Chapter 57
+15 Bonus
Anathea didn’t know why Fiona had suddenly asked that. But with Fiona’s surgery coming up, Anathea didn’t want to worry her.
Hence, she smiled and replied, “No, he’s treating me well.”
Despite what she said, images flashed through her mind–Gregory gripping her chin, looking at her with pure disdain.
“I didn’t know you were this cheap, Anathea. A mere three million is all it takes for you to sell yourself?”
“If you’re going to sell yourself, then make some noise. Who are you putting on this half–dead act for?”
Every word was like a fine silver needle, piercing countless wounds into her heart. The pain seeped deep into her bones, making it hard to breathe.
Yet, she still wore a faint smile when she was with Fiona. “I’m telling the truth, Mom. Don’t worry about me. I’m doing fine.”
Fiona didn’t speak right away. She simply looked at Anathea, taking in how much thinner her daughter’s face had become. Her heart ached, but seeing Anathea still smiling, she nodded.
at
“I just want you to be okay. You know, you’re the one I worry about most. As long as you’re happy, that’s enough for me.”
“Yes. Don’t worry, Mom. I’m very happy.” Anathea’s face lit up with a bright smile. But it never reached her eyes.
By the time the surgery was over, the one–month divorce cooling–off period with Gregory would be just about up. When that time came, Anathea would move Fiona to a better rehabilitation center with a more pleasant environment for her recovery.
As for everything else, she wouldn’t think about it anymore.
Anathea stayed with Fiona for nearly an hour before getting ready to leave. “Get some good rest, Mom. I’ll come by again tomorrow,” she said.
Before leaving the ward, she slipped some money to the nurse and caregiver, instructing them to take extra care of Fiona.
But as soon as she turned the corner in the hallway, she heard a child’s voice. “Ms. Whitman, are you feeling better?”
It was Xander’s voice. Anathea’s steps faltered.
“Much better! Thank you for checking on me, Xandy! Shouldn’t you be studying? What brings you here?”
“It’s the weekend. I haven’t seen you in a few days, and I kind of missed you, so I asked Dad to bring me here.” Xander looked at Natalie’s propped–up foot in concern. “Are you really okay? That looks painful.”
Natalie ruffled Xander’s hair. “I’m fine. But the doctor said if I want to continue skiing, I’ll need surgery. Once my foot heals, I’ll take you skiing, okay?”
“Okay! I’ll ask Dad to get you the best doctor so you can recover fully!” Xander jumped up excitedly. He then eagerly picked up a plate of sliced fruit and held it up to Natalie. “Do you want some fruit? I’ll feed you!”
Chapter 37
+15 Bonus
At that moment, two nurses passed by outside the ward, pushing a cart.
“This kid is so sweet and thoughtful. I wish I had a child like that.”
“Right? It’s enough to make me want to have kids.”
Anathea listened to the lively conversation inside and the admiration outside, her expression remaining unchanged
She only remembered that when she was sick, Xander had never cared for her the way he did for Natalie, especially the last time
when she’d had acute gastritis. She’d reached out to him, only for him to avoid her coldly.
Sometimes, she couldn’t understand it. She’d carried Xander for nine exhausting months and nearly lost her life giving birth to him, so why were they not close at all? Why was he so affectionate with Natalie instead?
But now, she didn’t even want to think about it anymore.
Xander looked almost identical to Gregory. Just by looking at his face, Anathea felt as though she’d played no part in bringing him
into this world. Maybe he’d even taken after Gregory in terms of personality as well.
