“That’s consistent with what other doctors have told us in past consultations!” Daryl exclaimed. However, his face soon clouded with concern. “But we were also told that Caylee’s injuries were severe and her condition complex. The surgery is risky with a low success rate. Until now, no doctor has been willing to attempt it due to the potential for fatal outcomes.”
Ferris responded with a reassuring smile. “It is a difficult procedure, indeed. But what others find impossible, Riss sees as a challenge.”
Leila, brimming with faith, added, “I believe in Dr. Riss. She has worked miracles before. I’m sure Aunt Caylee will recover after her surgery.”
Bending over Caylee, Leila then gently asked, “Are you ready to take this chance, Auntie?” With one hand holding Marissa’s, Caylee lifted the other in assent. Convinced that Dr. Riss, whom she now believed to be her daughter, was a medical genius like her father, Caylee was eager to see the world again, particularly to witness her daughter’s talents firsthand
With Caylee’s approval, gratitude filled the Sanchez family as they looked at Ferris. “Dr. Riss is preparing for the surgery as we speak,” Ferris continued. “Caylee needs to rest now. Once her condition stabilizes and all necessary preparations are complete, the surgery will be scheduled.”
The family expressed their thanks repeatedly as Ferris excused himself and left the hospital quickly. Back in the operating room, Marissa had collected a sample of Caylee’s hair and asked Ferris to arrange a DNA test to confirm their relationship. Ferris was now on his way to fulfill this crucial task
Shortly after Ferris departed, Caylee’s hand gently fell to her side. This time, however, there was no cause for alarm. Her cheeks were flushed with a healthy glow, and her breathing was steady-she was simply in a deep sleep
Her attending doctor reassured the Sanchez family, “Ms. Sanchez is in very good condition now. She’ll be moved to a ward to recuperate and wait for Dr. Riss to schedule the surgery.” He couldn’t hide his enthusiasm. “I’m eagerly anticipating it. We must observe closely when the time comes!”
Myles, also excited, chimed in, “Dr. Riss’s surgery will be another milestone for our hospital. It will be an honor. We’ll provide all the support she needs.”
Under Myles’s direction, Caylee was transferred to a ward where she would be well cared for. Gradually, those who had come to see Dr. Riss dispersed, leaving only Connor, Marissa, and the Sanchez family
The Sanchez family members looked at Marissa with complicated expressions, unsure if her actions were genuine or merely for show
Finally, Daryl spoke. “Tiffany, regardless of everything, thank you for today.”
Marissa calling Caylee “Mom” had given her great pleasure. Everyone saw it clearly. Marissa’s response was tinged with a hint of sadness. “I came to see my mother. You don’t need to thank me. I’ll be visiting more often. I hope you won’t turn me away.”
Despite uncertainties about her connection to Caylee, Marissa was determined to fulfill the duties of a daughter, since she was now Tiffany. However, Leila remained skeptical. “Tiffany, are you playing games again? Are you here to cause more pain?”
Marissa, undeterred by Leila’s wariness and having faced her hostility before, responded with a gentle smile, “I was thoughtless when I was younger. I’ve grown since then and won’t make those mistakes again. Thank you, Leila, for looking after my mother.”
Leila, caught off guard by Marissa’s maturity, hesitated before asking, “Is that really true?”
“Yes,” Marissa nodded sincerely
“Tiffany, are you really going to accept us as your family?” Shaun asked, his demeanor gentle. Marissa looked at Shaun and responded warmly, “Thank you for taking care of my mom for me. I’m here to do my part as her daughter now. I hope you won’t shut me out.”
No sooner had she finished speaking than Ruth took Marissa’s hand and said, “Tiffany, I’ve been waiting to see you again for ten years. How could we possibly shut you out?”
Rachel grasped Marissa’s other hand, her smile tender. “Tiffany, you’re always welcome at our home. We understand the mistakes you made were under the influence of the Nash family. It’s never too late to make amends.”
Daryl gently patted Marissa’s head, his expression one of relief and joy. “Good girl. I was very angry with you before, but as your uncle, I can’t hold a grudge forever. If you’re ready to correct your mistakes, we can put the past behind us.”
