Chapter 22
Mona was on the verge of a near–breakdown. She released Ted almost instantly and jumped to her feet to shower and change clothes.
Her abrupt movement caused the nurse’s needle to slip and puncture a vein. Then, there was a sharp pain and continuous bleeding.
Ted was thrown to the ground and began wailing even louder.
“What’s the parent doing? Send the child to the ward and wait for the doctor’s instructions.”
The nurse grabbed Mona who was about to leave and snapped, “And clean this up while you’re at it!” She pointed to the urine on the floor. Her patience was wearing thin.
Mona’s temper flared. She was about to brush the nurse off and storm out when Mick’s assistant, Royce Logan, spoke up. “Ms. Poole, take Mr. Wilcher to the ward and leave the cleanup to me.”
Royce’s words brought her back to her senses. Royce was still here, and her behavior would certainly be reported. The more aggrieved she seemed, the more heartbroken Mick would feel
toward her.
“Thank you. I really appreciate it.” She quickly reverted to her usual gentle demeanor and reached out to pick Ted up.
Both of them were soaked and reeked of an unpleasant smell. People around them frowned
and moved away in disgust.
When they’d rushed to the hospital earlier, they hadn’t brought any change of clothes. To be fair, Mona wouldn’t have thought of it even if there’d been time to prepare.
Ted was aware he’d wet himself and knew it was a bad thing. He stopped crying once Mona picked him up and kept sneaking glances at her face.
When he realized she didn’t seem angry, he relaxed a little. Nydia never got mad about things like this either. Instead, she’d comfort him out of worry that he might feel upset.
He assumed Mona thought the same way and was emboldened by the reassurance. “I want new clothes! I feel awful! I want clothes!”
Mona knew she had to commit fully to playing the role of a miserable stepmother, so she sent her assistant, Gia Carson, away to buy new clothes.
When Gia returned with the new clothes, Mona dressed Ted while saying soothingly, “I understand you’re feeling uncomfortable. Shall I buy you some snacks later?”
Ted nodded eagerly. He felt much better after changing into clean dry clothes. The tantrum. had worked up a sweat and temporarily brought his fever down, so his mood improved
Chop 22
significantly.
“I want chips, fried chicken, and steak!” These were all foods Nydia strictly forbade
“Sure,
I’ll get you everything. You’re the most well–behaved kid I know, and you’re my favorite.”
A few words of praise sent Ted’s earlier tantrums away. “You’re the best, Ms. Poole. I wish you. could stay with me forever. Why don’t you live at my house?”
Mona guided him along. “Your dad is waiting for your mom to come home, sweetie. Don’t say that again, or your mom will feel sad.”
Ted was confused. “What does my mom coming back have anything to do with you living at my house?”
Mona sighed. “Adult stuff is too complicated for a kid like you to understand.”
Ted refused to be dismissed like a little brat. He raised his voice to say, “Of course I do! I want you, not Mom! She doesn’t come to see me! Hmph!”
Mona smiled. “Alright, you clever little rascal. I’ll get your snacks, while you stay here with Gia, alright?”
“Okay.” Ted beamed with joy.
Mona left the hospital in relief and headed to the hotel. She was utterly exhausted.
With Gia taking care of things today, she dec
