Chapter 80: Not Even as Important as a Dog
It was the first gift Damian ever bought her with his part-time salary. He had excitedly run three blocks, sweaty, to put the bracelet on her wrist, promising to buy her the best jewels someday.
Further down was a picture of the lost engagement ring, a simple design he had saved up for half a year to custom-make. The caption was sentimental: "Some things get old, but love is always new."
Evelyn found it hard to breathe, her fingertips shaking uncontrollably. These precious memories were now being used by that man as a PR stunt, displayed to the public to cover his betrayal. The memory of past sweetness felt like a knife twisting in her heart. She instinctively touched her abdomen, where a small life was growing, a child whose father was ruthlessly destroying her world.
The car slowly pulled into the mansion's driveway. The living room lights were on, but the space felt cold. Evelyn took a deep breath and pushed the door open. Damian was on the sofa, his tie loose, a half-empty bottle of whiskey on the coffee table. He turned at the sound of the door. The air reeked of alcohol, mixed with a hint of rose perfume—Sienna's usual scent.
“You’re back already?” Damian's voice was slurred, his eyes annoyed at the interruption.
“I was bored. I went out for a walk.” Evelyn stood in the entrance, dressed in Ryan’s white shirt and black pants, looking distant. She held up her phone, displaying the photo of the bracelet. “Where is this bracelet?”
Damian squinted, trying to recognize the object in the photo. “What?” He frowned, clearly having no memory of it.
“It was the first gift you ever gave me.” Evelyn took a step closer. “You said then you’d never let me take it off. But then you took it. Where is it now?”
Damian let out a laugh, as if she'd told a joke. “That piece of junk?” He waved his hand, leaning back on the sofa. “Must have thrown it out. Only someone like you would treasure trash. No point in keeping old things; they just take up space.”
Must have thrown it out. No point in keeping old things. The words roared in her ears. The token of their eight years together was, in his mouth, just garbage taking up space.
“What about the ring?” Evelyn persisted. “The engagement ring? The one you personally chose and custom-made. You said…”
“Enough!” Damian sat up sharply, cutting her off with impatience. He fumbled in his pocket and tossed something onto the coffee table with a clink. It was a ring, but not the original one. It was a cheaply made cubic zirconia, the wrong size for her finger—obviously a bargain piece.
“The old one’s lost,” Damian said, waving dismissively without looking at it. “Just wear this one for now. What’s the difference? Don’t bother me with these trivial things.”
Evelyn stared at the ring. Her heart felt like a piece had been gouged out. The pain swept through her.
“Damian…” She opened her mouth, but no sound came out. Then, everything began to spin. Darkness surged forward, instantly consuming her.
THUD! Evelyn's body collapsed onto the cold floor.
Damian stared at her, his frown deepening. “Stop faking it,” he said impatiently, kicking the coffee table leg. “Evelyn, this act is boring. Get up!”
No response. Damian finally realized something was wrong, his drunken haze clearing slightly. He knelt down and shook her. “Evelyn?” A wave of panic hit him. He scooped her up and rushed out.
The lights were bright in Central Hospital’s VIP emergency room. Damian carried the unconscious Evelyn inside. The doctor quickly examined her, frowned, and turned to Damian, who was checking his watch.
“Mr. Green, your wife’s vital signs are stable for now, but the cause of the faint is unclear. We need a full set of tests,” the doctor recorded on the chart. “That includes blood work, a brain CT, and an abdominal ultrasound to rule out internal bleeding or other issues…”
“Then do it,” Damian cut him off, his voice showing unconcealed annoyance. He didn't spare a glance for Evelyn on the bed. He just thought the entire evening was a mess. First, she asked about some bracelet and ring, then she fainted, as if putting on a show for him. “Run every test. I don't want anyone saying tomorrow that I abuse my wife.”
Just as the doctor was about to call for the ultrasound, Damian's phone vibrated. It was the distinct ringtone he’d set for Sienna. Damian's frown eased when he saw the screen, but then turned instantly anxious. The screen showed a photo: a white poodle huddled in a corner, a little blood on its leg. Following the photo was a tearful voice message.
“Damian… what do I do? Pearl was just bitten by the neighbor’s big dog and she’s bleeding… I’m afraid she’ll get infected, but it’s so late, and I’m scared to take her to the vet alone… Could you please come? I’m really scared…”
Damian’s expression instantly changed. He snapped the phone shut and turned to rush out of the emergency room.
“Mr. Green?” The bewildered doctor pursued him with the test forms. “We need a family member’s signature for the tests, and your wife hasn’t woken up yet…”
“Find my assistant for the rest.” Damian’s hurried voice was cold and sharp. “Use the highest standard of treatment. I’ll cover all the costs. But I have an urgent matter and must leave immediately.”
“But…”
“No buts!” Damian pushed past a nurse and strode out of the hospital. He never once looked back at Evelyn on the bed.
Silence fell in the emergency room. The doctor and nurse exchanged sympathetic glances, looking from the still-swinging door to the abandoned woman on the bed.
Half an hour later, Evelyn woke up. The smell of disinfectant brought her instantly back to reality. She opened her eyes to a white ceiling. Her hand felt a slight sting. IV fluid was steadily dripping into her vein.