwell,” Henry replied nonchalantly.
Andrea sighed again, knowing her son was too naive. She understood Richard better than anyone. He wasn’t the kind of man to stay out of trouble.
—
A few days before the Scott family’s annual gala, Livinus came home with a dress.
It was a striking shade of green with a fitted waist and intricate lacing, reminiscent of European court fashion. The wide skirt flared dramatically, almost large enough to hide a person beneath it. It was an extravagant yet beautifully vintage piece.
