The drug took effect very quickly. Everything began to melt away as soon as she signed her name.

James was pleased to see her capitulate.

"Don't make trouble. Remember,

Carlos isn't around to protect you. Killing you and your baby would be

Like squashing ants underfoot," he continued threatening her.

Debbie cursed through gritted teeth, "You bastard!"

Now that he had gotten what he wanted, James was as happy as a clam. He didn't react to her cursing. He even said, “When you wake up, you can see him one last time," as if he were merciful.

Debbie closed her eyes, ignoring him. He didn't mind and left the room with his minions before Debbie fell into a dreamless sleep.

When Debbie woke up, she found out that she was in a room next to the

ICU. She changed into scrubs and a mask, then dragged herself into the

ICU weakly.

A nurse followed her inside, watching her like a hawk. The moment

Debbie saw Carlos, grief overwhelmed her.

She grabbed his hand tightly.

“Old man, it's me, your wife. Wake up!

Look at me. Look at me."

His hand felt icy cold, like he truly was dead. Debbie put it to her

Lips with trembling hands and kissed it gently.

"Old man, I miss you so much. I'm worried about you. Open your eyes and look at me, all right?"

But Carlos didn't respond at all. He was indeed as quiet as a dead man.

Just when Debbie felt his forehead, the nurse reminded her, "Your minute is up, miss. Please leave."

‘My... minute? ' Debbie realized that she had traded her marriage for a single minute with Carlos.

"Can you give me a few more minutes? I need more time,"

Debbie pleaded.

However, the nurse wouldn't budge on this. She shooed Debbie out of the ward.