Chapter 129 You're the Best
Isabella had been sent to live with her grandmother in the suburbs when she was small. She had never understood why Beatrice got to stay with their parents while she had to grow up away from them.
But she had never felt alone. Her grandmother had given her everything.
Every summer, Benjamin would drive out with Beatrice to visit. He always parked at the edge of the village, and Isabella would run to meet them, her heart pounding.
When that familiar car appeared again, Isabella saw Beatrice step out and ran toward her, grinning.
"Beatrice, you're here!"
Beatrice wore a red dress, standing by the car and waving. "Isabella, I brought you paintbrushes. I know how much you love to paint. You're going to be an artist someday."
"I wish I could stay with you forever."
"You will. I'll find a way to bring you home. I promise."
Beatrice took her hand and they ran through the wheat fields together. When Isabella fell, Beatrice crouched down and carried her on her back.
Isabella could see herself at eight years old, riding on Beatrice's back, both of them laughing. It was the happiest she had ever been.
The scene shifted. Isabella was older now, constantly arguing with Beatrice. Their parents always took Beatrice's side, and Isabella resented it. She misbehaved just to be noticed.
Beatrice never blamed her. She would give Isabella every gift their parents bought for her instead.
Beatrice had told her once, "You're the person I love most in this world, Isabella. You deserve the best of everything."
But in Isabella's heart, Beatrice was the one who deserved the best.
That day, she had fought with Beatrice again and run off to hide in the warehouse. Then the fire started. She couldn't find the exit, couldn't breathe.
Beatrice came running in, holding her up when she could barely stand. But the door was locked.
Isabella heard Beatrice pounding on the scalding metal.
"Help! Someone help us!"
"Please! Is anyone there?"
Beatrice's voice grew weaker. No one answered. She dragged Isabella to the safest corner she could find and put the last protective mask over her face.
'No, Beatrice, don't. You wear it. Please, you have to live.'
Isabella tried to push the mask away, but she couldn't. She could only watch as Beatrice collapsed in front of her.
"Beatrice, don't die!"
"Isabella, I know you love William too. Marry him. Take care of him for me. Be happy. Promise me you'll take care of Mom and Dad. Isabella, you have to live!"
The heart monitor suddenly beeped. The readings on the screen began to climb. The doctor let out a long breath. "Thank God. She's back. The patient has regained the will to live."
Benjamin heard the words and nearly collapsed against the wall. He slid down to the floor.
"Thank you!"
"You can step out and rest. We'll do everything we can."
Benjamin took a deep breath and pulled himself up, leaning on the wall. He looked back one more time before leaving.
When he walked out, William stepped forward immediately. "How is she?"
He had been waiting outside, and every second pierced him.
Benjamin's voice was heavy. "She's fighting now. But she's not out of danger yet."
Meaning Isabella could still die.
William's face darkened. "She won't die."
She had come back from the edge before. She would do it again.
Benjamin looked at him, his voice cold. "They had to shock her heart back to life multiple times. As her father, it kills me to see what she's been through."
William said nothing. He knew this was his fault.
"If you hate Isabella that much, then divorce her."
Divorce.
He had said it himself once. But hearing it from someone else made it sound different. Worse.
"I don't have a problem with it. She's the one who won't let go."
William was confident. No matter what happened, Isabella wouldn't leave him.
Benjamin sighed. In the end, it was Isabella's choice.
If she didn't want the divorce, he couldn't force her.
Benjamin didn't want to argue. He sat down on the bench, clasped his hands together, and prayed for Isabella.
Juniper bit down on her frustration. Isabella had been so close to dying. And she had survived.
If only she hadn't answered Benjamin's call. If he hadn't come, Isabella would be dead by now.
But she had to keep up the act. She stepped forward and patted Benjamin's shoulder.
"Godfather, don't worry. Isabella's strong. She'll be fine."
She turned to William. "You shouldn't worry either. She'll pull through."
William frowned. When had he said he was worried? He just didn't want her dying before she'd paid for what she'd done.
Five hours passed. No news.
Isla woke up. The nurse called immediately, saying she was causing a scene again. Benjamin had no choice but to go back.
Before he left, he said, "William, I don't care how much you hate Isabella. I need you to stay put. Wait until she's out."
At least someone had to be there in case something went wrong.
William nodded. It was the best excuse he had for staying.
Benjamin returned to the room, his mood heavy. Isla grabbed a pillow and hurled it at him.
"You finally remembered I exist? I thought you only cared about that woman."
Ever since Isabella's kidney had been transplanted into her body, Isla's hatred had only grown sharper. Every word out of her mouth was venom.
Benjamin sighed, picked up the pillow, dusted it off, and set it back on the bed.
"Isla, can you please stop? Isabella's still in surgery. I'm worried about her."
"I already told you. I hope she dies in there. Why did you even save her? So she can keep hurting people?"
"She's your daughter. Don't you care about her at all?"
Isla's eyes were red. "She killed Beatrice. She's my enemy. I only care that she doesn't survive. If you're so worried about her, go sit with her. Don't bother with me."
Benjamin's voice was firm. "We're married. You're the most important person in my life. How could I not care about you?"
Isla looked up at him, her tone sharp. "Then I want to transfer to another hospital."
"Transfer?" Benjamin's eyes widened. "This is the best hospital in the city. And Isabella's not stable yet. Can't you wait until after her surgery—"
Isla cut him off. "No. I want to transfer now."