Chapter 31
The doctor had explained that there was still a glimmer of hope in her condition, but the chances were slim–and chemotherapy came with the very real risk that she might not survive the treatment itself
That was why Jessica refused chamo.
With this conservative approach, at the very least, she could expect another six months.
She reached for her phone and typed out a message.?
Thank you, Doctor. I don’t want to take that risk.“2
The doctor sighed and said, “Tll prescribe you some more medication, then,”
Jessica quickly typed another line &
I you also help keep my diagnosis between us? I don’t want my family to worry.“”
Thank you. Could y
She handed the phone over to the doctor so he could read her words
It was a lie–and she knew it. Her husband and son were never the type to worry about her. Telling them would only be a wasted effort, so she’d rather not bother The doctor, perhaps out of pity knowing her days were numbered, nodded. “Alright I understand.”
A little while later Jessica was wheeled out of the emergency room: Mabel, her housekeeper, rushed up, anxious.
“Ma’am, are you alright?”
Seeing that it was Mabel waiting for her, Jessica managed a smile and typed out a line on her phone: T’m fine, Mabel. Don’t worry.”
Her IV drip wasn’t finished yet, so a nurse pushed her back into a hospital room.
Mabel sat down by the bed, her eyes full of concern. Til go grab you some breakfast.”
Jessica nodded.
Mabel left quietly
Meanwhile, on the second floor where the ER was located, Timothy stood out on the balcony making a call, arranging a blood transfusion for Sheila. Out of the comer of his eye, he saw Mabel leaving the building. His gaze darkened for a moment, but then his expression returned to normal as he continued his conversation Later, when Jessica’s IV was nearly finished, she pressed the call button. A nurse came in, changed the bag, and left. Just then, her phone rang.
It was Herbert
Jessica remembered the promise she’d made to Herbert the day before. His father was expanding their business into the country, so the whole family had moved back. Their new house was styled after an old English manor, but Mrs. Wheeler always felt something was missing. Eventually she realized it was the window decorations–delicate paper cuttings that reminded her of her time abroad.
They’d hired several people to make them, but none of the designs looked quite right. That’s when they thought of Jessica’s grandmother, only to learn she had passed away. Others recommended Jessica herself, praising her for inheriting her grandmother’s skill !!
That was why Herbert had sought her out!
Jessica’s grandmother had always hoped she would carry on the craft, and Jessica was personally acquainted with Mrs. Wheeler so she agreed to take on the project!
She hung up the phone, checked the time, glanced at her IV, and estimated when she’d be done before sending Herbert a message.
head out around ton
Alight. Do you want me to pick you up?k
[No need. I’m already in Riverside City
Herbon frowned as he read her message. The night before, he’d seen The La posted for all to see.
The Lawson Group’s official announcement–Jessica and Timothy’s manage certificate,
He’d suspected as much. It had been seven years since he’d last been able to reach her
Jessica had only come back to her hometown, he guessed, because of Timothy and that other woman. But yesterday, Timothy had told the press that the woman was his aunt. Now Jessica was back in Riverside City, which meant they’d probably reconciled 2
Herbert’s fingers hovered over the screen before he finally typed a reply
[Okay, I’ll be waiting |
Jessica put her phone away. She heard the door open and thought Mabel had returned
But when she looked up, it was Timothy, his face cold and unreadable
