Chapter 1107

For the first time in her life, Monica finally understood what it meant to be afraid— truly afraid. She was filled with regret, wishing she could just tell Jason, “Let's not fight anymore. Let's just make up. I promise, I won't stay mad at you."

Doctors rushed in and out of the operating rooms, barely glancing at the anxious families clustered in the hallway. No one stopped to answer questions. Everyone looked too busy for words.

"Please be patient, everyone," a doctor said, striding past without breaking her pace.

There was nothing Monica and the others could do but wait—and waiting felt like torture.

Time crawled by. Suddenly, Hank seemed to remember something. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a blood-stained bracelet.

"Monica, Jason wanted you to have this. I found it at the scene," Hank said, his voice gentle. “This morning, Jason said it was blessed at the temple-supposed to be really lucky. Oh, and about the Brown family-he took care of everything. Sent the old couple back home, found Isla a good school, even promised to pay for her through college. They won't bother you again."

Monica had never told Jason about the Browns asking her for money. She'd kept it to herself, but that didn't mean Jason didn't know.

He'd always understood her, and in their own quiet way, these two people kept looking out for each other.

Monica took the bracelet from Hank, tears streaming down her cheeks.

Jason's blood still stained the beads.

There were eighteen beads in all, each one carved with a tiny Buddha.

She clutched the bracelet tightly in her palm, like she was holding on to Jason himself. Clarissa, standing next to her, was crying too.

Anastasia wanted to say something to comfort Monica, but the words just wouldn't come. All she could do was sit beside her, offering silent support.

Anastasia's phone buzzed. It was Salma, texting to ask when she'd pick up Paradise.

That's when Anastasia remembered she was supposed to get her daughter from Salma's place. But she couldn't leave now. She quickly texted Herman, asking him to pick up Paradise instead.

Another hour dragged by. Finally, Jason was wheeled out of surgery, wrapped in so many bandages he was almost unrecognizable.

"Jason! Jason!" Monica cried, rushing to follow the gurney as they whisked him away.

Clarissa was sobbing, completely undone.

Jason was transferred to the ICU. A doctor stopped Monica and Clarissa at the door. "His condition is still very serious. We need to keep him under observation. Please try to stay calm..."

The doctor gave a quick rundown-Jason's left cheek was badly injured, and his right arm was so damaged that he might never be able to hold a gun again.

For a detective, that was devastating.

Jason's boss arrived, asked about his injuries, and urged the doctors to do everything they could.

Anastasia held Monica's hand tightly, afraid she might faint at any moment.

"Hey, babe."

A familiar voice came from behind.

It was Herman, and he'd brought Paradise with him.

He'd picked up their daughter from Salma's, knowing Anastasia was at the hospital.

"Why are you two here?" Anastasia asked, surprised.

Herman glanced at the ICU door. "How's Jason?"

Anastasia shook her head. With Monica and Clarissa right there, she didn't want to repeat the bad news. It would only cut deeper.

She gave Herman a look and nodded toward the hallway.

They took Paradise to the stairwell. Anastasia lowered her voice, "The doctors said it's not looking good. He's being monitored. Sounds like his face is ruined, and his hand he might never be able to shoot again. Hell survive thanks to modern medicine, but recovery is going to be long and painful. Monica is heartbroken. This is going to be so hard for both of them."

Herman nodded. He'd seen the accident on the news on his way over. "As long as

he's alive, that's what matters. Maybe after this, they'll appreciate each other even more."

"This place is chaos. Jason's

supervisors keep coming by. We're just in the way. Why don't you take Paradise out to the car? I'll let Monica know then it meet you out there and we can head home."

“Sure.” Herman took Paradise and headed to the parking lot.

He opened the driver's side door, ready to get in-then caught a glimpse of someone lurking in the shadows nearby.