Chapter 3

Elizabeth was filled with confusion.

Since William had admitted to switching the kidney source to Florence, Elizabeth had never trusted him again and had resolutely taken Isabella to transfer to another hospital.

The doctors in the other hospital had assisted them in arranging a new kidney - source channel.

After considering Isabella's state of mind and conducting a condition assessment, Elizabeth then began taking her home to recuperate.

Although three days later, Isabella's condition suddenly worsened, and she was rushed back to the emergency room.

But when they left the hospital where William worked, Isabella's physical condition was far from good. How could this doctor say such things?

But William had already believed it. He exhaled in relief, thanked the doctor, and then returned to work.

After he left, Dr. Henry scratched his head.

"What's wrong with young William? Wasn't he the one overseeing his daughter's condition all the time?"

"Didn't he distribute red envelopes throughout the hospital when the surgery was so successful on the 13th? Has he forgotten so quickly?"

Elizabeth was stupefied.

Isabella tugged at Elizabeth's hand beside her, her eyes shining brightly.

"Mommy, did Daddy come to see me that day?"

Elizabeth's throat constricted, and she was rendered speechless.

The 13th was the day Isabella couldn't be saved and passed away.

Elizabeth still vividly remembered her tiny form covered by the white sheet, her cold little hands, and her pallid face.

And on that same day, Florence had received the life - saving kidney that was meant for Isabella.

So, the people in this hospital had all mistaken Florence for William's daughter.

And on the 13th, William had joyously distributed red envelopes throughout the hospital.

Even though souls couldn't feel the cold, Elizabeth shivered.

William, did you ever consider that while you were elated about Florence's successful surgery, your own flesh - and - blood daughter was closing her eyes forever in another hospital six kilometers away?

You had the time to give out red envelopes to everyone but couldn't be bothered to answer the over - twenty calls I made to you.

Isabella had been thinking of you until the moment she closed her eyes!

Elizabeth didn't know whether to feel sorrow or rage within and managed a bitter smile.

William, you are completely unfit to be a father!

Isabella sensed Elizabeth's emotions and hugged her leg.

"Mommy, don't be sad anymore. Isabella will always be with you!"

Whether she had guessed something or not, this time Isabella didn't ask for her father again.

In the evening, William got off work.

Elizabeth took Isabella and trailed behind him home.

Although she didn't mention it, Isabella was still happy floating beside William.

After all, which child doesn't love their parents?

When they reached the door, William took out his keys.

The door opened, and Caroline and Florence, mother and daughter, came out to greet them.

Elizabeth was thunderstruck.

Even Isabella was too shocked to utter a word.

Caroline, acting like the mistress of the house, took William's briefcase and coat, smiling gracefully.

"Welcome back. Dinner is ready. Go wash your hands."

Florence had recovered well and was bouncing around merrily.

She was nothing like Elizabeth's Isabella, whose soul seemed so fragile.

William entered the house, stroked Florence's head, and smiled tenderly at Caroline.

"Caroline, thank you for your hard work."

Witnessing this scene, Elizabeth felt as if she had been struck hard.

The first time she saw Caroline was when Isabella was in elementary school.

Isabella had always been a lively and smiling little girl, but a few days into the second grade, she grew increasingly reticent.

Elizabeth had initially thought it was a normal part of the child's growing - up process.

Until one time when she bathed her, Elizabeth discovered numerous purple and blue bruises under her clothes.

The next day, Elizabeth sought out Isabella's class teacher.

"Miss Catherine, you must do something about this!"

"How could a child be so malicious at such a young age? Do you know this is called school bullying?!"

Elizabeth was trembling with fury.

The class teacher attempted to placate her in a hushed tone but was at a loss for a solution, which only enraged Elizabeth further.

After ranting alone for a while with no response from those around her, Elizabeth angrily turned around and saw William staring blankly in the opposite direction, looking at the girl who was the instigator of the school bullying, Florence - and her mother.

In the end, this bullying incident was resolved with Caroline's apology and William's magnanimous forgiveness.

Florence escaped any punishment.

Elizabeth was incredulous and couldn't accept the outcome.

William forcefully dragged her away.

When faced with Elizabeth's inquiries, he showed not the slightest hint of guilt.

"I know Caroline's character. There must be some misunderstanding about this."

"She has a kind heart, and the daughter she raises will definitely not engage in bullying."

It was only then that Elizabeth learned that William had a goddess first love.

They had been passionately in love during their youth but were forcibly separated.

Until now, with William having a family and Caroline being a single mother, they had finally reunited by chance.