The Mother Imprisoned in a Villa
My fingers trembled as I opened the mobile banking app. The gray words "Frozen bank account" stabbed into my eyes like an ice pick. My voice shook: "Nurse, I'll find a way. Please, just give me half an hour, only half an hour!"
The nurse sighed and frowned. "We've already done everything we can to delay this, Ms. Lynn. You have to hurry!"
Clutching my phone, I ran out of the hospital, cold wind rushing down my collar. My mind was a tangled mess.
My mom went out to buy some things this morning. While crossing the street, she was hit by a runaway truck. Not only was her left leg broken, but the intracranial hemorrhage kept worsening, getting more and more dangerous.
The doctor was holding my hand half an hour ago, his tone heavy: "Ms., the surgery fees are way short. If you can't make up the difference, even a miracle won't save her."
But the emergency fund I've saved for five years in that account, plus the automatic monthly salary transfers, have all been frozen.
Simon Green is my husband; we went from the college campus all the way to the altar—eight whole years.
In the early days of his startup, I worked as a clerk in a small company during the day and helped him sort documents late into the night, eating instant noodles for six months and living in a leaky rented room for three years.
Now his company's about to go public, life was finally looking up, and then something like this happens to my mom. How could he hold back the money needed to save her life?
I took a taxi to the Green Group's building. The cold light from the 30-story tower shone brightly. I took a deep breath, tugged at the wrinkled hem of my clothes, and hurried into the lobby.
The young receptionist saw me and quickly looked away, her hands clenched tightly. "Willow, are you here to see Mr. Green?"
I nodded. "Is he in his office? I have something urgent to discuss with him."
The receptionist hesitated. "Mr. Green is in a high-level meeting, but... Assistant Clark said she has something to tell you and asked you to wait for her."
No sooner had she finished speaking than Lisa Clark walked out of the lounge beside the CEO's office. Dressed entirely in luxury suit, her figure was striking, carrying a limited-edition handbag. The diamond bracelet on her wrist glittered, almost dazzling anyone who looked.
She walked up to me, a smile playing at the corners of her mouth, but her eyes were ice cold. "Willow Lynn, I'm the one who froze your account. What, come to complain to Mr. Green?"
I froze, anger suddenly surging through me. "Lisa Clark, how dare you freeze my account? That's my mom's life-saving money!"
She sneered, raising an eyebrow. "Life-saving money? Your mother got into a car accident—that's karma catching up to her. If you insist on trying to save her, be careful not to bring that karma onto yourself."
"What nonsense are you talking about?" I rushed forward and grabbed her wrist, my fingers turning white with pressure. "My mom has never raised her voice at anyone. Since retiring, she volunteers in the community every day, helps neighbors with their kids, takes the elderly to the hospital. How could she deserve karma like that?"
Before Lisa Clark could speak, I raised my hand and slapped her twice. "Slap! Slap!" The sharp sounds echoed clearly in the quiet hall.
Lisa Clark covered her face, tears streaming instantly, and screamed as she turned around, "Mr. Green! Mr. Green, look!"
The lounge door was suddenly thrown open. Simon Green stood there in a sharp suit, his tie perfectly knotted, hair neatly combed, but when he saw the tearful Lisa Clark, the coldness in his eyes immediately landed on me.
He didn't ask why, just strode over and kicked my knee. I lost my balance and fell hard onto the carpet, my knee hitting the corner of the coffee table, the pain making my vision go dark.
He crouched down, pulled Lisa Clark into his arms, and gently stroked her cheek. His voice was so soft it seemed to drip with warmth: "Lisa, does it hurt? Tell me, why did she hit you?"
Lisa leaned against him, sobbing, "Mr. Green, I just told Willow that her mother has no son, and even if she's saved, she'd only be a burden to you. I did it for your own good... But Willow didn't listen, and she hit me."
Simon Green looked up and glared at me, his tone like he was scolding a dog: "Willow Lynn, how old are you? Still throwing a tantrum like a little girl? Lisa is trying to help you. How can you be so ungrateful?"
