Chapter 1 He's Remarried

"Mommy, it hurts so bad."

Hope Medina's heart broke as she watched her daughter, Sybil Medina, lying weak and helpless on the hospital bed. Hearing from the doctor about Sybil's critical condition, she feared her daughter might not survive the night.

"Hang in there, sweetie. You'll get better soon, and then I'll take you to the amusement park like I promised, okay?" Hope said.

Sybil blinked and managed a faint smile. "Mommy, I don't feel like going to the amusement park anymore."

Hope was taken aback. "What do you want instead? Just tell me, and I'll make it happen."

"I-I want to see Daddy," Sybil replied.

Hope froze. What was a simple wish for most families seemed impossible for them. But seeing Sybil's hopeful eyes, she couldn't say no. She stood up and gently caressed Sybil's cheek. "Okay, sweetie. Be good. Mommy will go find Daddy for you."

Hope grabbed her phone and hurried out of the room, leaning against the hallway wall as tears finally streamed down her face. Everywhere she looked, she saw children with both parents, even grandparents. But Sybil only had her, worn out from single-handedly caring for her daughter. Hope understood why Sybil wanted to see her dad. The girl in the next bed had her father by her side every day, playing games and telling stories. Sybil never voiced her longing, but Hope saw it in her eyes.

After a moment's hesitation, Hope dialed the long-unused number. It rang twice before Maria Fields, her ex-mother-in-law, answered.

"Hope, how long are you going to keep pestering Bruno? Today's his wedding day. Are you trying to ruin it?" Maria snapped.

Hope licked her dry lips and croaked, "Sybil's getting worse. The doctors say she might not make it through the night. Her last wish is to see her dad."

Maria spat, "Good riddance! That child should never have been born."

"How can you be so heartless? You're a parent too, and Sybil is your granddaughter." Hope fumed.

"I never accepted that little bastard. Bruno swears he never slept with you. Who knows whose kid Sybil really is? Listen, Hope—I'm warning you. It's Bruno's wedding day. Don't cause any trouble." With that, Maria hung up, crushing Hope's last shred of hope.

So today, Bruno was marrying another woman, while his daughter fought for her life. Hope's eyes fell on a newspaper lying on a nearby chair. The headline blared about Bruno Fields and Zelda Warren's wedding, featuring a large spread of their photos. Bruno looked as dashing as ever—his face still capable of taking her breath away. Zelda leaned into him, radiating joy.

It was a stark contrast to Bruno and Hope's own wedding. A quick trip to City Hall. No wedding dress, no diamond ring, no congratulations. Their one and only night together had been a result of his drunkenness, leaving her sore and miserable the next morning.

Hope picked up the paper, took a few deep breaths to hold back her tears, then forced a smile and pushed open Sybil's door. "Sybil, look what Mommy got you."

Hearing that, Sybil's eyes lit up. "Is Daddy here, Mommy?"