The Return of The Forsaken Son-in law

Chapter 3

In the quiet sanctuary of Wilson Pharmacy's private treatment room, Marco sat beside Rosa's bedside, watching her breathing slowly stabilize. Dr. Vincent Castellano stood nearby, still mesmerized by the miraculous recovery he had witnessed.

"Young man," Vincent said with deep reverence, "what you've accomplished here defies everything I've learned in forty years of medicine. I'm honored to witness such legendary techniques."

Marco looked up from his mother's peaceful face. "Dr. Castellano, I need to prepare some healing herbs for her complete recovery. But I must be honest—I don't have the money to pay for them."

"Money?" Vincent waved his hand dismissively. "After what you've shown me today, consider any herbs you need a gift. What do you require?"

Marco pulled out a piece of paper and began writing with swift, precise strokes. "Ginseng root, aged at least fifty years. Dragon bone powder. Celestial lily petals. Blood coral extract. Phoenix mushroom spores..."

Vincent's eyes widened as he read the prescription. "These are incredibly rare ingredients. This formula... it's unlike anything I've ever seen. The combinations alone would cost thousands, but the healing potential..."

"It's an ancient recipe for Rejuvenating Pills," Marco explained. "They can heal internal injuries and restore vitality in ways modern medicine cannot comprehend."

Vincent clutched the prescription to his chest. "Would you... would you allow me to keep a copy of this? This formula could revolutionize medicine!"

"Keep the original," Marco said. "Consider it payment for your kindness."

Vincent's hands trembled as he examined the prescription more closely. "This is priceless knowledge. I feel like I'm holding a treasure beyond measure."

Within an hour, Vincent had gathered all the required herbs from the pharmacy's premium collection. Marco set up a small brewing station, carefully measuring each ingredient with mathematical precision.

"The key is the temperature control," Marco explained as he worked. "Too hot and the Phoenix mushroom loses its potency. Too cool and the dragon bone won't dissolve properly."

Vincent watched intently, absorbing every detail. "The precision required... it's like watching an ancient master at work."

Steam rose from the brewing pot as Marco stirred with a specific rhythm. "Ninety-nine clockwise rotations, then sixty-six counter-clockwise. The energy flow must be maintained."

"Energy flow?" Vincent asked, fascinated.

"Traditional medicine recognizes that healing isn't just chemistry—it's about channeling life force itself."

After two hours of careful preparation, Marco produced twelve small, pearl-like pills that seemed to glow with inner light.

"Incredible," Vincent whispered. "They actually seem to pulse with energy."

Marco gently placed one pill between Rosa's lips. "Mama, swallow this. Trust me."

Rosa's eyes fluttered open, and she obediently swallowed the pill. Within minutes, the color returned to her cheeks, her breathing deepened, and the pain lines around her eyes began to fade.

"My God," Vincent gasped. "Her vital signs are improving exponentially! This is beyond miraculous!"

Marco smiled with relief, then handed Vincent a small pouch containing the remaining eleven pills. "These are yours, Dr. Castellano. Use them wisely."

"I... I cannot accept such a gift," Vincent protested, though his eyes showed his desire for the precious medicine.

"You've shown kindness when others showed cruelty. You deserve this knowledge."

Vincent bowed deeply. "I am forever in your debt, Master Romano."

Hours passed as Marco maintained his vigil beside Rosa's bed, refusing Vincent's offers of food or rest. Finally, as midnight approached, Rosa's breathing became deep and rhythmic, signaling her complete recovery.

Emotionally drained but relieved, Marco stepped outside the treatment room and pulled out his phone. Despite everything that had happened, he yearned for his wife's comfort and support.

He dialed Elena's number, his heart heavy with exhaustion and hope.

"Hello?" A deep male voice answered, immediately making Marco's blood run cold.

"Who is this?" Marco demanded. "Where's Elena?"

The stranger's laughter was cruel and mocking. "Oh, you must be the pathetic husband I've heard so much about! The little cockroach who crawls around begging for scraps!"

Marco's grip tightened on the phone. "Put Elena on the phone. Now."

"Elena's a bit... occupied at the moment," the man said with obvious amusement. "She's been telling me all about her worthless husband. What was it she called you? Oh yes—a disgusting maggot who can't even provide for his dying mother."

"You're lying!" Marco's voice cracked with rage and pain.

"Am I? She's right here next to me, sleeping peacefully after a very... energetic evening. Poor little Elena was so lonely while you were off playing doctor with your corpse of a mother."

"I don't believe you!"

"Believe what you want, you pathetic worm. But let me paint you a picture—your beautiful wife in my arms, moaning my name, forgetting all about the worthless piece of garbage she married."

Marco's hands shook with fury. "If you touch her—"

"Touch her?" The man's laughter was vicious. "I've done far more than touch her, you miserable insect. Elena told me you're nothing but a spineless dog who licks the Morrison family's boots. She said making love to you was like kissing a dead fish!"

"Stop!" Marco's voice broke.

"She begged me to show her what a real man feels like. And let me tell you, she was very... appreciative. She kept saying how much better I was than her pathetic excuse for a husband."

The line went dead. Marco immediately called back, but it went straight to voicemail. He tried again and again, each unanswered call driving the knife of betrayal deeper into his heart.

After the seventh failed call, Marco finally stopped, his entire body trembling with a mixture of rage, humiliation, and heartbreak. The jade pendant against his chest grew warm, as if responding to his emotional turmoil.

Vincent appeared beside him, concern etched on his face. "Marco, what's wrong? You look like you've seen a ghost."

Marco stared at his phone, his hands still trembling. The cruel laughter echoed in his mind, each mocking word cutting deeper than any physical wound. Three years of marriage, three years of enduring humiliation for Elena's sake, and this was how she repaid him.

"I'm fine," Marco said quietly, his voice hollow. "Just... tired."

Vincent studied his face carefully but didn't press further. "You should get some rest. Your mother is stable now."

Marco stood up straighter, his internal rage building like a storm. The betrayal cut deeper than any physical wound—three years of marriage, three years of enduring humiliation for Elena's sake, and this was how she repaid him. The mocking words of her lover echoed in his mind: "pathetic cockroach," "worthless maggot," "disgusting insect."