It was her second husband, Brad, who had helped lift her spirits.

Brad's family didn't hold a candle to the influence of Noemi's family.

He was also younger than Noemi by two years. Despite these differences, he'd pursued her relentlessly after they were introduced by a relative.

Eventually, his unflagging devotion won her over, and she chose to remarry. Her sole condition for Brad was loyalty.

And for years, Brian had seen signs that Brad had been sticking to his promise.

Leveraging Noemi's family status, Brad had also carved out a notable spot for himself.

They'd been the very picture of marital bliss among their social circle. But now, Brian was forced to confront a disturbing reality. It was all a facade.

Brad had cheated, tearing open old wounds in Noemi's already fragile heart.

Brian secured a private room for his mother in the hospital.

Noemi was lying in the bed. She looked like a weathered version of herself, with a pallor that made her seem years older, and eyes that had lost their sparkle.

"Hom."

Deanna perched on the edge of the bed and took Noemi's hand, her eyes swimming with tears.

“Why are you crying? I'm fine." Noemi's voice came out as more of a whisper.

“Mom, my heart nearly stopped when I saw you in a coma," Deanna blurted out, tears flowing down her cheeks.

Noemi tried to sit up, offering a weak smile.

Brian moved quickly to her side, placing a cushion behind her for support. Noemi pulled a long face as she spotted Rosalynn,

“Brian, I need to talk to you privately. Ask her to leave.”

Brian looked at Rosalynn, who stood like a statue near the doorway. He sensed that tensions would only escalate if they didn't hash things out right there and then,

“Mom, before we talk privately, I have a question. Was the incident with Karina today your doing?

Noemi frowned.

“What incident? What happened to Karina?"

Rosalynn broke her silence.