FROM FRY PAN TO FIRE
Clarissa's voice cracked like thunder across the hall. "You're insane, Damien! Completely mad! How dare you even say that?"
Damien didn't flinch. His eyes burned with a rage that had simmered for too long. "Mad? Maybe. But if madness is what it takes to take back what I gave you—then yes. I want my kidney back. I should have let you die."
The silence that followed was sharp. Miranda staggered a step forward, face twisted in disbelief.
"You vile little bastard! How dare you speak to my daughter like that?"
Damien turned slowly to her, his voice low and bitter. "Spare me your outrage, Miranda. Your daughter is the manipulator here. I gave her a piece of my body. A part of my life. And now all I'm asking for… is what's mine. Return the $15 million you owe me. And I'll vanish. That's all."
The guests gasped, some hiding their mouths, others pulling out their phones to record what had become a public disaster. Whispers filled the air like smoke.
Knox shoved forward. "No one asked you to play hero, Damien! You gave the kidney willingly. And now you want pity?"
His words stung. But Damien didn't react. Not anymore.
"Dad, say something," Knox urged, his voice shaking. "This guy should be behind bars."
Mr. Williams stepped forward. His stare could cut glass. But Damien met it with steady eyes, no longer the obedient boy they once controlled.
"Fine," Mr. Williams said coldly. "You'll get what you asked for. Everything. Tomorrow. The money. The divorce. It ends."
The room erupted. Miranda clutched her husband's arm. "Are you out of your mind? She'll die without that kidney!"
"I said I know what I'm doing," he replied calmly.
Damien nodded once. "Then it's settled. I'll visit my mother tonight. I'll return in the morning. Don't play games, Williams. Keep your word."
Mr. Williams didn't respond. But as Damien turned away, his voice followed.
"Enjoy tonight, Damien. Tomorrow, you'll regret ever crossing me."
Damien packed in silence.
Each footstep echoed in the mansion like the beat of a funeral drum. The same halls that once made him feel like a man now pressed in on him like a coffin.
Guests watched him leave with a single bag, their eyes filled with pity—or worse, amusement. Clarissa didn't say a word. She just stared. There was something in her expression. Not pride. Not anger.
Maybe guilt. Maybe regret. Or maybe nothing at all.
The streets outside were cold and empty. Damien walked alone. He had no ride. Not even a coin in his pocket. Not enough to call a taxi.
He had been married into one of the richest families in the city. Now, he couldn't even afford transport to the hospital where his mother lay fighting for her life.
It was almost funny. Almost.
Three years ago, he had married Clarissa thinking she needed him. That maybe—just maybe—he could build something real. And now, all that remained was ashes.
By dawn, his feet ached and his coat was soaked with dew. He reached Langford Memorial Hospital, out of breath but determined.
He burst into the familiar ward.
Then his soul shattered.
His mother lay there—bloated, pale, lifeless. Her chest rose, but faintly. Her eyes didn't move.
"Mom?" he whispered, stepping forward. "Mom, I'm here."
No response.
He reached out, touching her cold cheek with trembling fingers. "Please… wake up."
The door creaked open.
A tired-looking doctor stepped inside. His face was grim.
"Mr. Damien… I was just about to call you."
Damien spun toward him. "Why isn't she waking up? Why is her body like that? What happened?"
The doctor sighed, avoiding his eyes. "Your mother slipped into a coma. Her condition worsened rapidly because we didn't receive payment for the emergency procedure. The infection spread. Her organs are failing."
Damien's knees buckled. He leaned against the wall, his body cold with shock.
"You mean… she's dying?"
"There's still a chance," the doctor said. "But surgery must happen within twenty-four hours. It will now cost $5.6 million. Even then, her chances are only fifty-fifty."
Damien's mouth went dry. "Five-point-six million?" he repeated. "I… I don't…"
The doctor's eyes narrowed. "You had your chance. You delayed. You chose other things."
"I'll have $15 million by tomorrow. I swear. Just don't give up on her. Please!"
But the doctor only scoffed. "You gave away her lifeline for a birthday party. And now you come here with promises? You're too late. She's dying. And it's your fault."
Damien fell to his knees. The tears came fast. Hot. Helpless.
"I gave the money to Clarissa. I thought she loved me. I thought she deserved happiness. I was wrong."
The doctor looked at him like he was trash. "You're a fool. And now she'll die because of it."
Then he left.
Damien stayed there, broken on the floor. His fists clenched in his lap. His face wet with grief.
He had given everything for people who treated him like nothing.
But in that pit of pain, something sparked. A flame. Tomorrow, Mr. Williams would pay.
He sprinted back to the estate, lungs burning, body aching. The sun was barely up. But he didn't care.
He had to save his mother.
But as he reached the estate gates, he froze.
They were waiting for him.
Mr. Williams stood with the entire family. Police officers flanked them. Behind them, Clarissa stood frozen, her eyes locked on his.
And then the lie fell.
"That's him, officer!" Mr. Williams bellowed. "He assaulted my daughter and threatened her life!"
Damien's heart stopped. "What?"
Two officers lunged forward. Before he could blink, they had him in cuffs.
"What are you doing? That's a lie! Clarissa, tell them! You know this isn't true!"
She didn't answer. She just stared. Her lips parted. Her eyes filled with something unreadable. Maybe guilt. Maybe shame.
"Please," Damien gasped, struggling against their grip. "My mother… she needs me now. She'll die without me. You can't do this!"
Mr. Williams stepped forward, face calm and cruel. "You brought this on yourself."
"Take him," the officer said.
The chief officer stepped close to Mr. Williams.
"Get him to sign the divorce papers. End this charade."
Mr. Williams whispered, "Make it happen. He's nothing now."
"This will be done sir."
Miranda clapped slowly, her eyes glinting with mockery. Ryder smirked beside her.
As they dragged Damien toward the police van, he screamed. "You're monsters! You used me! Betrayed me! I'll make you all pay. I swear it."
A baton slammed into his side. He collapsed.
The last thing he saw before the doors closed was Clarissa's face.
She didn't speak.