Chapter 3 Gathering my thoughts, I went to a clinic to have my let treated. After requesting a day off from my team leader, I headed straight to the hospital to be with my mother, Mom had a tumor in a particularly delicate location, and nationwide, there were fewer than two doctors capable of performing the surgery. She kept insisting, "If we can't get the surgery scheduled soon, I should just be discharged. Staying here is a waste of money." I shoved a piece of pear into her mouth. "Absolutely not! Last time you went to the third floor for a scan by yourself, you fainted." "And besides, I've heard that Professor Mitchell, one of the only doctors who can do this surgery, will be holding consultations here soon." Dr. Harris had mentioned that if the news was true, he would help us secure an appointment immediately. Thinking about how quickly Mom might recover, I felt lighter on my feet while going to get lunch-until the head nurse stopped me. "Serena, the VIP room was available. I tried to recorve it for you first, but a new girl with strong connections came in and had her mother put in inste Auto-added to the Library The nurse sighed. "I heard her boyfriend's a major general with the last name Vance. He had a lot of influence..." Almost simultaneously, I caught a glimpse of a figure rounding the stairwell corner, her white skirt identical to the one Isabella had worn earlier that morning. I averted my gaze and offered a reassuring smile. "Thank you anyway, head nurse. The VIP room isn't that important. I just want Mom to have her surgery as soon as possible." That afternoon, I returned home to find Everett sitting on the living room sofa. The fact that he wasn't with Isabella at that hour came as a slight surprise. I nodded lightly. "Mr. Vance." I had just greeted him and was about to retreat to my room when he spoke up, "How's your knee?" "It's been treated. Nothing serious," I replied. Everett set down his coffee and glanced at his watch. "I need you to accompany me to the Vance family for dinner tonight. Are you available?" Chapter 3 30.00% According to our agreement, even if I had other plans, I had to prioritize this. I nodded. "I can make it." A visit to the Vance family demanded a polished look. I chose a designer outfit, applied my makeup skillfully, put on jewelry, and spritzed on perfume-making sure every detail was impeccable. At the manor, I habitually linked my arm with Everett's and, once inside, politely greeted each elder. During dinner, Mrs. Eleanor Vance suddenly asked, "Are you two trying for a baby?" I was sipping soup and choked, coughing repeatedly. Everett casually handed me a napkin and patted my back. "Serena is still young." But Mrs. Vance wasn't convinced. "Twenty-five is not that young. You should be focusing on this." I forced myself to swallow my soup and nodded. "I understand, Mom." That night, a heavy rainstorm trapped us at the manor, so Everett and I had to stay overnight. One bed, two quilts-we were used to the arrangement, so it wasn't awkward. I changed into a nightgown and came out of the bathroom, sitting on the sofa to tend to my knee. Everett glanced over. "Sorry I couldn't take you to the hospital myself today." He frowned slightly, seemingly considering how to explain his relationship with Isabella. I interrupted him gently. "It's alright, Mr. Vance. The agreement doesn't require you to be responsible for me, so please don't concern yourself." "Regarding you and Miss Monroe, I won't pry. You have my full cooperation until the contract concludes in two months." He lifted his eyes slightly. "Two months?" Apparently, he had forgotten the expiration date. I reminded him, "Yes, the contract ends in two months. After that, we can divorce and be done with it." Everett lowered his wine glass, voice flat. "You remember the date clearly." With that noncommittal remark, he left the sofa and headed toward the bathroom. Chapter 3 30.00%