Catherine was only wearing a thin dress at this time, and unexpectedly, it began to rain. People passing by quickened their pace. Some wanted to get home quickly, while others simply sought shelter in nearby shops.
But Catherine didn't know where she was supposed to go now; that home no longer seemed to have a place for her. And Feng Group? What was the point of going back there now? The people there would likely find out about her police investigation soon enough.
She stood in the rain, soaked, and no one paid her any mind. She kicked off her high heels, her bare feet sinking into the puddles.
Why had things turned out this way? She had no idea. Everything she had done up until now was just to prove herself. She only wanted to be the unique person in Song Lijun and Feng Zhenhua's hearts; she merely wanted what should have been hers. But why was even this seemingly rightful pursuit now so difficult?
Catherine lowered her head, catching her reflection in a puddle. Though drenched, the rain couldn't hide her beauty. Yet, even this face couldn't surpass Wei Yumeng's. A flicker of anger ignited within her, and she shattered the water's surface.
She felt lost, unsure what her life held now. She couldn't go home, her parents had abandoned her, and her friends had betrayed her. She truly couldn't imagine her future. She took a deep breath, deciding that at least in this final stage, she would make her own choice.
She looked up at the sky, letting the rain fall on her face. With this thought, she still walked towards home, for she had nowhere else to go.
Upon returning, everything in the house felt both familiar and alien, for soon this place would no longer belong to her. Catherine casually picked up a fruit knife from the table, the very knife Song Lijun often used to cut fruit for her, a utensil that had witnessed the laughter and joy of this home. She walked into the bathroom, turned the shower on full blast, and then, with the knife, slashed her wrist.
Although Song Lijun and Feng Zhenhua had both urged Catherine to surrender, seeing her leave in such a dejected state, they couldn't help but worry. If there had been any other way, they wouldn't have hesitated to continue protecting Catherine. But they couldn't afford to make any more mistakes; continued indulgence would only lead Catherine deeper into her mistakes. It was better for her to realize her error now. If things hadn't reached this point, how could they have borne to send Catherine to jail?
"Linlin still isn't answering?" Feng Zhenhua said, frowning. He was already regretting his words from earlier.
Song Lijun nodded. "I'm a little worried. Let's go back and check."
Feng Zhenhua agreed, already considering if there might be any other solutions. "If you find Linlin, remember to notify me."
Song Lijun acknowledged this and left the hospital. She first went to Feng Group, where she learned Catherine hadn't been there. She then visited other places Catherine might have gone, but there was still no sign of her. Finally, she decided to check at home.
The moment she entered, she felt a strange atmosphere, and she could faintly hear the sound of running water. "Linlin? Are you home?" Song Lijun moved towards the source of the water, realizing it was coming from the bathroom. "Linlin?" Song Lijun was somewhat surprised, as water was already spilling onto the floor, making her footing wet. "Linlin, stop messing around, turn off the water!" Song Lijun said sternly.
But all that could be heard was the sound of water. Song Lijun simply opened the door and walked in. "Linlin, what exactly are you doing..." As she spoke, she saw Catherine slumped in the bathtub, her wrist cut open, blood seeping into the overflowing water. "Linlin! Linlin!" Song Lijun was completely panicked. She never imagined Catherine would be so distraught.
Fortunately, Catherine still had a pulse, and the wound wasn't too deep. Song Lijun quickly called emergency services, and Catherine was eventually rushed to the hospital.
When Wei Yumeng and Zhan Mohan arrived, even Feng Zhenhua, who had been confined to bed, forced himself to wait outside the hospital room where the recently rescued Catherine lay.
"Aunt Song, Uncle Feng!" Seeing the state of the two elders, Wei Yumeng felt a pang of sympathy. Honestly, she wasn't there for Catherine's sake, but for theirs.
Song Lijun clasped Wei Yumeng's hand, and after a long pause, managed to speak. "Yumeng, Linlin... Linlin cut her wrist."
Zhan Mohan frowned slightly but remained silent. From his perspective, it was difficult to feel sympathy for Catherine, but as the apparent "daughter," he had to comfort Song Lijun and Feng Zhenhua. "Aunt Song, don't worry, Catherine will be fine."
At that moment, the doctor emerged from the room. "Are you Ms. Catherine's family?"
Song Lijun immediately replied, "Yes, I am her mother. How is she?"
"After treatment, she is out of danger. However, as she is pregnant, she will likely be weaker during this period. We recommend she remain in the hospital for observation."
Song Lijun froze. "Doctor, did you say Linlin... she's pregnant?"
The doctor nodded. "Fortunately, the rescue was timely, otherwise, both mother and child would have been in danger."
This news stunned even Wei Yumeng and Zhan Mohan. After all, they had just confirmed Catherine wasn't pregnant. Now, suddenly, she was. "This... Linlin hasn't even introduced us to a boyfriend, how could she be pregnant?" Song Lijun was at a loss.
Feng Zhenhua's brow furrowed deeper, his state of mind clearly in turmoil. Wei Yumeng's heart pounded. Could this child truly be Catherine's? Had they been wrong from the start with that doctor? But Mu Linjing had witnessed everything, and Catherine had even kidnapped Mu Linjing over this matter. Where had things gone wrong?
This could only mean one thing: perhaps Catherine herself didn't know she was genuinely pregnant. Wei Yumeng and Zhan Mohan exchanged a look, sensing that something was still amiss, though neither could pinpoint it.