The substitute husband who has been insulted

Episode 17

Observing Debora's condition, the Narendra family quickly banded together to take her to the hospital. She was still clad in Richard's jacket, which she clutched so tightly.

"Hurry, Vel!" Sabrina called out, hugging Debora in the passenger seat.

Velyn nodded, her concern for her sister palpable. Annoying as Debora might be, she was still her sibling. Seeing Debora cry all the way to the hospital, clutching the oversized jacket of Richard, only added to the gravity of the situation.

Upon arrival at the emergency department, Debora was immediately assisted by the attending medical staff. The family waited with anxious and uneasy hearts.

"The Debora family!" a nurse called after a short wait.

Rendra and Sabrina quickly approached, followed by Velyn. She hoped her suspicions were wrong.

"How is my daughter?" Rendra asked.

"Please come in, sir," the nurse invited them to see the examining doctor.

Debora lay weak, her eyes swollen from crying endlessly. Rendra and his wife stood by the stretcher, Velyn on the other side, holding her sister's hand.

"Sir, your daughter has been assaulted. We advise overnight care for her to receive treatment and therapy to recover psychologically," the doctor explained.

Velyn covered her agape mouth, "What do you mean, Doctor? Was my sister ra*ed?" she clarified.

Everyone was undoubtedly shocked at the revelation. Rendra's body tensed, a sharp fury flashing in his eyes.

"Not exactly, as we found no tearing of her hymen. There are, however, several marks of affection on her neck. It seems someone stopped the assault. Nonetheless, the patient requires special therapy to overcome her trauma. Please take care of the administration," the doctor continued.

"Okay. Thank you, Doctor," Velyn acknowledged with a nod.

"That scoundrel Richard! I'll thrash him so he can't walk! How dare he assault Debora! As if it wasn't enough that he violated Velyn!" Rendra bellowed in rage.

Both daughters looked up, shocked at the accusation against Richard. Velyn and Debora shook their heads simultaneously.

"No, Dad! Richard didn't assault me," Velyn objected. "It's all a misunderstanding. That night we were set up by Sonia because she wished to marry Gerald," Velyn confessed as she looked down. She had initially been furious and refused to accept that she had been violated by Richard, but the hard truth slapped her with the realization of her mistaken judgment.

"What are you saying? Don't make baseless accusations and don't be swayed by that scoundrel, Velyn! Have you fallen for him?!" Rendra demanded with emphasis.

Velyn shook her head again, "I've seen all the evidence, Dad. Richard is innocent," she defended.

Debora's feeble hand tried to grab her father's arm. Seeing this, Sabrina quickly assisted, with all attention shifting to the frail girl.

"It wasn't Richard who... did it, Dad. He... he saved me," Debora whispered breathlessly.

Their bodies froze entirely at Debora's confession, especially Velyn. Her tears fell freely, wetting her cheeks. She hadn't even had the chance to apologize, yet had accused him again and slapped the man who was her husband. Her chest tightened, wrapped in deep regret.

"I need to step out for a moment. Dad, please handle the admission. Let me know her room number later." Velyn grabbed Richard's jacket and ran out of the ER.

Velyn sprinted towards her car. She turned on the vehicle and sped away at high speed, occasionally wiping away the continuous stream of tears. Guilt escalated within her, causing her body to tremble.

"Richard, forgive me!"

Blinded by jealousy, she lashed out at Richard without considering his explanations. Restless and anxious, Velyn disregarded her safety on the road and drove recklessly fast.

Arriving home, Velyn was stunned not to find Richard's usual car. Her knees trembled as she scanned the area, tears flowing more intensely.

"Richard!" Velyn called out as she ran into the house. "Richard!" she shouted again, dashing towards their room. But when she opened the door, no one was there.

"Ah! The guest room!" she exclaimed, slapping her forehead. She'd forgotten that they had been sleeping separately lately. She quickly slipped off her high heels and rushed down the stairs to the guest room, panting and closing her eyes in hope as she touched the door handle, wishing Richard would still be there.

Slowly, Velyn opened the door and pushed, poking her head to inspect every corner. Her heart sank as the room appeared empty. "Richard, where are you?" Velyn cried out, collapsing to the floor in sobs.