After the divorce, he begged

Chapter 3

Jeffrey sat relaxed on the sofa, still wearing the custom gray suit from that morning’s divorce. proceedings. His manner seemed casually detached as he made light conversation with the doctor, showing no apparent effect from the recent split.

When Rebecca entered the room, Jeffrey’s eyes lifted to meet hers.

Rebecca’s hands clenched unconsciously at her sides, her eyes revealing clear distaste and resentment.

“You’ve arrived, Ms. Jensen,” the doctor, Timothy Johnson, greeted simply.

She averted her gaze and replied quietly, “Hello, Dr. Johnson.

“As we discussed on the phone, here is the monthly payment schedule. Please review it, and if everything appears correct, complete your information and sign at the bottom,” Timothy explained while handing her the form.

Rebecca accepted the document, and her heart sank as her eyes fell on the amount–hundreds of thousands due every single month.

If her father hadn’t taken her pre–marital assets, she might have managed the payments for a few months. But now, with nothing left, covering such a significant expense seemed nearly impossible.

“If the cost presents a burden, you may choose from one of these alternative plans,” Timothy offered, noticing her hesitation as he presented another set of documents.

While the new treatment plan was considerably cheaper than the current one, it still cost tens of thousands of dollars each month.

When Timothy noticed she was still carefully reviewing the documents, his eyes instinctively moved toward Jeffrey.

Jeffrey responded with an almost imperceptible nod that Timothy immediately understood.

“Take your time looking through those options,” Timothy said as he stood up, slipping his phone into his pocket. “I need to check on another patient. If none of those plans work for you, we can discuss alternatives when I return.”

Rebecca remained completely focused on the treatment plans before her. “Alright,” she responded quietly.

Timothy left promptly, making sure to close the door behind him as he exited.

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Chapter 3

64%.

Rebecca and Jeffrey remaining in the office, the silence became

study those documents,” Jeffrey began, his tone maintaining its characteristic casual detachment,

mother’s extensive medical expenses.”

rushed through Rebecca as she turned

find a new place to live and provide for Samuel,” Jeffrey

at him and asked, “What exactly are

consider this divorce as nothing more than a temporary outburst,” Jeffrey said as he stood up and approached her. “If you never bring it up again, I’ll continue covering your mother’s expenses, and

Andrea?”

of you won’t have to interact,” Jeffrey stated calmly. “If her presence bothers you, I

thoughtful of you,” Rebecca replied, her voice dripping with

as if negotiating a business deal. “Someone who’s grown

perfectly well–she had never experienced

life.

never once worried about money. The crisis struck so suddenly that she barely had time to process what was happening

married her.

spending limit, so money

Jeffrey were with Andrea, it wouldn’t mean he’d treat Rebecca any worse. He’d still give her everything she wanted

not to be

to Rebecca, life wasn’t just about

Jeffrey said,

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Chapter 3

as forgiving as you imagine. In

a week,”

to care,” Rebecca

understand

there’s nothing else, Mr. Hanson, you should go. The doctor and I have things to discuss,” Rebecca said, her tone colder

didn’t get angry. Instead,

his persistent gaze, Rebecca’s defenses slowly began

and forced herself to maintain eye contact, determined to win this silent battle

time, I’ll forget this ever happened. After that, you’ll be nothing to me, and even if you come

window, her silent

he had set and left immediately when

considered her behavior ungrateful, believing that sometimes people needed to learn

slammed shut with a loud bang that made Rebecca’s heart jump in her chest.