She tilted her head slightly, her tone gentling further as she added. "And I also wanted to come and thank Amara. She even contributed to the surgery funds."

It felt as though I had been stabbed clean through. I forced myself to take a deep breath, rising slowly from my knees. As I stood, my knees cracked painfully after kneeling for so long.

One step at a time, I moved closer, my body shaking with suppressed fury. Then, without a second thought, I raised my hand and slapped her with hatred. "You don't need to thank me. I never had any intention of giving you a single cent. If I could, I would take back that money right now and leave you to die all by yourself!"

Tears brimmed in Madeline's eyes, making them appear even larger and softer as they shimmered. Her delicate chestnut hair fell out of place. She held her cheek with a trembling hand, her voice breaking as she sobbed, "Amara, this is my fault. I shouldn't have clung to Rowan… I was just scared to go through the surgery alone. "

Rage surged within me, intensifying as I took in her innocent eyes.

Just as I took a step closer, Rowan's face flushed with anger. Without warning, he seized my arm and shoved me backward, sending me stumbling.

"Are you out of your mind? She's a patient!"

I staggered back, losing my balance. My head struck against the cold stone steps and a sharp pain shot through me as warm blood trickled down.

Through the blur of blood in my eyes, I caught a glimpse of Madeline's face. The corners of her mouth lifted in a faint, victorious smirk, her gaze flashing with smug satisfaction.

Rowan's attention was solely on her as he tenderly touched her cheek." Does it hurt?"

"Don't blame Amara; she is just too heartbroken."

I clutched my dizzy head, my voice trembling as I begged Rowan." Rowan, I feel so dizzy. Please, could you take me to the hospital?"

Before he could respond, Madeline tugged gently on his hand. Rowan's face immediately contorted with disgust as he glanced back at me." Forget about that crazy woman. You showed her kindness and this is how she repays you? She's ungrateful and completely out of control. Let her freeze out here. It might be the wake-up call she needs."

I trembled, clutching my forehead in agony, each breath shaky and raw. At that moment, all my pain, anger and betrayal surged to the surface, exploding from within me.