With all the elders of the Sanchez family surrounding Marissa, Shaun couldn’t get closer but smiled at her from behind Ruth and Rachel. “Tiffany, welcome home,” he said warmly. Shaun, a few years older than Marissa, had the composure and elegance of a young man raised in a family of artists and scholars
“Thank you, Shaun,” Marissa replied, her smile genuine
Leila, having calmed her earlier fury, apologized, “I’m sorry for how I acted earlier. I’m glad you’re part of our family now.” Leila’s straightforward and warm nature was a contrast to the refined demeanors typically found in the Sanchez family
Marissa, appreciating her cousin’s directness, replied, “I’ve already forgotten what happened just now.”
Leila laughed joyfully, her mood lifted
The warmth and modesty of the Sanchez family enveloped Marissa. According to Tiffany’s diary entries, she had always been grateful to the Sanchez family but hesitant to grow closer. Marissa desperately wanted to find out what the “devil” in Tiffany’s mind was, and she was eager to know whether she was related to the Sanchez family or not. With these thoughts swirling in her mind, Marissa couldn’t resist asking, “Uncle Daryl, did my mom give birth to more than one child back then?”
“Your mother has only one child, and that’s you,” Daryl replied
“Then how many children do you have?” Marissa asked next. Daryl seemed puzzled by her sudden curiosity, but he answered honestly, “I have two children-Shaun and Leila. Tiffany, why are you asking such strange questions?”
Marissa smiled, brushing it off. “No reason. Just curious.” Inside, however, she felt a wave of disappointment. After seeing photos of Tiffany, she had begun to wonder if they might be twin sisters who had been separated when they were little. Such a revelation would have explained the harsh treatment she received from Korbin, Betty, and Denise
With this possibility in mind, she paid extra attention to Caylee’s health. Seeing the kindness and warmth the Sanchez family had shown her, she hoped that she could be a member of this family. But Daryl’s answers dashed those hopes. It appeared it was just a coincidence that she looked like Tiffany. Marissa resigned herself to the reality that Korbin, Betty, and Denise were indeed her family. Despite their mistreatment towards her, they were her blood relatives. With a heavy heart, she bid farewell to the Sanchez family and left with Connor
In the elevator, Connor noticed her change in demeanor and asked gently, “Why are you suddenly unhappy?”
Marissa glanced at him before looking away, her voice tinged with self-mockery. “I thought I was related to Tiffany by blood, and that’s why we looked alike. Now I see that’s impossible. My real family is the Nash family in Adagend.”
Connor remained silent, his expression thoughtful. He had already looked into Marissa’s family background. Knowing the difficulties she faced growing up in a troubled household, he could understand her sense of loss. The possibility of being part of a kinder, warmer family had given her a glimmer of hope, but with that now dispelled, her disappointment was palpable
In a sudden shift, Marissa questioned, “Mr. Daniels, should we end our cooperation?” Marissa had initially posed as Connor’s wife to delve into her potential connection with Tiffany. Now that she discovered no familial ties, she felt it was time to sever all connections with the Daniels, Sanchez, or Nash families. It was time for her to move on
“What are you going to do next?” Connor asked
“I’ll return to my life. Mr. Daniels, please arrange for a divorce mediation soon. I’d like to finalize everything quickly and obtain the divorce decree,” Marissa responded
“Will you leave Blebert?” he inquired
“Once we finalize the divorce, we should delete each other’s contact information and cease all communication,” Marissa stated firmly. Connor was taken aback by her immediate desire to sever all ties right after she found out she had no connection to Tiffany
Marissa added, “The situation in Blo Grein was complex during the war. The information the Sanchez family got wasn’t complete. To confirm whether you are related to Tiffany, you should get a DNA test.”
After a pause, Marissa nodded. “You’re right. I’ve already taken a sample of Caylee’s hair. We’ll know soon enough.”
As they exited the hospital, Connor asked, “Will you come back home with me?”
Marissa declined the idea. “I’ll stay with the Nash family until the test results are back. I’ll visit Grandma if she misses me, but it’s better if we don’t see each other often.” She then mounted her motorbike and sped away. Connor watched her go, feeling a deep sense of loss. Did she really find him that annoying?
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.
Leave a Reply