I tried to push myself up from the carpet, my knees stabbing with pain. Gritting my teeth, I said, "Simon Green, that's my mom! She's dying! Are you just going to stand there and watch?"
Simon stepped on the back of my hand, the sole of his shoe pressing painfully against my bones. I screamed with pain, but he only smiled colder: "To be honest, I've already bought accident insurance for your mom, with a coverage of five million."
If she dies, that money will all be ours. If you're so determined to save her now, aren't you just standing in the way of the money?
My phone vibrated in my pocket; it was the hospital calling. I gritted my teeth through the pain and answered. The nurse's voice was trembling with tears: "Ms. Lynn, it's bad! Your mother's blood pressure has suddenly dropped to sixty, and her heart rate is almost gone. If you don't pay the fees soon, we'll have no choice but to unplug her!"
I looked at Simon Green's face—the one that once made my heart flutter—and now all I felt was strange disgust.
Back then, he said, "Willow, once I succeed, I'll make sure you and your mother have a good life." All those words turned out to be lies.
I took a deep breath and whispered into the phone, "Don't bother, the patient's family said she's old, saving her won't help. No need to waste effort."
After hanging up, my hands trembled as I opened my female cousin Lydia Scott's Moments—she'd posted a photo with my mom yesterday at a restaurant in S City, captioned: "Eating food with Auntie; Auntie said she misses home-cooked braised pork."
Just yesterday, my mom was video calling me, smiling and saying, "Willow, once Lydia's done with her things, I'll bring you imported chocolate and make your favorite braised pork." How did it turn into a car crash patient in just one day?
Lisa Clark walked over holding a black-and-white photo and handed it to me. "Willow Lynn, this is the memorial photo I printed for your mother. Take a look—is it suitable? If you don't like it, I can print another one."
I can also help with the funeral and cremation. Consider it me, as your assistant, paying some respect to your mother.
The person in the photo was dressed in funeral clothes, face stiff like a wax figure—not my mom at all.
I snatched the photo and tore it to pieces with all my might. The shards fell on the carpet like broken tears.
"Mr. Green, look at her!" Lisa Clark threw herself into Simon Green's arms, her shoulders trembling. "I just wanted to help her share the burden, so why is she snapping at me? Did I do something wrong? Did I upset Willow?"
Simon Green patted her back and looked up at me sharply. "Willow Lynn, I get that you're heartbroken your mom is gone, but don't take it out on Lisa! She's only trying to help, and if you don't appreciate it, fine—but throwing a fit here isn't okay."
"Simon," I slowly stood up, holding onto the coffee table as my knees throbbed, "Everyone says you're such a devoted son, so good to my mom. Is this how you show it?
If your mom knew you wouldn't even use my mom's life-saving money because of another woman, how do you think she'd scold you?
Lisa Clark poked her head out from Simon Green's arms, her voice soft but every word cut deep: "Willow, you can't say things like that."
Even if a son-in-law's like family, you can't morally blackmail him, right? Your mother's car accident is her own karma; it has nothing to do with Mr. Green. How could you expect Mr. Green to pay for it?
Besides, Mr. Green's company is about to go public. If this gets out and damages the reputation, delaying the IPO, it wouldn't be worth it at all.
"Shut up!" I pointed at her, my hands trembling with anger. "My mom has never done anything wrong in her life. What right do you have to say she carries bad karma? Who do you think you are?"
Lisa flinched at my shout and shrank closer into Simon's arms, but she secretly glanced at me from the corner of her eye. That smug look hit me like a sharp needle in the chest.
Simon pulled her even closer, looking at me coldly. "Willow, my money does not grow on trees. Why should I spend it on an outsider? Your mom isn't related to me—I have no obligation to save her."
I pulled out my mobile phone, opened the accident scene photos sent by the traffic police, and held it up in front of him. "Look! Look at the gold-inlaid jade bracelet on her wrist! That's the one you specially ordered in Z City last year to please my mom, and it's engraved with 'Sarah.' How could you not recognize it?"
