“Argus!” My voice broke. “Please, please don’t do this. My father needs treatment. I already paid, I did everything you wanted, I drank everything, I—”
“So?” he cut in, almost bored. “He had surgery last week, didn’t he? Skipping one won’t kill him. Or are you saying your father is that weak?”
My knees hit the floor.
“Please,” I whispered. “I’m begging you. Don’t punish him for this. If you’re angry, take it out on me. I’ll do anything, just don’t—”
“Of course it’s punishment,” he said, his voice turning colder. “This is for hurting and humiliating Celine. Did you really think you could walk away after making her upset?”
Everything went silent.
The call ended.
And then—
Beep.
Beeeeeeep—
I froze. Slowly, I turned my head. The line on the monitor… it wasn’t moving anymore. Just straight.
“No!”
My phone slipped from my hand and hit the floor. I rushed to the bed, grabbing my father’s hand. It was cold. Too cold.
“No, no, no… Dad!” My voice shook. “Wake up. Please wake up. I’m here now. I got the money, everything’s okay now, you’re going to be fine, so please…”
He didn’t move.
“Dad…” My grip tightened, my whole body trembling. “Dad!!!” My scream tore through the room. But no one answered.
—