Part 2The Marrow Theft

I slammed the phone down and immediately started packing Daisy's clothes. I was terrified Michael would try to take her, so I decided we would stay at my parents' house for a while.

Daisy watched me silently, her sweet face devoid of questions.

The roads were empty due to the holiday, and a two-hour drive took only ninety minutes. The moment we pulled up to my parents' villa, they rushed out to greet us.

"Daisy's here! Come see what Grandma got you for New Year's!" my mother exclaimed, whisking Daisy inside.

My father took my bag. "Amelia, why didn't Michael come with you?"

His question sent a pang of sadness through me, but I didn't want them to worry. I lied.

"He had a last-minute thing at work. He'll probably come in a few days."

With my parents doting on Daisy, the knot of tension in my shoulders finally began to loosen. After lunch, I went to take a nap.

I woke up at dusk, groggy and disoriented. The first thing I saw was the familiar, shimmering text.

“The supporting character's dad is so cruel. He actually took her to the hospital to force the donation.”

“Yeah, poor girl. Her own father doesn't love her at all.”

“Even though I’m a fan of the female lead, Bella, I can't help but feel sorry for the supporting character…”

I shot upright, instantly awake, and ran out to find Daisy.

Only my parents were in the living room, watching a replay of the New Year's Gala.

"Amelia, you're awake," my dad said with a smile. "Michael came by this afternoon. He took Daisy to the amusement park."

"He even went to your room to tell you, but you were sleeping so soundly you didn't even stir."

“She wasn't just sleeping. The supporting character's dad injected her with a sedative.”

“I can't believe how heartless he is.”

Reading the text, I quickly pushed up my sleeve. Sure enough, there was a tiny puncture mark on my arm.

My blood ran cold. Michael had gone this far.

When I reached the hospital, Daisy was already lying in a hospital bed.

"Daisy!" I screamed, rushing to her side and checking her from head to toe.

The nurse who had been watching her saw me and scurried out of the room.

The moment Daisy saw me, she burst into tears. "Mommy, I'm scared!"

"It's okay, sweetie, it's okay. Mommy's here. No one is going to hurt you."

I pulled the IV needle from her arm, thanking my lucky stars for the nursing courses I’d taken years ago. Just as I finished changing her out of the hospital gown and was about to leave, Michael and Clara rushed in.

"What do you think you're doing?!" Michael roared.

"Amelia, please, have a heart. Save my daughter," Clara begged, dropping to her knees in front of me. "Bella can't wait any longer. Please, I'm begging you. She's already prepped for surgery, just waiting for the donation."

The commotion drew other families from the hallway. Seeing Clara weeping at my feet, they began to murmur their disapproval.

"My God, how can that woman be so cruel? Someone's life is on the line."

"It's a child's life! And a relative, no less. She's so cold-blooded."

I fought to control my emotions and looked at Michael. "Go get the head physician."

Thinking I had given in, Michael eagerly fetched the doctor.

"Doctor," I asked, my voice tight with restraint, "is Daisy really a match?"

The doctor's face lit up. He nodded enthusiastically. "Yes! Bella is a very lucky girl. Once the transplant is done, her condition can be brought under control."

Michael saw me nod and rushed forward. "The doctor has explained everything. Stop making a scene!"

"The surgery is already scheduled. Don't cause any more delays."

I looked at this frantic, desperate man and felt like I was staring at a stranger.

"I've already called the police."

The onlookers fell silent, their faces filled with confusion. Only the doctor and Michael's family looked terrified.

Just as I spoke, the police arrived.

"I'm the one who called," I said, pointing at the doctor. "I'm reporting this man for accepting a bribe and attempting to forcibly extract bone marrow from a ten-year-old child!"