Chapter 5 The family hall was cold and damp . Marissa stayed on her knees on the stone floor , her knees numb . Flickering candlelight illuminated rows of framed portraits , as if the ancestors were silently judging her . " I didn't poison her … " she whispered , tears falling onto the stone . Memories flooded her mind . In college , when she was hospitalized with acute gastroenteritis , Matt skipped classes for three days to stay by her side ; after they married , he always remembered to make hot chocolate for her period cramps ; even when she cut her finger , he'd get anxious .. And now , knowing she feared the dark and cold the most , he still let her stay on her knees here all night . At dawn , Marissa finally collapsed on the cold floor of the hall . When she woke up , she was lying in her bedroom bed with an ice pack on her forehead . Matt sat by her side and , seeing her open her eyes , leaned in immediately . " Marissa , you're awake . Does it still hurt ? " She turned her face away , her voice hoarse . " I'm the one who harmed your child . Why are you here ? " Matt's expression stiffened , then he explained , " We found out Leah ate some bad seafood … " 0.00 % 22.53 Chapter 5 Marissa scoffed , " But she said she only ate my oatmeal . " ON 17nners " She didn't mean it , " he frowned . " It's normal for pregnant women to have memory problems … " Marissa closed her eyes , not wanting to hear more . She knew Leah's tactics well - clumsy but effective . Still , she didn't bother exposing her , knowing Matt wouldn't believe it . Seeing her silence , Matt grew guiltier . In the following days , he tried everything to cheer her up - limited - edition bags , high - end jewelry , custom - made dresses … The gifts piled up in the closet . In the end , he suggested taking her to a cruise auction to relax . But when Marissa opened the car door , Leah was sitting in the back , smiling sweetly . " The doctor said pregnant women need some relaxation too , so I brought her along , " Matt explained . Marissa said nothing and quietly got in . The cruise was dazzlingly lit. When Leah linked arms with Matt , she instantly became the center of attention . " Is that Mr. Holloway's new love ? I heard she used to be a poor student … " " Talk about a rise to the top - now she's got status because of the baby. " " Too bad for Marissa . From school uniforms to wedding dresses , Matt once spoiled her so much . " " But she couldn't have kids - that's the original sin ! " The whispers cut like knives , but Marissa walked through the crowd without a flicker of emotion . 19.76 % 22.53 Chapter 5 Once the auction started , Matt forgot he was supposed to be cheering Marissa up . Every time a piece came out , Leah's eyes lit up as she tugged on his sleeve . " Mr. Holloway , this one's beautiful … " Mr. Holloway , I really like this vase . " Mr. Holloway , Monet's Water Lilies are stunning . " Matt spared no expense on every piece of jewelry and antique Leah wanted ; he even placed an unlimited bidding just for her , the highest form of indulgence at any auction , meaning he'd pay any price . When the auction ended , Matt went to settle the bill . R Marissa , wanting to escape the crowd's judgmental stares , went alone to the deck . The sea breeze was cool . Just as she steadied herself , Leah's sweet voice came from behind . " Marissa , enjoying the breeze alone ? " Marissa didn't turn around . Leah came up beside her , voice dripping with smugness . " Mr. Holloway just bought me the same necklace you wore at your wedding . " He said it looks better on me . " Marissa's fingers clenched slightly . Leah pressed on , taunting , " Honestly , I should thank you - if you hadn't been unable to have children … " 42,56 % 22:53 Chapter 5 Before she could finish , a sudden fierce wind swept across the sea ! " Ah ! " Leah screamed as the wind threw her toward the railing . Instinctively , she grabbed Marissa's hand , pulling her down too ! 210 Wiechers Cold seawater surged over their heads . Marissa couldn't swim . The salty water filled her nose , choking her . In a daze , she heard a rescuer shout , " Mr. Holloway , limited gear ! We can only save one - make your choice quickly ! " Then Matt's voice came without hesitation , " Save Leah ! " In that moment , Marissa's heart froze completely . She stopped struggling and let herself sink slowly . Water filled her ears , but couldn't drown out the sound of her broken heart . *** When the rescue team finally pulled her up , it was five in the morning . " Ma'am ? Ma'am ! " The rescuer slapped her cheek . Marissa's eyes fluttered open to the dawn sky . Her lips were blue , her body uncontrollably shaking , and she felt no warmth . " Your body temperature is dangerously low . You need immediate medical attention , or you risk going into shock . " Marissa nodded numbly and took a cab to the hospital alone . The hospital corridor was empty . Dragging her drenched body forward , she heard Matt's voice around the corner . 61.37 % 22 53 Chapter 5 12811 Victers " All doctors to Leah's room ! Now ! " His voice was more frantic than she'd ever heard . Leaning against the wall , Marissa watched the doctors rush into the ER . Soon , the attending doctor came out . " Mr. Holloway , Ms. Jensen isn't in life - threatening danger , but her fever won't go down . Strong medication is unsafe for pregnant women , so we have to rely on physical cooling . " " How do you do physical cooling ? " Matt's voice was tense . The doctor hesitated . " The most effective way is body heat transfer . You need to take off your shirt and hold her . Less clothing means better results . " The room suddenly fell silent . " Mr. Holloway … " Leah's weak voice came through , " I know you love Ms. Spencer … " But I'm the one carrying your child now … " Even if not for me , do it for the baby … please help me . " Her voice cracked with tears . " Ms. Spencer won't find out … just this once … Do you want to watch me and the baby get hurt ? " Marissa stood outside the door , hearing Matt's long silence . Finally , he said in a hoarse voice , " Everyone get out . " 81 87 %