Waking Up from Anesthesia, I Signed the Divorce Papers novel Chapter 5

I pushed open the door to my old hospital room.

Hailey was on a voice call, twirling a sapphire necklace between her fingers.

"It's stunning."

"Thank you for remembering my birthday, but next time, don't get me anything this expensive."

"It's the thought that counts."

"And thanks for arranging the private suite and rehab specialist. I love them."

"This has been my happiest birthday ever."

"Are you going to celebrate my birthday with me every year from now on?"

My mind drifted to the past.

Michael used to take my birthday seriously—because we had promised forever to each other on one of those nights.

Every year, he baked me a cake himself, never skipping a handmade gift.

I glanced down at my right hand.

The ring I had worn for years was gone—probably lost in the accident.

He had gone to a jeweler and learned how to make it himself.

On the birthday he slipped it onto my finger, he held my hand, his eyes sincere:

"Sarah, a diamond ring is forever."

"And so is my love for you."

Forever or not—it didn't matter anymore.

The ring was gone, just like everything else.

Hailey finally seemed to notice me, turning with a playful smirk.

"Hey there. Looking for something?"

I knew she recognized me.

Hailey's face turned pale, her eyes welling up.

"Even a gold digger dares to talk big."

"A mistress should know her place."

I leaned forward in my wheelchair, raised my right hand, and slapped her across the face.

The next second, I was yanked back with force—then thrown to the ground.

Pain exploded through me as my freshly stitched wound tore open, blood soaking through my bandages.

I saw Michael stride past me, straight to the sobbing Hailey.

His voice was ice-cold.

"You dare lay a hand on my woman?"

"Jake, throw her out. Now."