Stella was frozen in place, stunned.

Had Cedric Clarke overheard them?

Briony looked just as caught off guard.

"Uh... what a coincidence," Stella stammered, forcing a chuckle as she glanced at Cedric. "I just got here, and you showed up right after."

Cedric's face remained impassive as he stepped into the room, a stack of test results in his hand.

He didn't spare Stella a glance. Instead, he looked straight at Briony, his voice calm and clear. "While you were unconscious, Dr. Riley and I ran a full set of tests. This is your latest bloodwork. Yesterday, we held a consult with the heads of both internal medicine and integrative therapies. Right now, the recommended approach is to combine conventional treatment with holistic care. We're holding off on chemotherapy for now-you're too weak, and the side effects would be too much for your body to handle."

Briony had long since come to terms with her illness.

After everything she'd endured in Nortia, she'd learned to accept what came her way.

But with two children depending on her, no matter how hard things got, she clung to every sliver of hope and did everything she could to fight.

smile. "I trust you. I'll do whatever you need me to

softened a touch. "Your outlook matters, too.

I'll do

rest." Cedric set the report on the bedside table,

Stella stood there, speechless.

out without even acknowledging

upset. Aren't you going

huffed, her pride flashing. "If he's really angry about something I just blurted

“Some things you just can't say, even if you don't mean

just doesn't get me!" Stella's frustration boiled over. "Take this whole thing with weaning Aster-he and my mom are completely on the same side. They both think it's too soon, but Aster's almost a year old! I've been trying to wean him since he was six months, but

are worth talking through together," Briony said gently.

Joyner-if you feel she's interfering too much, talk to Cedric. Tell

you. I

going abroad for school, too! Just like my mom. Both of them think that since I'm married and have a child, my whole life should revolve around the family. But what about my dreams? Aster will grow up someday-am I

was starting to

of being apart. He and Scarlett Joyner had joined forces

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255