Chapter 2: The Blood Was Already Gone

"Maren, I don't have the energy to fight with you right now. We'll talk about this properly when I get home tonight, alright?"

When I didn't say anything, he sighed and gave me an order.

"Your anemia is getting worse in your second trimester. Remember to take your iron pills when you get back."

Callum knew I always struggled with anemia during my pregnancy.

He knew that for the past seven years, I had to draw a bag of blood every single month to store it.

He knew exactly how rare chimerism was. How incredibly hard it was to find a match.

He knew everything.

Yet he still gave away my seven years of life-saving blood.

Without even asking if I agreed.

I didn't say a word. I just hung up.

Right as they were preparing the anesthesia, a notification popped up on Instagram.

Brielle had posted a photo.

In a hospital room, she and Callum were gathered around a little girl. A birthday cake sat in front of them.

The caption read—

"Three full blood transfusions later, my Poppy has finally been reborn. Thank you, dear Dr. Merrick. So lucky to have you."

Plenty of our mutual friends were in the comments, sending their blessings.

Callum had left a comment of his own.

"Wishing our little Poppy a lifetime of health and happiness."

I touched my slightly swollen belly.

A suffocating bitterness coated my tongue.

***

When I came out of the operating room, my bleeding was far worse than a normal patient's.

I was kept in the observation room until the following night before they finally let me go home.

Severe anemia combined with massive post-op blood loss left me utterly drained.

By the time I reached my front door, I could barely stand.

I leaned against the doorframe, about to call out for Callum.

Then I heard a delicate, whiny female voice.

"Dr. Merrick, when are we eating?"

The words died in my throat.

I took a moment to catch my breath. Then I forced myself to push the door open.

Inside, Brielle was lounging on my couch.

Wearing my slippers.

When she saw me, her relaxed demeanor vanished. She scrambled to her feet.

"Maren, please don't misunderstand! Poppy woke up crying today and refused to stay at the hospital. Callum couldn't bear to see her like that, so he brought us here. Don't worry, we won't touch any of your things."

Callum walked out of the kitchen, holding a plate of steaming food.

"Why are you just getting back now?"

His eyes swept over me, completely missing how pale and broken I looked.

I didn't answer. I just dragged my feet toward the bedroom.

Brielle rushed over and grabbed my arm.

"Maren, I'll take Poppy and leave right now. Please, don't fight with Callum. He did two surgeries today and has been busy with Poppy. He's so tired."

She let go and went to grab her suitcase. She only took two steps before stumbling, swaying like she couldn't keep her balance.

Callum caught her immediately.

"Where are you going this late?"

Brielle lowered her eyes. Her voice was pitifully soft.

"I just don't want to make Maren unhappy."

Callum looked at me with helpless frustration.

"Maren, Poppy is terrified of the hospital, but she still needs a doctor around. Having them stay here makes it easier for me to keep an eye on her."

"Once she's stable, Brielle will take her home."

"How long?" I asked. Just out of habit. I didn't expect anything from him anymore.

He thought for a second.

"Maybe two or three months."

Our wedding was supposed to be next month.

Which meant that in his mind, even after we got married, I was supposed to split half our home with this mother and daughter.

I forced a bitter smile. I met his eyes.

"It wasn't enough to steal seven years of my blood. Now you're moving the thieves into my house long-term."

"Callum, do you know what respect even means?"

Callum's tone instantly turned ice-cold.

"Maren, that's completely uncalled for."

"They're just staying for a little while. Stop acting like such a victim."