Rejected Replaced and Forgotten

Nicole's POV

By the time I reached the hospital, dusk had already settled.

On my way, I encountered a gang of robbers. Though I got hurt in the scuffle, I managed to save my part-time job's salary for the month.

Limping, I found a doctor to treat my wounds. Just as the bandaging was finished, a passing nurse peeked in. "Nicole, you're back? Your mother is in critical condition…"

I jumped up, asking urgently, "What happened? Which emergency room?"

She explained, "I'm not sure. It seems like she suddenly had difficulty breathing. She's in the ER on the fifth floor."

My mind went blank as I rushed towards the surgery room, feeling like a moment's delay might cost me something irreplaceable.

Just as I reached the ER, the door opened. The doctor emerged, his expression grave. "Your mother's condition is critical. She needs surgery immediately. If we encounter another situation like today, it will be even more dangerous."

My chest tightened, and I nodded quickly, asking, "How soon can the surgery be arranged?"

He glanced at the clipboard handed by his assistant. "We can schedule it for next Thursday. The surgery will cost around $200,000."

"Alright, please arrange it. I'll get the money as soon as possible."

I agreed and rushed to the billing office to check my mother's medical card balance. There was only a little over a hundred dollars left. After depositing my $1,000 salary into the card, I was left penniless.

I walked back to the ward, feeling dazed, replaying the doctor's words over and over in my mind.

I wanted to cry, but seeing my comatose mother on the bed, I forced the tears back.

I took out my phone and scrolled through my contacts, my finger stopping on Drake's number.

After hesitating for a long time, I stepped out of the ward and made the call.

A cold female voice answered quickly, "Nicole?"

It was my father's current Luna, Kately.

I paused, then asked coldly, "Where's my dad?"

She replied cheerfully, "Your father and I are on vacation with The Silver Lake Pack. Do you need something?"

My grip on the phone tightened until my knuckles turned white. "Put him on the phone."

She chuckled, her tone certain. "You can tell me. He won't want to talk to you."

Standing in the hallway, I glanced at the open door of the ward, my eyes instantly filling with tears.

My mom was lying in the hospital, and I had to work multiple jobs to support us and pay for her medical expenses. Meanwhile, my dad was on vacation abroad with his new wife, refusing to even take my call.

I took a deep breath. "My mom needs surgery. It will cost around $200,000. Please let my dad know."