Chapter 3

　　Rosa returned to the city without anyone knowing and planned everything carefully, keeping an eye on her ex-husband and his schedule. Lucy was the only one she could trust in the city, and she helped her with all the resources she had. Yesterday, as she was ovulating, Rosa took the risk—it didn't matter if it cost her life. When he asked for morning sex, she took it as a sign that luck was finally on her side. It was even better—more chances meant a higher possibility of conceiving. Once she was sure she was pregnant, she would leave the city forever.

　　"Mommy, I don't want to take these yucky tablets anymore," Renzo complained, his small face scrunching up in protest.

　　Rosa smiled softly, brushing his hair back.

　　"Just a few more days, my love, and then you won't have to take them anymore," she coaxed him with the sweetest smile—the one she reserved only for him.

　　Only him—her life, her entire world.

　　Oh God. She sighed inwardly, fighting back the tears that always seemed to appear without her permission—whenever her heart was overwhelmed by the love she felt for her little boy.

　　He was everything she had. Everything she needed to survive in this world.

　　But she couldn't cry in front of him. Not when he needed her to be strong and do everything in her power to make sure his treatment worked.

　　She gestured for the nurse to hand her the medicine.

　　"Now, mommy's good boy will quickly swallow it, okay?"

　　"No!" Renzo pouted stubbornly, crossing his arms.

　　"How about this then?" she said playfully, reaching into her handbag and pulling out a few chocolates. "If you take the medicine, these are all yours."

　　His small face lit up, and he opened his mouth. Rosa gently placed the tablet at the back of his tongue and quickly gave him water so he could swallow it without even realizing.

　　"Good boy," she whispered, kissing his forehead as she handed him the chocolates.

　　"Miss, Dr. DeLuca asked to see you once you returned," the nurse informed her.

　　Rosa nodded.

　　"Okay, my little sweetheart, I'm just going to see your doctor. You be good and take a nap, alright?" she instructed gently.

　　Renzo nodded sleepily. The medicine had a mild sedative effect, and he yawned as he settled under the blanket. Rosa pulled the covers over him and stroked his hair softly a few times until his eyes fluttered shut, and he fell asleep peacefully.

　　The doctor had mentioned that rest was crucial for his recovery. Without it, he would tire himself out quickly and become agitated—making things more difficult for the hospital staff.

　　Rosa pressed a light kiss to his forehead before quietly stepping out to see the doctor.

　　Lucy followed her, and together, they headed to the consultation room. Rosa knocked gently before pushing the door open. Dr. DeLuca was seated behind his desk, his expression grave, eyes fixed on something on his computer screen.

　　"Rosa, please come in," he said with a soft smile.

　　Both women stepped inside.

　　"Please, have a seat," the doctor offered, gesturing to the chairs.

　　Rosa glanced at Lucy, and they exchanged a silent look before sitting down.

　　"You wanted to see me, Doctor?" Rosa asked hesitantly, her chest tightening with worry. "Is everything fine with Renzo's report?"

　　"Oh, yes. He's stable and responding well to the treatment," Dr. DeLuca reassured her. But then he paused, his gaze sharpening with curiosity. "Did you speak with his father?"

　　"Yes… I spoke to him. He's ready to cooperate," Rosa lied smoothly. She couldn't let anyone know about her dark past—especially not about her mafia ex-husband.

　　"That's… umm… that's good," Dr. DeLuca said, though his voice carried a hint of awkwardness. Lucy noticed it immediately.

　　"However, you still need to submit the remaining payment soon," he reminded gently. "I'm sorry, but I can't stop the administration from demanding the receipt any longer."

　　"Of course, Doctor," Rosa replied softly. "I'll be making a partial payment today."

　　She had some money—the meager amount her ex-husband had given her—and now, she was going to use every last cent of it for their son's treatment.

　　"And really, I should be thanking you," she added, her voice thick with genuine gratitude. "You've helped me buy time and convinced the hospital administration to allow installments. But rest assured—I will pay every single penny. Even if..." She swallowed the lump in her throat, steeling her resolve. "If you could just help me one last time, Doctor. I need you to find a recipient. I am willing to donate my organs in exchange for the remaining balance."

　　Dr. DeLuca's brows pulled together.

　　"No, that's not going to happen. I would never let you sell yourself," he said firmly, his voice leaving no room for argument. "I've already spoken to a charity organization connected to our hospital. They fund cases where families can't afford treatment. I'm confident they'll approve Renzo's case."

　　Rosa's eyebrows lifted slightly as her dull gaze began to shimmer with hope. "Thank you…" she whispered, her voice choked with emotion.

　　"Of course," Dr. DeLuca said gently. "It's the least I can do."

　　He paused, then added with a polite smile, "By the way… are you free tonight?"

　　"Yes, Doctor?" Rosa replied softly, unsure what he meant.

　　"Actually… I wanted to discuss Renzo's treatment in more detail," he said, choosing his words carefully. "But I have a surgery scheduled now, and I won't be free until late. I was wondering if… maybe we could talk over dinner? Only if you're comfortable, of course."

　　"Of course," Rosa agreed softly. She was already deeply grateful he was helping and personally taking care of her son's treatment. Besides, she also wanted to discuss the next steps—especially if she had to move out of the country again.

　　"Alright then." Dr. DeLuca's smile widened. "I'll text you the location. How does eight o'clock sound?"

　　"Fine," Rosa nodded as she got up. "Thank you," she added before walking out, Lucy following behind.

　　"I think Dr. DeLuca likes you," Lucy teased with a smirk.

　　"Nonsense. He's Renzo's doctor and just concerned about his patient. Perhaps he wants to discuss something important." Rosa waved off her friend's remark.

　　"But asking his patient's mother out to dinner?" Lucy smirked. "He could've just discussed it over the phone, you know."

　　"Maybe he wants to talk face-to-face. The treatment is intense, and we still have to wait nine months—even though I'm pregnant. I need to make sure my Renzo recovers completely," Rosa murmured, her voice drifting off as her mind wandered.

　　"Rosa," Lucy's voice turned serious, gently bringing her back to the present. "If you're pregnant… you're going to have another baby. That means—"

　　"More responsibility. I know. And I'm ready for it," Rosa said firmly. But deep down, her heart trembled with anxiety. The treatment, the pregnancy… She didn't even know how she'd manage the payments.