Chapter 56
Anathea felt a chill all over her body, and it only eased a little with the help of a hot shower. After she’d changed into the new
clothes, she headed straight to the hospital.
Once she paid off the remaining three million in medical expenses and confirmed the surgery date, Anathea finally let out a sigh
of relief, as if a weight had been lifted off her shoulders. “I’ll be counting on you for the surgery, Dr. Peltz.”
“Rest assured, Ms. Jacobson. We’ll do our best,” Carla replied solemnly. “Mrs. Jacobson is awake now. Would you like to see her?”
Ever since Fiona had started receiving the injections, her condition had slightly improved. At that moment, she was sipping the
nourishing soup the nurse had brought her.
When she saw Anathea at the door, she smiled and waved her over. “You’re here.”
“Hi, Mom.” Anathea smiled faintly. But the moment she noticed the thick IV catheter still in Fiona’s wrist, her nose stung. “Does
it hurt?”
“Not at all. Don’t worry.” Fiona raised her hand to show Anathea.
After experiencing a serious illness, she’d long come to terms with pain and mortality. But no matter what, her biggest concern
was still Anathea
“Look at you. It’s only been a short while, and you’ve lost so much weight. You look pale, too.”
Hearing that, Anathea instinctively touched her own face. She really wasn’t feeling well today, but she didn’t want Fiona to worry.
“No way. I’ve just been really focused on work lately. Maybe I didn’t get enough rest.”
“You started working?” Fiona frowned, her eyes full of concern. “Don’t tell me-”
“It’s not what you’re thinking, Mom,” Anathea quickly said, cutting off Fiona’s train of thought. She then grasped Fiona’s hand,
smiling lightly. “I found this job myself, and I love it. It’s floristry.”
Fiona finally relaxed, “Oh, I see.”
She knew that, growing up, Anathea had been influenced by her grandmother and had a deep love for floral arrangement. Anathea had even won quite a few awards. But after she got married, she’d claimed she no longer wanted to pursue it. Fiona had
felt it was a pity, but she respected her daughter’s decision.
Now, knowing that Anathea had returned to doing what she loved, Fiona was genuinely relieved.
She patted Anathea’s shoulder, saying warmly, “My dear, every woman should have her own career. I’m really happy that you get
to do something you love.”
Anathea’s eyes turned slightly red. Just like when she was a child, she leaned against Fiona’s shoulder and nuzzled into her neck.
“Thank you, Mom.”
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+15 Bonus
“Look at you, still acting spoiled at your age,” Flona said with feigned exasperation.
“I don’t care. Even when I’m in my 30s or 40s, I’ll still act spoiled with you. So, Mom, promise me you’ll stay healthy, okay?”
Anathea murmured, hugging Fiona tightly.
“Alright, I promise.” Fiona smiled dotingly as she reached out to pinch Anathea’s cheek.
Anathea tilted her chin up, letting Fiona do as she pleased.
Fiona smoothed Anathea’s hair, tucking a few stray strands behind her ear. But just as she did, she caught a glimpse of a faint bite
mark on the back of Anathea’s neck from the corner of her eye.
She hesitated for a moment. The weather was quite warm today, yet Anathea was wearing a silk scarf around her neck. Feeling a little puzzled, Fiona gently lifted the edge of the scarf, and the sight beneath it made her pause.
Hidden under the fabric were densely scattered red marks–not just hickeys but also what appeared to be whip–like welts. Though there were no wounds, Flona frowned at the sight.
“Anathea, tell me the truth. Is Gregory mistreating you?” she questioned, her voice turning cold.
