Chapter 2

Audrey POV

I stood outside the door, listening to the increasingly uninhibited sounds from inside.

This time, it seemed they knew someone was listening; Liam grew more enthusiastic, and Skylar's voice grew louder.

It was only now that I truly understood the kind of person I had once loved.

Since he showed no regard for our past feelings, abandoning me so decisively,

then I had no reason to cling to anything either.

From now on, this debauched man would have absolutely nothing to do with me.

All I wanted was to escape this place. Instead of listening to their lovemaking, I'd rather go see Mom at the hospital.

That afternoon, I took a taxi to the hospital.

Ever since Skylar and her mother moved in, I'd not only had to guard against them poisoning my father's ear but also search everywhere for new treatments for Mom.

It had been a while since I last visited.

But just thinking that in two weeks, Mom would finally get the special medicine, I couldn't help but feel happy.

I held Mom's hand and talked for a while before reluctantly preparing to leave.

"Mom, I won't give up on you."

"Miss Bennett, your mom might need to switch rooms," the hospital nurse appeared at the door. "We have a VIP arriving today, and the hospital's most luxurious private room is the one your mother is currently in."

I froze for a moment, then immediately reacted.

"Is it about the medical fees? I'll pay immediately. Please don't move my mom. She can't handle any more stress right now."

As I spoke, I pulled my bank card from my bag.

The nurse's expression grew increasingly troubled.

"Miss Bennett, a powerful and influential figure is arriving today. We really can't afford to offend them. Please don't make this difficult for me; you should pack up your things soon."

No sooner had the nurse finished speaking than a flurry of hurried footsteps drew my attention.

The man who had been intimately entangled at home just moments ago was now standing right before me.

My heart sank, and the bank card slipped from my hand to the floor.

Liam looked serious, standing beside Skylar, clearly there to back her up.

Skylar linked her arm through Liam's.

"Liam, I heard Audrey's mom is using the best private room in this hospital. My mom is coming for skin therapy soon, and since you love me so much, you'll definitely want to give me the best, right?"

She finished, giving Liam a sweet smile.

Liam looked a bit hesitant, as he was aware of my mother's condition.

He finally spoke after a long pause.

"Of course I love you, it's just..."

Before Liam could finish, Skylar pouted and whined.

"Whether I can marry you depends on my mom's approval. Are you really so reluctant to be nice to her?"

At that, Liam's hesitation vanished completely, and his cold voice rang out.

"Clear out the best private room."

As Liam spoke, a group of nurses from the hospital rushed into the room, preparing to clear it out.

The moment a nurse touched the breathing machine, I reacted as if I'd been shocked, rushing forward to fiercely protect it.

No one knew better than me that the breathing machine was Mom's life.

Skylar saw my distress and couldn't help but laugh.

"Audrey, you were raised in the Bennett family. How can you be so rude? If others see you like this, they'll think you lack manners."

I couldn't be bothered to argue about such things. All I wanted was to protect Mom.

Liam saw that I had no intention of moving and began to coax me.

"Audrey, Skylar's mom will be here soon. You have to clear out the room. Don't delay her therapy."

I knelt by the hospital bed, sobbing and gasping for air.

"Skylar, you already have so much. Why do you have to take away my mom's last hope of living?"

Skylar lowered her head, her voice full of grievance.

"Liam, it's okay if I don't get the room. After all, I'm used to having things taken from me since I was little."

With just a few words, Skylar had Liam wrapped around her finger.

He gave a look, and the bodyguards beside him immediately understood, rushing straight in.

Ignoring my screams, they forcibly pulled me away from the hospital bed.

I struggled, but I couldn't break free from the two men's grasp.

I could only watch helplessly as the nurses took the opportunity to wheel Mom out.