AMY’S POV
I put my hand over my mouth as a sob escaped me.
“She’s awake?
Is she okay?
Can I see her?”
“She’s asking for you,” the nurse said warmly.
“Come whenever you’re ready.”
I ended the call and looked at Richard, my eyes brimming with tears.
“My mother. She’s awake.”
Richard nodded, already signaling to the driver.
“Take us to the hospital.”
The drive was a blur.
My heart was pounding, my mind racing with a thousand thoughts.
What would she say when she found out what I’d done?
Would she be ashamed of me or would she understand me?
Richard’s hand found mine, squeezing gently.
“Stop worrying too much. Everything is going to be fine.”
I nodded, unable to speak.
My throat was too tight with emotion.
When we arrived at the hospital, I turned to Richard.
“Thank you for the ride.” I bolted out of the car without looking back.
I ran through the halls, until I reached my mother’s room.
I stopped at the door, my hand trembling on the handle.
I took in a deep breath before pushing the door open.
My mother was propped up in bed, her face pale but her eyes were instantly filled with tears when they found me.
“Mom!”
I rushed to her bedside, collapsing into the chair beside her.
I took her hand, pressing it to my cheek, and the tears I’d been holding back finally spilled over.
“Mom, I’m so glad you’re okay.” I sobbed.
“I was so scared.
I thought I was going to lose you too.”
“Shh, baby.” Her hand cupped my face, wiping away my tears.
“I’m okay now.
I’m sorry I made you go through that.”
“It’s okay.
I’m happy as long as you are fine.” I smiled at her.
“You are all I have left.
I can’t lose you too.”
“You still have your mate,” she reminded me and I froze.
“You are going to be a part of the Wellington family soon. You have them and you will always have me too. I know things are a little hard for me right now because of your dad but you need to focus on your future too.”
I wanted to open my mouth and tell her the truth, but the words wouldn’t come.
How could I tell her that I was already married to a Wellington and it’s not my mate but his uncle that is almost twice my age?
She looked so fragile and vulnerable.
I couldn’t burden her with this.
Not now.
“I know, mom but you’re still my first priority.”
She opened her mouth to say something but was interrupted by the door opening.
“Mrs. Hart,” he said warmly.
“Good to see you awake.
How are you feeling?”
“Tired and sore,” she admitted.
“But alive.”
“That’s the important part,” he said, checking her vitals and adjusting her IV.
“Your surgery was a complete success. You’ll need to rest for a few weeks, but you should make a full recovery soon.”
I let out a shaky breath, relief washing over me.
My mother was going to be okay.
The doctor left after giving her some medication, and I sat beside her, holding her hand.
She looked around the room, taking in the private suite, the flowers, the high-end equipment.
“Amy,” she said slowly.
“This is an expensive room. Besides, how did you get Doctor Matthew to perform my surgery? It must have cost a fortune.”
I panicked and tried to think of a good excuse.
“Did Derek pay for all this?” She asked.
I tensed, but kept my expression neutral.
“Don’t worry about the money, Mom. I took care of it. Just focus on getting better.”
Her eyes narrowed.
“Don’t dismiss me like that, Amy. We’re in debt. Your father’s illness drained everything we had. Where did you get the money for this?”
I opened my mouth to make up a lie, anything to deflect her questions but she squeezed my hand, hard.
“Amy Hart, look at me.”
Reluctantly, I met her eyes.
“What did you do?” she asked, her voice sharp despite her weakness.
“Mom, you shouldn’t be worrying about…” I tried to shut her off.
“What. Did. You. Do?” She narrowed her eyes on me.