Chapter 188

He angrily retrieved the medicine from the bag. I apologized, stammering, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry..."

"How much does the medicine cost? I'll pay for it," I offered.

At that moment, Kimberly's voice cut through the air from behind me. I furrowed my brows, turning to see her standing there, her arrival unnoticed. Reynaldo stood beside her, regarding me indifferently.

Instinctively clutching the prescription, I said lightly, "No need."

"It's okay, just a little money for medicine," Kimberly said, tugging Reynaldo's arm and offering a sympathetic look. "I never expected Ms. Duffy to be so destitute she can't even afford medicine. Reynaldo, please help her pay."

"I said no!" I snapped, my brows furrowed, impatience flaring. Hadn't Kimberly just been in excruciating pain, seemingly on the verge of death? How was she so quickly recovered? She was everywhere!

My sharp retort, though quiet, visibly shook Kimberly's delicate frame.

Chapter 188

She looked at Reynaldo with grievance and sadness. "Reynaldo, did I interfere again? I just felt sorry for her, but she seems to really dislike me."

"Some people's plight is self-inflicted, not deserving of pity," Reynaldo responded lightly. "Since she doesn't want your kindness, there's no need to force it. It's just medicine; she won't die without it."

I held the prescription tightly, bitterness and resentment welling in my heart. I wouldn't die without the medicine, but it was to prevent a miscarriage, to protect his child.

The pharmacist, impatient, barked, "Hey, do you want this medicine or not?"

I tightened my grip on the prescription behind my back. This wasn't the time to be stubborn; protecting my baby was paramount. I looked at Reynaldo, who silently watched me, his usual sneer absent, his gaze indifferent, as if I were a stranger. A sharp pang of pain pierced my heart.

I pursed my lips, saying with difficulty, "Can you please help me pay for the medicine... I'll transfer the money to you later."

Chapter 188

"But didn't you just say you didn't need help paying?" Kimberly asked innocently.

Ignoring her, I looked at Reynaldo. He said nothing, walking indifferently to the counter. "How much?" he asked.

"Oh, 855.70. Just scan the code on the counter," the pharmacist replied, bagging the medicine.

Fearing Reynaldo would see it was medication to prevent a miscarriage, I quickly took the bag as the pharmacist handed it over. He eyed me suspiciously but remained silent.

"Thank you," I said lightly to Reynaldo. "I'll transfer the money back to you later."

I quickly left the hospital. Kimberly called out to me, but I ignored her, dodging her attempt to stop me. This Kimberly, I decided, was not to be trusted. I'd never considered her malicious, but the restaurant incident, where she'd deliberately forced me to spend half my salary, had changed my mind.

As I hurried out, I heard Kimberly's voice behind me. She was asking the pharmacist, "Excuse me, what medicine did my friend take?"

I froze. This was infuriating. If the pharmacist told them I was taking medication to prevent a miscarriage… Reynaldo would know about my pregnancy.

I spun around, snapping rudely at Kimberly, "Why so many questions? What I take is none of your business."

Kimberly recoiled, appearing terrified. "Ms. Duffy," she said with a wounded tone, "I'm just concerned and want to know what's wrong so Reynaldo can get you another thorough examination. Why are you reacting so strongly?"

"It's none of your business what's wrong with me, and I don't need your concern. Mind your own business and stop acting like you're dying."

"Esmeralda!" Reynaldo roared, stepping in front of Kimberly, his eyes blazing. "Watch your words!"

I sadly pursed my lips.