Chapter 77
Early the next morning, Lewis returned from his run to find that Doris had already made breakfast.
“Breakfast is ready,” she smiled as she set down a fork.
“You should’ve slept a little longer.” He grabbed a bottle of water and took a sip, his Adam’s apple moving up and down.
Doris’s gaze lingered on his throat. “I’ve had enough rest. I made some sandwiches–I’ll take some to my parents later.”
“I’ll drive you there after breakfast.”
“No need. It’s not on your way, and you have work. I’m not in a hurry, and riding my scooter is convenient.” Doris didn’t want him to tire himself out.
“Mr. Hartman, my mom is sick, so I’ll be spending more time taking care of her. You might have to handle dinner on your own. Sorry.”
“It’s just one meal—I can figure it out.” Lewis completely understood. “Just focus on being with your mom.”
He knew how it felt. When his grandmother fell ill, he had been just as worried. That was one of the reasons he had agreed to marry Doris–to fulfill his grandmother’s wish and make her happy.
And with that, Doris and Lewis went their separate ways for the day.
When Doris arrived at Peyton’s hospital room, she ladled out some porridge. “Dad, Mom, have some breakfast.”
Jimmy got up. “I’m not eating. I’m going home to sleep.”
Doris couldn’t persuade him, so she handed the porridge to Peyton instead. “Mom, you should eat first.”
After breakfast, Laura arrived.
She and Doris took Peyton outside for a walk and sat down to rest in the hospital’s garden.
“Laura, Doris, I need to talk to both of you,” Peyton said, looking at the daughters sitting on either side of her.
“Mom, we’re listening,” Doris said, leaning gently against Peyton like she used to when she was a child.
Peyton held both their hands. “I don’t want to go through with the surgery.”
Doris immediately straightened up, her eyes widening in shock.
Laura also frowned, confusion written all over her face. “Mom, why? I already explained yesterday that your condition is treatable, and the success rate is high.”
Doris was anxious, as she knew that refusing the surgery meant giving up the possibility of survival.
“Mom, are you afraid it’ll hurt? The doctors will give you anesthesia, and there will be pain relief afterward. And we’re here with you, Mom. You can’t just give up like this. We… we all want you to live well.” Doris’s voice choked up on the last
sentence.
Laura nodded in agreement. “Mom, what Doris said is exactly what I wanted to say.”
“It’s not that I’m afraid of pain.” Peyton shook her head.
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Chapter 77
“Then why? Tell us, we can find a way to help.” Doris gripped Peyton’s hand tightly.
Peyton lowered her lashes. “Stop asking. I’m not having the surgery. Let’s get discharged tomorrow.”
“Mom-” said Laura and Doris.
“I just want to rest now.” Peyton got up and walked away coldly, alone.
Laura and Doris stood frozen. They thought, ‘She didn’t object when we talked about the surgery yesterday, so why is she so adamant today?‘
“Laura, don’t you think Mom is acting really strange today? We have to spend more time with her and find out why she won’t have the surgery.” Doris was determined–she wouldn’t give up until she got an answer.
Even if their mother had given up, as her daughters, they couldn’t.
Laura said, “Alright.”
Peyton wanted to leave the hospital, but Doris refused. She said she would cover the hospital bills so Peyton could focus on
recovery.
But three days passed, and Doris and Laura still hadn’t found out why Peyton refused the surgery.
Zain also asked them about Peyton’s decision.
Doris said, “My mom won’t agree to it.”
Zain asked, “Is there something she’s worried about? I can explain everything to her in detail.”
Laura said, “She won’t say anything. She just keeps insisting she won’t do it. We’re completely out of options.”
Zain said, “Ms. Reed, our hospital has invited Dr. Micah Holmes, a leading specialist in breast tumors. With him performing the surgery, the success rate is nearly guaranteed. If you miss this opportunity, it may be very difficult to invite him again.
“As her family, you must do your best to persuade your mother–this is a once–in–a–lifetime chance. Don’t miss it.”
With that, Zain left.
Laura and Doris were thrilled to hear this. But when they told Peyton, Peyton lost her temper and even smashed a glass. “I said I’m not having the surgery. Do you not understand? I want to be discharged. If I have to die, I’ll die at home.”
“Mom, getting angry isn’t good for your health.” Doris tried to soothe her.
They didn’t blame her for her outburst. They understood that sick people often felt frustrated, and losing their temper was inevitable.
“If you know it’s bad for my health, then stop going against my wishes. Get my discharge papers ready for tomorrow. I’m going home.” Peyton made up her mind.
“Mom, don’t be upset. We’re only doing this for your sake,” Laura, ever patient, spoke gently.
“If you really care about me, then listen to me. No more talking.” Peyton turned her head away and shut her eyes, re look at her two worried daughters.
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As soon as Chris Wane entered the private dining room in Hampstone Hotel, Lewis immediately got up, hugged him, and patted him on the shoulder warmly.
09:02 Tue, 4 Mar
Chapter 77
“It’s been a while since we last met.” Lewis walked alongside Chris toward the dining table,
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“Didn’t I notify you as soon as I got back?” Chris glanced at Lewis and raised an eyebrow. “I didn’t expect you to get married while I was away.”
“I had no choice. My grandmother was sick–I had to give her an explanation.” Lewis looked helpless.
“Oh, cut the pretense. You seem to be enjoying married life quite a bit,” Chris teased him.
Lewis had no choice but to change the subject. “Let’s not talk about this. Let’s eat first.”
“Ivan’s not here yet?” asked Chris.
“Something came up for him at the last minute.”
Dishes were served one after another, and Chris and Lewis clinked glasses as they drank together.
They enjoyed the reunion, but when dessert was served, Chris took one bite and put his fork down in distaste. “Call your restaurant manager over.”
After Leon resigned, Archie Young, the deputy manager of the Food and Beverage Department, was promoted to manager.
He wasn’t familiar with Lewis’s real identity, as he had just returned to the country, but he knew Chris very well–the man was the president of the Wane Group.
“Mr. Young, I feel like the pastries taste different from before. They’re not the same as what I used to have here. Did you change the chef?” Chris picked up a small cake, voicing his doubt.
Archie’s face stiffened. He hadn’t expected Chris to notice even this.
“Our Western cuisine department did fire a pastry chef,” Archie said nervously. “But our other pastry chefs are very professional too, and some are even better than her.”
Chris cast a cold glance at Archie. “What’s the name of the fired pastry chef?”
Archie replied, “Her name is Doris.”
“Such a great pastry chef got fired? What a pity. In that case, we’ll have to avoid choosing this hotel for our Group’s collaborations. Wherever she goes, that’s where I’ll pick a hotel.
“Can’t help it–I just like the pastries she makes.” Chris picked up a macaron, crushed it between his fingers, and tossed it into the waste tray, his face full of disdain.
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