Chapter 1
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"Doctor, please save my son!" My voice cracked, tears blurring my vision. Owen's temperature had spiked to 104 degrees, his tiny body burning like fire.
"Your child needs immediate hospitalization," the doctor said gravely after examining him. "Our preliminary diagnosis suggests acute leukemia. We need to perform a bone marrow aspiration to confirm."
Leukemia? The word hit me like a sledgehammer, making my entire body go numb. "How much will it cost? I'll do whatever it takes!"
"The initial treatment requires a deposit of $30,000, with additional costs to follow," the nurse handed me a form. "Please complete the admission procedures first."
I frantically checked my wallet and banking app, finding less than $5,000. Over the years, raising my child alone had drained every penny I had.
"Can't you start treatment first? I swear I'll get the money," I begged, desperation in my voice.
"I'm sorry, but hospital policy requires the deposit upfront," the nurse replied, her voice devoid of emotion.
I collapsed onto a hallway bench with Owen, feeling utterly helpless. My four-year-old son was deathly pale, his forehead burning against my palm as he whispered weakly, "Mommy, it hurts..."
I kissed his forehead, tears streaming down my face. "Hold on, baby. Mommy will save you, I promise."
I called every friend who might help, but only managed to scrape together about $8,000. Still short by over $20,000, I was running out of options.
Finally, with trembling hands, I dialed a number I hadn't used in five years—my ex-husband, Nolan.
The phone rang for what felt like an eternity. Just as I was about to hang up, he answered.
"Who is this?" His voice was cold, cutting.
"Nolan, it's me, Chloe." I fought back tears. "I need your help."
Silence hung on the line for a heartbeat. "Get to the point. I'm busy," he replied, his tone glacial.
"My son is sick. The doctors suspect leukemia. I need to borrow $30,000 for his treatment," I said bluntly, not wanting to drag things out.
"Your son?" He let out a harsh laugh. "That's rich, Chloe. You couldn't wait to get away from me during our divorce, and now you're calling me?"
"Please, Nolan. Consider it a loan. I'll pay back every cent, I swear!" I swallowed my pride for my child's sake.
"What does your kid have to do with me?" he said coldly. "Go ask his father."
His words stabbed my heart like a knife. Owen was our child! But I couldn't tell him the truth—a secret I'd buried for five years.
"Nolan, I know you hate me," I choked out. "But the child is innocent. Please, help him!"
"Hate you?" He scoffed. "Damn, Chloe, you think too highly of yourself. I don't feel a thing for you anymore, not even hatred."
My heart twisted in pain. The man who once would have moved mountains for me had turned to stone.
"Nolan, I truly have nowhere else to turn," my voice broke. "If there's any decency left in you, please help this innocent child."
After what felt like forever, he finally spoke. "Come to my office tomorrow at 10 AM," he said flatly before hanging up.
I didn't know if that was a yes or a no, but it was my only hope. I cradled Owen close, spending a sleepless night in the sterile hospital corridor.
