His Final Atonement

I clenched the special medicine I had just received, my fingertips whitening with the pressure. The phone in my pocket suddenly vibrated, shattering the silence of the hospital corridor. I pulled out my phone, and a message from an unknown number flashed on the screen. The text was like an ice pick laced with poison, stabbing painfully at my heart: "Madeline Lawrence, don't let your father use that medicine, or you won't be able to bear the consequences." I immediately knew it was from Ethan River; he never missed a chance to threaten me. I took a deep breath and slipped the phone back into my pocket without replying. Right now, nothing is more important than Father's illness; Ethan River's threats aren't enough to make me stop. I quickened my pace toward the hospital ward where Father was, each step resolute. As I pushed open the hospital ward door, Ethan River was leaning by the window, hands shoved into his pockets, his face marked by a condescending coldness. He saw me enter, turned around, disdain flooding his gaze. "Madeline, you're truly bold—daring to ignore my messages." Ethan River's voice was low and oppressive. I ignored his taunts and walked straight to my father's bedside, handing the special medicine to the caregiver standing nearby. "Administer the medication to my father according to the doctor's orders." After speaking to the caregiver, I turned to face Ethan River. Ethan River sneered and stepped in front of me. "Do you really think giving your father that medicine will help? Let me tell you, Madeline, your father must die." His words cut through the calm façade I wore like a sharp blade. But I knew I couldn't afford to lose my composure; the more unsettled I became, the more Ethan River would gain the upper hand. I forced myself to steady my nerves and met his gaze. "Ethan River, don't go too far. Your sister Cynthia River's illness—who else do you think can save her?" Ethan River's expression changed subtly; he clearly did not expect me to bring up Cynthia River. "What do you mean?" He furrowed his brow, a note of caution evident in his voice. I spoke slowly, my voice clear and resolute: "I am the only successful blood transfusion match for Cynthia River; no one else can save her." This sentence detonated like a bomb before Ethan River. Shock filled his eyes, quickly replaced by anger: "You knew all along?"