For days, Dulce had no direct contact with Michael, relying only on updates from the police about the developments in the case. Meanwhile, Fiona had managed to sit up but spent her time staring blankly at her sonâs belongings.
âI was wrong to have you. If you hadnât been born, you wouldnât have suffered like this, right?â she whispered to herself, her words filling Dulce with sorrow just from hearing them.
âFiona, you should try to rest a bit,â Dulce suggested.
Fiona, who had always been responsive to adviceâmuch like she had been with Laceyâs past suggestionsânow found herself heeding every word. Her nature was not to lead, but to follow.
Had she followed Michaelâs advice to divorce sooner, might her son have been spared? This troubling thought lingered as Fiona drifted off to sleep, aided by a sedative.
Late into the night, Dulce entered to check on her. Upon opening the door, she discovered Michael standing beside Fionaâs bed. Only a single lamp was lit, casting a soft glow on the floor. Michael remained just outside the illuminated area, staring at the sleeping Fiona, deep in contemplation.
It had been several days since Dulce last saw him, and his appearance was as worn as Fionaâs. The sight of Fiona in such a state likely brought back memories of Lacey for him.
âAre you okay?â Dulce inquired, concerned.
Michael turned his gaze toward her, managing a strained smile. âIâm managing.â
âLetâs step outside. Sheâs finally asleep.â
They moved to the corridor, where Michael spoke first. âThank you.â
âItâs merely my duty. As a witness, I must support the investigation.â Yet Dulceâs commitment to Fiona extended well beyond mere obligation. She had remained by Fionaâs side day and night, assuming the role of her caregiver at the hospital.
âIâve arranged for a nurse to care for her now. Let me drive you home.â Dulce observed the fatigue in his eyes. âYou havenât had much sleep either, have you?â
âIâm fine. Letâs head out.â
Despite her concerns, Fiona couldnât convince him otherwise and followed him to the parking lot.
There, Michaelâs car sat, both headlights shattered. He actually planned to drive her home in that condition.
âWhat happened to your car?â she asked.
âJust a minor accident.â
Dulce was genuinely worried about his condition, which he seemed to underestimate. Taking a decisive breath, she said, âIâm not risking my life with you or this car.â She gestured back towards the hospital. âYou need to go back and rest properly.â
âAnd what about you?â
âIâll catch a taxi.â
âNo, itâs too late for that, and itâs not safe,â Michael retorted without missing a beat.
âIâll arrange for someone to pick me up; you donât need to worry about it.â
Michael remained silent for a moment, perhaps from exhaustion, and began to walk back toward the ward. However, he paused after a few steps.
âDulce, do you think Iâm pretty useless?â he asked quietly.
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