From Wife to Aunt: His Worst Nightmare novel Chapter 53

I snapped back at Henry's teasing, "None of your business. I'm here to see Dr. Palmer."

"He's busy! There are a dozen patients inside."

Still holding me up, Henry pointed toward the room. There really were about ten patients waiting.

I handed Tristan's badge to the nurse at the door and was about to leave.

Just then, someone else stepped out and called softly, "Zara?"

"Catherine?"

I hadn't expected Henry's mom, Catherine Sheldon, to be back.

Years ago, when Steve's dad, Marlon Griffin, wanted a divorce from Simone, Steve's grandfather, Kenny Griffin, refused to allow it.

In the end, Marlon gave up his inheritance rights and agreed with Kenny to permanently live abroad and never return. This removed any possibility that Henry would later contest Steve for the family fortune. And only then did the divorce happen.

But the truth was, Marlon hadn't been home for a long time. He had been living with Catherine.

Catherine was the other woman, just like Isabel. On all accounts, I should hate her.

Yet, every time Henry bullied me, it was Catherine who went to school and made him apologize, even bringing me gifts to make up for it.

Over time, though I never liked Henry, I didn't dislike Catherine.

She came over and supported me on the other side before explaining, "It's been a while. I've had terrible headaches lately. I heard Dr. Palmer is renowned both here and abroad, so I came back to see him."

Then, she glanced at my foot with concern. "You're hurt. Why are you wandering around alone? Isn't anyone looking after you?"

Henry cut in coldly, "She's as pale as a ghost and limping around like a cripple. Steve has such high standards. There's no way he'd want her now! He's probably out there with some other woman right now."

"Henry." Catherine scolded softly, "Don't talk nonsense. Apologize to Zara."

Her tone felt as familiar and warm as it did when I was a kid.

But I said, "No need. He's right."

Both Catherine and Henry looked awkward.

I said, "Catherine, I'm going back to my room. Let's meet again when there's a chance."

"Have Henry take you back. I can't feel at ease with you like this," Catherine suggested.

"Zara, didn't you have anemia when you were younger?" Henry snapped, "He tells you to donate blood, and you just do it? If he told you to drop dead, would you just jump out the window too? Zara, does your love for Steve have no bottom line? Why are you degrading yourself like this?"

A wave of melancholy washed over me. The world was so fickle. Everything changed in the blink of an eye.

Back then, whenever Henry's pranks made me cry or angry, Steve was the one who stood up for me and comforted me.

But now, the man who wanted me dead was Steve. And the one speaking up for me was Henry.

The nurse urged, "Ms. Yaxley, if you don't go soon, Mr. Griffin will get anxious."

Henry snapped, "Let him wait! She's not going."

Then, he grabbed the wheelchair from the nurse and tossed it out the door. At the same time, he also kicked the nurse out.

Once there was no one else in the room, he murmured, "Is Steve out of his mind? How could he ask his anemic wife to give blood for someone else?"

"What if that someone is his daughter?" I asked quietly.

Henry's eyes widened in shock.