She was worried Matthew might overhear and therefore kept her voice low.

Marcus paused, taking in her words.

Then, with an even chillier tone, he asked, “And why would I agree to that?"

Melissa felt her patience wearing thin but managed to keep her cool.

Taking a deep breath, she gathered herself before saying, "I'm going to hand the phone to Matthew."

This time, Marcus didn't resist.

When Matthew received the phone from Melissa, he glanced at his hand connected to the IV drip. With a voice full of sorrow, he asked, “Daddy, where are you? Why haven't you visited me? I'm sick, and it really hurts... If you don't show up at the hospital, I will be really upset."

Marcus' brow furrowed, and he felt a pang in his heart at those words.

Despite any issues between him and Melissa, he knew he couldn't let that impact Matthew. In a soft, soothing tone, he inquired, "Where are you, buddy? Hand the phone to mommy, please."

Matthew, teary-eyed, handed the phone to Melissa, saying, “Daddy wants to talk to you."

Melissa let out a soft sigh upon hearing this.

As she took the phone, Marcus' voice came through, asking, "What hospital are you at? Text me the address. I'll come immediately."

Without thinking, Melissa responded, “You don't have to. It's already late... Maybe you can visit Matthew tomorrow."

This response slightly irritated Marcus, but he kept his cool and replied, "Do you think Matthew would be happier if I weren't there?

You just keep telling him that his father's busy, and eventually he wouldn't miss having a dad around. And as he gets older, he might resent me for not being there when he needed me the most."

"You misunderstood me," Melissa clarified, and then gave Marcus the address, adding, "The snow is coming down hard. Be careful driving."

Marcus let out a scoff and ended the call.

He put his phone away, leaned back against the bathroom wall, and smoked the last of his cigarette... Beneath the crystal lamp's glow, his silhouette appeared more distinguished.

Just then, James burst out of the private room, calling out to Marcus, "There you are! Come on! Two more rounds before we call it a night! With the snowfall, it's time to head home."

Marcus turned to crush his cigarette out.