“What? Now you're defying me for this lowly woman?" Janiya retorted.

“Mom, please stop. I'm not well!" Sanford clutched his wound, his complexion paling.

Maggie bit her lip, struggling to keep the sadness from her eyes.

She bowed respectfully to Janiya.

“I apologize, Mrs. Robles. I accept the blame. Please don't be upset. I'll take my leave now.”

She couldn't bear the thought of Sanford quarrelling with his mother on her account.

The guilt would be unbearable.

“Maggie, don't go! Please..." Sanford's plea was interrupted by a bout of coughing.

Maggie froze, tears streaming down her face unchecked.

Swiftly wiping her tears, she hurried out of the ward, head bowed low.

"Maggie!" Sanford reached for his wound, intending to rise from the bed, his face contorted with pain.

“Dear, stay still! Oh, my God! Why is there blood seeping through your shirt? Has your wound worsened?"

“Mrs. Robles, you should call the doctor."

"Yes, of course! I'll press the call button!

Maggie leaned against the wall outside, straining to hear the commotion inside. Her hands clenched into tight fists as worry gnawed at her.

“Sanford, please take care of yourself, okay?" she murmured.

Soon, a doctor hurried over.

After the examination, Janiya inquired, “Doctor, how's my son?"

"The patient has just undergone surgery. Any unnecessary agitation should be avoided as it could hinder his recovery," the doctor advised after attending to Sanford's wound.

“I understand," Janiya hastily replied.

At the door, Maggie stole a glance inside. Seeing Sanford's eyes closed, his face devoid of color, she felt a lump in her throat.

She brushed away her tears, turned, and walked away slowly.