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%.

silence became so profound that even the slightest sound would

you study those documents,” Jeffrey began, his tone maintaining its characteristic casual detachment, “your financial resources will never be sufficient to cover

mother’s extensive medical expenses.”

of anger rushed through Rebecca as she turned a

new place to live and provide for

at him and asked,

said as he stood up and approached her. “If you never bring it up again, I’ll continue covering your

about Andrea?”

to interact,” Jeffrey stated calmly. “If her presence bothers you, I can. ensure

thoughtful of you,” Rebecca replied, her voice dripping

the most sense for you, Jeffrey continued, ignoring her sarcasm as if negotiating a business deal. “Someone who’s grown accustomed to luxury

had never experienced true

life.

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

married her.

no spending limit, so money was the least of her

Rebecca any worse. He’d still give her everything she wanted and care for her with the same devotion as always–so in his mind,

no reason not to

just about money–pride and

Jeffrey said, his voice cutting

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19:52 Su

Chapter 3

forgiving as you imagine. In your position? Without

a week,”

bother pretending to care,” Rebecca

to understand why she was being

Hanson, you should go. The doctor and I have things to discuss,” Rebecca said, her tone

Instead,

gaze, Rebecca’s defenses slowly began to

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

have one minute to make your decision,” Jeffrey said with deliberate calmness. “If you agree within that time, I’ll forget

look out the window, her

his stay beyond the time he had set and left immediately when time

behavior ungrateful, believing that sometimes people needed to learn through hardship to recognize who genuinely

loud bang that