Struggling from beneath the weight of the grandfather, Fati emerged, stunned and unable to process what had just happened. Moments ago, he was fine; had the biscuit made him sick? That made no sense; Jaguar had helped her choose it, and if the grandfather had an allergy, Jaguar would surely have known. Suddenly, her heart stopped as she saw foam coming from his mouth. She rolled him onto his back, listening to his chest; he was having a stroke!
She didn't waste a second. She tore a piece of her skirt to clear the foam from his mouth and help him breathe. Just then, a voice behind her screamed:
- What are you doing?!
She didn't look back; every second was critical. She climbed over him, bracing her hands on his chest, ready to apply pressure for CPR. But before she could begin, a hand as strong as steel threw her aside. Her head slammed against the edge of the table, and she reeled, her vision blurring. Through the haze, she saw Jaguar scoop his grandfather up and run out in a panic. She didn't feel the pain in her head; she only whispered weakly:
- You must... you must revive his heart... he's going to die.
Hours dragged on for Jaguar, for his grandfather was the only family he had left. He waited, his heart burning from what he had witnessed: his wife, whom he thought was an angel, appearing to try and kill him. What had she done? The driver confirmed he was fine when he entered the house, and the butler saw him in perfect health. So, what did Fati do to him? Why was she on the floor?
Finally, the doctor emerged, delivering news that nearly shattered him:
- Your grandfather had suffered a stroke. Though they had managed to stabilize him, he had fallen into a coma, and no one knew when he would wake up.
- A coma? Why?
Jaguar shouted, stunned. The doctor replied regretfully,
- The treatment was delayed. If only someone had performed CPR immediately, his condition would be much better. But don't worry, we must wait and see.
Jaguar collapsed onto the bench behind him. The doctor placed a hand on his shoulder and said,
- All you can do is pray. He will remain in intensive care until his condition stabilizes. It is better not to see him right now; waiting is the best option.
The doctor left, leaving Jaguar sitting there in the lonely silence, his face buried in his hands. Suddenly, he looked up, a spark of pure hatred in his eyes, and whispered her name like a curse:
- Fati!
Fati sat waiting in agony, her eyes fixed on her phone. She felt bitter; how could she, as a wife, not even have her husband's phone number? Had she been waiting for him to offer it? Hours passed like an eternity, and everyone refused to give her any information. Even when her grandfather called repeatedly, she didn't dare answer; she knew her trembling voice would give her away, and she wouldn't be able to stop herself from crying. She chose silence, avoiding the secretaries to keep the news quiet, and sat there, waiting impatiently.
As soon as Jaguar entered the hall, she froze. His face was pale, as if he had just returned from the realm of the dead. She stood up anxiously and asked in a whisper:
- How is the grandfather?
He didn't answer with a word. Instead, he approached her with angry strides, grabbed her shoulders, and shook her violently until her head reeled. Then, he shouted in her face:
- What did you do to him?!
She looked at him, stunned, and said:
- What do you mean? I didn't do anything! I only gave him a single biscuit.
- No... the biscuit isn't the reason!
He roared, digging his fingers deeper into her shoulders.
- I swear I didn't do anything! He was talking to my grandfather on the phone, and then he just collapsed!
Jaguar's expression froze, and his eyes ignited with a crazed fury as he heard the name:
- Your grandfather?
He spat the word out like a projectile, his eyes burning with a fire of hatred that made Fati feel as if her very existence was about to be consumed.
He let go of her shoulders and grabbed her wrist brutally, dragging her to the car. He threw her inside and slammed the door so hard that she trembled. He got into the driver's seat and sped off. As soon as they cleared the palace gates, he shouted:
- Where is your home?
- What do you want with my home? Aren't we going to the hospital?
- Do you think I'd let you witness the end of your victories?
She replied in a choked voice,
- What are you talking about? Please, Jaguar, I didn't do anything to your grandfather!
- But your grandfather did, and I have to confront him.
She pleaded with hot tears,
- Please, my grandfather is sick. Don't see him while you're this angry. He had a stroke because of my father before, and I don't want him to get sick again, especially while I'm away from him.
He looked at her with cold contempt:
- Do you really think you'll be living in my house after all this?
Fati fell silent, too shocked to process anything she hadn't even heard what passed between the two grandfathers. She begged him weakly,
- Please.. anyone but my grandfather
- The address!
He barked.
Under his fury, she gave in and told him. The drive was shrouded in a suffocating silence, broken only by his jagged breathing. As soon as they arrived, he dragged her inside. Her grandfather was sitting in the hall on his wheelchair. Jaguar approached him and threw Fati at his feet in such a brutal manner that it tore the old man's heart apart.