Jaime scoffed but complied. “But I can do this, right?” He bent down and pinched my arm—hard. A sharp sting shot through my skin and tears welled in my eyes. Jaime sneered, watching me wince in pain.
Before I could react, Ian's phone rang. He answered immediately, his expression darkening.
“Dr. Seymour, your friend's fever just spiked dangerously high. You need to get here now!”
The call ended and Ian clenched his jaw. “Trish can't wait any longer. We have to do the C-section now.”
As soon as the elevator doors slid open, he grabbed my wrist and pulled me forward, dragging me out.
“Hey, stop!”
A sharp voice cut through the air, making my heart leap with hope. I turned my head and saw Marilyn standing behind us, slightly out of breath.
For the first time in what felt like forever, a flicker of hope reignited in my chest.
“Zara, you left your prenatal checkup booklet with me last time,” Marilyn said with a smile, handing it to Ian. “Good luck with everything.”
“Thank you,” Ian responded politely.
As Marilyn turned to leave, I tried to call out to her. “Mar—”
Before I could get the full word out, Jaime clamped a hand over my mouth. Ian immediately restrained my hands.