(Chapter 49. Painful Mema


    Chapter 49: Painful Memories and False usations


    Chapter 49: Painful Memories and False usations


    (Olivia''s POV)


    I watched in silent agony as Ethan cradled Emma in his arms. Hisrge hands, so capable of violence, now moved with impossible gentleness as he examined the shallow cut on her forearm.


    "Does it still hurt, Emmy?" he asked, his voice soft with concern.


    Emma sniffled dramatically, her eyes wide and tearful as she looked up at him, "A little, Daddy. But I''m being brave."


    "You''re the bravest girl I know, Ethan praised, pressing a kiss to her forehead.


    The tenderness in his expression was like a knife to my heart. A memory surfaced, sharp and painful, refusing to be ignored any longer.


    Lily had been lying in her hospital bed, tubes snaking from her frail body. Her kidney failure had progressed rapidly, leaving her weak and in constant pain. Despite everything, her eyes had lit up when I entered the room that day. "Mommy," she''d whispered, her voice barely audible. "Can I ask you something?" I''d sat beside her, smoothing her thin hair away from her forehead. "Anything, ba She''d hesitated, her fingers ying nervously with her nket. "Can I call Daddy? Just for a minute?"


    The request had broken my heart. After months of Ethan''s neglect, Lily still yearned for her father''s attention.


    I''d handed her my phone, helping her dial his number when her fingers trembled too much to manage it.


    I could still hear her small voice, so hopeful as Ethan answered.


    "Daddy? It''s Lily."


    There was a pause, and then her face had fallen, eyes filling with tears.


    "No, Daddy, I''m not lying. I really am sick. The doctor said my kidneys aren''t working right."


    Another pause. Longer this time.


    "But Daddy, could you pleasee see me? Just for a little while? I miss you."


    The tears had spilled over then, tracking down her hollow cheeks


    "I understand. You''re busy with Emma. It''s okay."