Lisa Clark leaned in for a quick look, then suddenly screamed, "Ah! That's so terrifying! Mr. Green, it's way too bloody—I can't watch!"
She covered her eyes and crawled into Simon Green's arms, her body still trembling.
Simon Green slapped my phone out of my hand—it hit the ground with a crack, the screen splitting right down the middle.
He pointed at me, his voice sharp: "Willow Lynn, don't think you can fool me with these photos! I've been more than fair to you and your mom all these years, so don't push your luck!"
I'm giving you ten minutes to get the hospital to send a photo of her off the ventilator. I'll cover the funeral costs and even buy your mom a golden wood urn.
If you miss the deadline, figure it out yourself—and don't come begging me later!
I looked at him and suddenly laughed, tears spilling out as I did: "Simon Green, you'll regret this. Sooner or later, you will."
I picked up the phone from the floor, slipped it into my pocket, and headed toward the elevator.
Every step felt heavy, like something inside me had completely broken.
From behind came Lisa Clark's soft voice: "Mr. Green, you're really good to me, unlike some people who are just unreasonable."
The elevator doors slowly closed, shutting out that disgusting voice. I leaned against the cold wall, and finally, the tears I'd been holding back started to fall.
The elevator mirror reflected my disheveled appearance: messy hair, red eyes, but a smile still tugged at the corner of my mouth—smiling like a madwoman.
I had just stepped out of the Green Group's building when my phone rang. The screen showed "Simon Green." I hesitated briefly but still answered.
His voice was impatient: "Willow Lynn, what did you just say at the company? Divorce? Say that again."
I gripped the phone, my fingertips cold: "I said we're getting a divorce, Simon Green. I've had enough of this life. I can't live with you anymore."
There was silence for a few seconds on the other end, then his sneering laugh: "Willow Lynn, have you forgotten how old you are? A thirty-year-old woman, worn out. Besides me, who else would want you?"
I'm being lenient with you because we're young and married, but don't take that kindness for granted!
I sneered, "Don't worry, even if no one wants me, I'll never stay with someone as coldhearted as you."
"If you want a divorce, I'm ready whenever you are." He paused, his voice dripping with pride, "Let me tell you, Simon Green might lack a lot of things, but women aren't one of them."
"You divorced me, and right after, I went and got married to Lisa. You should have made room for her a long time ago. Holding onto Mrs. Green's spot without letting go, what's the point?"
I didn't want to waste time arguing, so I just hung up and blocked his number.
A taxi pulled up in front of me, and the driver leaned out. "Ms., where to?"
"City Central Hospital." I opened the door and got in, still trying to figure out how to come up with the money for my mom's surgery.
No sooner had I settled in than Lisa rushed out and grabbed my arm, her nails digging into my skin. "Willow Lynn, don't even think about leaving!"
I shook her off, frowning. "Lisa, I'm divorcing Simon Green. This has nothing to do with you. Stop bothering me!"
She stood in front of the car door, all the softness gone from her face, her eyes sharp like a wolf's. "How can you say it doesn't matter? Mr. Green's company is about to go public; we need a good reputation and can't afford any mistakes."
Your mom won't make it anyway. Why not donate her body to the hospital for medical teaching?
Once the reporters report it, Mr. Green's image as a 'caring entrepreneur' will be solidified. Investors will come looking, do you realize how much this would help the company's IPO?
I could hardly believe my ears. I stared at her: "Lisa Clark, are you out of your mind? That's my mom—a living person, not some tool for your fame or profit!"
She smiled even more smugly, "I'm not insane, this is the best way — killing two birds with one stone."
"If you know what's good for you, come with us to the hospital and sign; if not, I have plenty of ways to make you obey."
Simon Green walked over, holding the car keys, his tone as flat as if he were talking about the weather: "Lisa is right. Your mom can't be saved anyway. Instead of letting her go to waste, why not put her to use and contribute something to the company?"
Let's head to the hospital right now and get the donation agreement signed before she passes—don't waste any time.
