Chapter 1069



Belinda’s entire body tensed. Sarai’s voice wavered as she continued, “Holley also claimed that you had put her at risk of infection. The moment Kenia heard that, she became incredibly agitated and insisted on seeing you right away. She pulled Me along with her as we left together. But she was so anxious that she didn’t even watch her step when she was taking the stairs. She lost her balance and fell…”

As she finished speaking, Sarai’s voice cracked with emotion.

Belinda sat frozen, her pulse hammering in her ears. Holley… It was because of her.

Belinda blinked. Had Kenia already known that she was infected with HIV? Belinda never would have thought that Kenia had fallen down the stairs because of her.

A crushing wave of guilt and self-reproach surged through her, nearly suffocating in its intensity.

The moment Lucas caught sight of Belinda’s expression, he understood exactly what was running through her mind.

His voice was firm as he reassured her, “You can’t blame yourself for this. This isn’t on you.”

Belinda turned to him, her lips trembling. She sniffled, struggling to steady her voice. “How can you say that? How can this not be my fault? Grandma was worried sick about me… That’s why this happened—”

Before she could finish speaking, a frantic female voice pierced through the hallway. “Sarai! Where’s my mother? How is she?”

Belinda’s head snapped up, her gaze locking onto Holley, who was hurrying toward them, her face a mask of concern.

In an instant, Belinda’s sorrow twisted into anger. Her expression hardened as she rose to her feet, closing the distance between Holley and herself in just a few strides. “Why did you tell Grandma about my diagnosis?”

Holley faltered, stunned by Belinda’s question. She opened her mouth to respond, but Belinda didn’t give her the chance. “Did you even think for a second about how that news would affect her? You know she can’t handle stress like that! And telling her I was sick wasn’t enough for you, was it? You had to twist the knife even further by claiming I put you at risk of infection, too!”

Belinda took a step closer, her eyes blazing. “Why didn’t you tell her why I scratched your face? Couldn’t bring yourself to say it?”

Belinda’s words were like daggers, leaving Holley visibly shaken.

The color drained from Holley’s face as she lowered her gaze, regret flickering in her eyes.

She had acted recklessly, letting fear and resentment dictate her actions when she had made that fateful call to Kenia.

The moment she received Sarai’s call, informing her that Kenia had fallen down the stairs, regret had gnawed at her insides.

Now, as she stood before Belinda, remorse clung to her like a shadow. With a quivering voice and tear-filled eyes, Holley choked out, “I’m sorry, Belinda. This is all my fault! I was terrified, and I acted without thinking—I never meant for this to happen.”

Her voice cracked as she took a shaky breath. “If you’re angry, just hit me! Take it out on me!”

But Belinda didn’t move. She didn’t even glance in Holley’s direction. Instead, she simply turned around and sat back down on the bench, waiting for an update on the surgery.

Her disappointment in Holley had reached a depth beyond words.

Lucas, sitting beside Belinda, didn’t even acknowledge Holley’s presence.

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