“Chloe, your heart is pure, but you shouldn’t waste it on someone as heartless as Tiffany,” Aelfric advised softly. “Stay away from Tiffany from now on. And don’t worry about Connor; I’ll make sure he regrets how he treated you.”
Aelfric’s words resonated deeply with Chloe. He was not only capable but also assertive, openly showing his affection for her. Whenever she caught his affectionate gaze, her heart skipped a beat. Yet, she knew he wasn’t the one for her. Despite his qualities, he didn’t measure up to Connor. She aimed to marry someone of the highest caliber to avoid being overshadowed by her sister
Although choosing Aelfric as her spouse was off the table, Chloe couldn’t risk losing such a capable support. So she decided to feign ignorance of his feelings, maintaining an air of innocence to keep him around
Melinda tugged at Chloe’s arm. “Don’t be downhearted, Chloe. My brother will always be there for you.”
“Thank you, Aelfric. Being aggrieved doesn’t bother me,” Chloe said, smiling warmly. “When you know what you are doing is right, you won’t be affected by others’ harsh words.”
Captivated by her smile, Aelfric praised her, “Your insight and clarity are a rarity. Most are mediocre, but you, you are in a class of your own.”
Blushing, Chloe looked down, while Melinda pouted playfully. “Aelfric, such words might make me jealous.”
Laughing, Aelfric gently pinched Melinda’s cheek. “While Chloe might be the queen, you are my cherished little princess. You might not share her beauty and talents, but I will guard you all my life.”
“That’s not fair to say, Aelfric. Melinda is as beautiful and talented as me,” Chloe protested
“It’s alright, Chloe,” Melinda reassured her. “I may not have your beauty or talent, but I accept that I’m not jealous. After all, one day you’ll be my sister-in-law, and we won’t be rivals.”
“Oh, Melinda! What are you talking about?” Chloe asked, feigning coyness. “I don’t want to talk to you anymore. I’m leaving.”
After her declaration, Chloe glanced shyly at Aelfric. She stomped her feet and walked away
“Chloe, wait for me,” Melinda called out, hurrying after her
Aelfric watched the two girls leave and smiled. A vivid picture flashed in his mind: he imagined himself finally defeating Connor and standing majestically on the throne as the king, with Chloe in her snow-white wedding gown nestled shyly in his arms-a perfect match for him
Ten hours later, Marissa emerged from the operating room, visibly exhausted. Connor, who had been waiting outside, immediately approached her with a look of concern
The Sanchez family also rushed over, and one of them inquired, “Dr. Riss, how did it go?”
Marissa responded, “The operation was successful. If all goes well, the patient should wake up in about two weeks.”
“That’s wonderful. Thank you, Dr. Riss.”
While the Sanchez family expressed their gratitude, Leila stared at Marissa and suddenly exclaimed, “Tiffany!”
Leila’s words left everyone momentarily stunned. Marissa, too, halted abruptly, wondering if Leila had recognized her
As she debated whether to remove her medical mask and acknowledge her identity, Leila pointed at her necklace and asked, “Dr. Riss, that necklace was a gift from me to Tiffany. Why are you wearing it now?”
Relieved, Marissa smiled and explained, “Before the surgery, Tiffany asked me to wear this necklace. She believed it would bless her mother’s operation and ensure its success.” Riss’ movements were typically shrouded in secrecy, and her visibility to others was always controlled. However, since Tiffany was now an outer disciple of Riss’ team, her access to Riss raised no suspicions
Leila, still concerned, questioned, “Dr. Riss, where is Tiffany? I didn’t see her throughout the surgery.”
Remaining composed, Marissa responded, “I assigned Tiffany to my surgical team. She was learning during the surgery and has likely accompanied her mother to the ICU now.”
“I’m relieved to hear she’s safe,” Leila murmured to herself, visibly worried. “Aelfric was looking to cause her trouble. I was so concerned about her.”
As Marissa noticed Leila’s reddened, swollen face, a firm resolve settled over her to confront Aelfric. A frosty glint flashed in her eyes
“Dr. Riss is worn out and needs to rest. You can wait in the ICU viewing area, but remember, you can only observe through the glass and not disturb the patient. She must get through the observation period,” Ferris instructed
Acknowledging the group with a polite nod, Marissa bid the Sanchez family goodbye and made her way to her lounge. Connor followed her, while the rest of the Sanchez family cheerfully headed toward the ICU
Leila watched Connor’s departing figure, her expression clouding over in thought, but she chose to remain silent. After Marissa and Connor disappeared around the corner, Leila shifted her focus and caught up with her family at the ICU entrance
There, Marissa was already at the window, her white gown still on but her cap and mask removed, revealing her identity to anyone who glanced her way. She was unmistakably Tiffany
Curiously, Connor, who had initially followed Riss to her lounge, now stood next to Marissa, his posture protective
“Tiffany, how is your mother?” Ruth inquired with earnestness
“She’s stable, Grandma. There’s no need to worry. The surgery was successful,” Marissa reassured her
“That’s incredible! I never thought I’d see my daughter awake again in my lifetime. I’m so eager to talk with her,” Ruth exclaimed, her voice quivering with emotion as tears began to form in her eyes
“Hey, Tiffany,” Daryl asked with palpable excitement, “were you there watching Dr. Riss perform the surgery? Did you learn a lot?”
Marissa couldn’t help but beam. “Absolutely, I did.”
“And are you feeling good about it?” With a soft smile, Rachel added, “Lots of doctors, students, and professors from medical schools want to observe her surgeries. But you, Tiffany, you’re the only one who got that chance.”
Marissa chuckled in agreement. “I know, I’m incredibly lucky.”
Shaun playfully tousled her hair and said warmly, “Tiffany, if you keep learning from Dr. Riss, you’re going to be a top-notch doctor. I’m really proud of you.”
“Thanks, Shaun,” Marissa replied. The atmosphere outside the ICU was filled with joy as the Sanchez family celebrated Caylee’s successful operation. They engaged in lively conversation with Marissa, their voices creating a harmonious buzz. In contrast, Leila seemed troubled, her brow furrowed despite usually being the most outgoing. Catching her expression, Marissa asked, “What’s on your mind, Leila?”
Leila looked over at Connor, then tugged Marissa aside, lowering her voice. “Tiffany, there’s something I’m not sure if I should tell you.”
Marissa chuckled upon seeing Leila’s troubled expression. “Leila, you can tell me anything. Just relax and go ahead.”
Biting her bottom lip, Leila hesitated, then ventured a question. “Tiffany, how has your relationship with Mr. Daniels been since you married?”
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.
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