"Simon, are you even human?" I was shaking with anger, my voice trembling, "That's my mom! Even if she's not your biological mother, you can't treat her like that! We're married—how can you be so cold-hearted?"
"Your mom?" Simon Green sneered, his eyes full of contempt, "She's nothing but an outsider, with no blood relation to me at all."
If she can contribute to my company's stock listing, that's her luck. She should be grateful to me."
Suddenly, Lisa Clark raised her hand and slapped me hard—my cheek flared up with pain instantly.
She pointed at me, her voice sharp: "Willow Lynn, how can you be so shameless? Mr. Green has treated you well enough, and you're still not satisfied?"
You keep cursing Mr. Green's mother, hoping something bad happens to her, and now you won't even consider Mr. Green's career—what exactly are you up to? You're just a jinx!"
I covered my face, looking at the clothes she was wearing, feeling sick inside: "Lisa Clark, that luxury outfit, the luxury bag, the diamond bracelet—all paid for with Simon Green's money."
The clothes I've bought all year don't even cost as much as one pair of your shoes, and you actually have the nerve to say you care about Mr. Green's career? You're nothing but a parasite living off a man's money!"
Simon Green walked over, pulled Lisa Clark into his arms, and gently wiped her hand, as if it had been dirty because she hit me. "Lisa, don't be mad. It's not worth getting upset over someone like that."
You're sensible, knowing my company needs money right now and saving every penny. Unlike some people who just spend without thinking about the company.
Lisa leaned into his embrace, smiling with eyes curved like the moon. "Mr. Green, I just want to help you save some money and focus it where it really counts."
Once the company goes public, our lives will get better.
Right, let's hurry to the hospital. If her mother passes before we sign the agreement, all our efforts will be wasted.
Simon Green nodded and pulled Lisa Clark along as he headed for the car.
I rushed forward, spreading my arms to block the front of the car. "Simon Green, you can't go! The person lying in the hospital bed might be your mother! She has a crescent-shaped birthmark on the inside of her wrist. Just go to the hospital and see for yourself! Just ten minutes—only ten minutes to find out the truth. Why won't you go?"
Simon frowned deeply, his eyes flickering with doubt. Lisa quickly grabbed his arm. "Mr. Green, don't listen to her! She's just trying to trick you into going to the hospital so you'll spend money saving her mother!"
Think about it—the company is about to go public. If something happens now, and the reporters find out, it would ruin the company's reputation. All our years of hard work would be for nothing! You can't take this risk.
Simon Green was swayed by her words; the hesitation in his eyes vanished, leaving only coldness: "Willow Lynn, stop clinging to this."
If you block me again and delay company matters, I won't be kind to you.
After saying that, he started the car. The roar of the engine frightened me, and I took a step back.
The car passed by me, and the wind it left behind carried the familiar scent of his cologne. I used to think it smelled good, but now it just made me feel sick.
I was leaning against a streetlight pole, my legs weak. My mobile phone suddenly rang—it was Lydia Scott, her voice trembling with tears: "Sis! Something's wrong! I just video-called Aunt, and she said she never went to S City! The post I shared on W Chat Moments was fake—Lisa Clark forced me to post it! She said if I didn't, she'd send Aunt to some remote nursing home so I'd never see her again!"
My head buzzed, and I nearly collapsed. "Lydia, where are you now? What about my Mom? Is she okay?"
"I'm at the villa in K City, and Aunt is here too." Lydia's voice was shaky and broken with sobs. "Lisa Clark sent two men to watch us. They won't let us leave or contact anyone outside."
I took advantage of a moment when they weren't paying attention and secretly hid in the bathroom to call you.
Sis, please find a way to save us! Those two men are so ruthless—I'm really scared..."
I hung up the phone, feeling both anxious and terrified.
Lisa locked my mom and Lydia in the villa in K City, and even hired an old woman who looks like my mom to stage a car accident. What exactly is she after?
Could it be that she not only wants money and fame, but also plans to harm my mom and Lydia?
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