th activity-nurses rushed by pushing carts, doctors discussed cases in hushed tones, and the steady beeping of medical equipment

rd the elevator, somethi

dmother, dressed in a cleaner's uniform. Naomi's he

her gra

er grandmother was alrea

.." Naomi

omi's eyes widened in shock, her legs staggering. I

" she cal

corridor and then another. But she was getting weaker with every step, unable to catch up. She caught

he rooftop, her grandmother

his part of my illness? Am I h

g, Naomi. This is real. I am here to give you a s

them bury you. How... how can you be standing in front

my angel. I'm here only to give you a second chance in life. I can't help but feel

ind blew across the rooftop. "Wha

e hands of those she trusts the most. It's all my fault. If I hadn't agreed to the betrotha

ian?" She gave a bitter laugh. "Now I know this isn't real. You're just a

f those you think love you. You don't deserve what's happening. You've suffered enoug

een my best friend since high school. Let's not talk about this anymore. I miss you, Grandma...

her shock, she felt the solid warmth of her arms-but only for

a second chance at life-one filled with genuine love and

it was-she had hugged her grandmother, she was sure of it. Or maybe s

, she saw two women at the counter.

ow can we help you? Is an

wasn't there an emergency be

ined. "We were told by your guardian it wasn't nece

ank. Why would

u lend me your phone? I really need to c

and quickly dialed Dominic's number. Her hea

ng on?" she

problem, ma'am

Naomi replied, he

her hospital bills without money or her purse? Clenching her fists, Naomi realize

n she was diagnosed with cancer. Still, s

el

t's me.

her fathe

" she r

ll alive," her

disbelief. "Wha

in the background. "Honey, don

n anyway. She lost the babies, now she has cancer, and

ess?" Veronica cried. "Sh

need to pay my hospital bills. My husband-" She stopped when she

r and his grandmother made a promise to keep the families boun

ptionists exchanged pitying looks. They all knew who she was-the wife of Do

rolling. Her mother lived in constant fear, never daring to

bered her grandmother's words

money, no transport, and she was sick. She

happen to you, little

ao

Vivian's estranged older half-sister. Vivian had alway

smine... it's been years.

r face showing genuine concern. "But I didn't expect

mocking me? Do you think I'm going

omi. I'm concerned. I know what Vivian's told you about me,

es. "Help? Why would

a doctor, and it's my duty to help. And

most wanted to believe her. "I tried calling my husband... his num

said firmly. "Come with me to

e walk was slow, her body lean

hrough," Jasmine said softly. "I c

by Dominic, Vivian, and her father's

books and photos. Jasmine gestured for Naomi to sit. Picking up he

e. Jasmine dialed, waited, then s

ther family or fri

y alone. Then her grandmother's words ec

" Naomi said sudden

y. I'll arrange a car to take you. But prom

Thank you, Jasm

car was ready. At the exit,

number. Call me any

fingers trembling.

mber-you still have peo

the day crushing her. As it pulled away, s

to uncover the truth-no ma