Gina was the first to recollect herself. She hung her head low and gazed at her daughter’s bandaged shoulder in disbelief. “Is the injured area big?”
The doctor nodded.
Aubree, on the other hand, sat quietly on the chair. Despite her unfazed expression, she was filled with frustration.
She indeed had intended to put on a ruse to garner sympathy. Never in a million years would she have thought that a severe mishap would befall her.
During the check-up, the doctor had already informed her about it. She also witnessed her open wounds before they were swathed in gauze. It was a downright ghastly sight!
With things having come to this, there was no way she could turn back time and change the outcome.
The only thing Aubree regretted was letting the doctor cover up her wounds too fast. She was hoping that Sonya could see the lacerations suffered with her own eyes. This was so that Sonya would feel extremely terrible about it.
Although Sonya did not get to see Aubree’s wounds, she was stricken with guilt when she heard what the doctor said. “Don’t you have a way to ensure that no scars are left behind? Please do so, regardless of the cost.”
The doctor was put in a difficult spot. “Actually, there’s one solution. However, it may require Ms. Pearson to bear some hardships.”
“What is it?” Gina asked hastily.
“Ms. Pearson can consider going through a skin transplant surgery once her wounds are healed. I can refer you to a hospital that guarantees a perfect outcome,” the doctor suggested.
Gina sulked when she heard that. “What’s the point? The surgery will only cover up the scars. What about the areas where the skin is replaced? Won’t there be scars too? My daughter was perfectly well until this happened, leaving so many scars on her body—”
Aubree’s brows snapped together upon noticing that her mother got all worked up and started to argue with the doctor. Hence, she cut Gina off, “It’s okay, Mom. It’s just a few scars. Anyway, they aren’t located on my face. I’ll just have to wear clothes with sleeves more often. It’s not a big deal.”
Thereafter, Aubree’s gaze swept across Sonya’s face.
The latter’s guilt turned more and more intense as she realized how understanding Aubree was. “Aubree got hurt because she wanted to save me. Don’t you worry; I’ll bear all the consequences.”
It suddenly dawned on Gina that Aubree had a hidden agenda. Immediately, she played along by putting on a sorrowful expression and lamented, “I’m not too worried about the scars. What bothers me the most is how other people will view Aubree. She’s not getting any younger. With those scars on her body… Will she be able to get married? Will her future partner accept her?”
Gina’s eyes gradually turned red as she got emotional.
At that moment, Aubree was relieved. She pretended to comfort her mother. “Don’t worry, Mom. I believe that the person who truly loves me won’t mind these scars. It’s just like…”
Then, Aubree instinctively glanced at Sonya and displayed a dejected expression.
Even though she did not finish her sentence, the others knew exactly what she wanted to say.
It’s just like my unrequited love for Lucian over the years. I don’t mind that he has never paid any attention to me.
Sonya was moved to tears. She turned and stared at her son. Then, she said to him earnestly, “I caused Aubree to get injured. During her recovery, you ought to take good care of her on my behalf in order to repay Aubree for her kindness.”
Sonya’s response unequivocally took Aubree by surprise. The latter quickly turned her head, only to realize that Lucian was standing by the door.
Instantly, she reviewed her speech in her head and was relieved that she did not say anything that could have exposed her scheme. Her gaze then fell on Sonya. “There’s no need for you to be so formal, Mrs. Farwell. It was something I should have done. Please, don’t even mention it,” she said in a gentle voice.
Sonya furrowed her brows and replied, “You’re such a sweet girl. Are you trying to make me feel more terrible than I already am?”
Obediently, Aubree said nothing else.
Sonya shot Lucian a glance. “If it weren’t for Aubree, you wouldn’t be able to see me standing here anymore. No matter what, the Farwell family owes Aubree a favor. I’m still in shock, so I don’t think I’m the best person to take care of her right now. Therefore, it’s your duty to care for her in the meantime.”
At that point, everyone in the room had their eyes on Lucian.
Frowning, the latter said curtly, “Okay.”
He had no intention of getting acquainted with Aubree. However, he could not find any excuse to reject his mother since Aubree did save Sonya this time.
The crowd heaved a sigh of relief when they heard him saying yes.
It was even more so for Aubree whose spirits rose triumphantly.
Although she was a little taken aback by the accident and its outcome, she was even more surprised by how the events had unfolded before her eyes, to her advantage.
Initially, she wanted to make use of her injuries to sow guilt in Sonya and make her an ally against Roxanne.
It turned out she received something better.
“If that’s the case, I must thank you in advance for taking care of Aubree.”
Gina smiled at Lucian, but the latter nodded indifferently.
Right then, an awkward expression settled upon Aubree’s face. “Lucian, I know that you’re still upset with me because of Essie, and you’d hate to have anything to do with me. Don’t worry; I won’t trouble you unless it’s absolutely necessary.”
As soon as Aubree said that, Sonya cast a disapproving look at her. “Go ahead and tell Lucian whenever you’re unwell or if you feel any discomfort. Let him take good care of you during this time. If you aren’t troubling him, I’d feel bad and think that you are refusing my good intentions.”
Aubree pretended to be in a dilemma.
Upon mulling it over, Sonya said to her son, “I suggest that you come over to the hospital to be with Aubree after work each day. Whenever I’m free, I’ll drop by to keep her company too.”
When Lucian heard that, his gaze darkened slightly.
The atmosphere froze for several seconds before he broke the silence and gave his response in the affirmative. “All right.”
Aubree was delighted. She did not expect Lucian to agree so quickly. After snapping back to her senses, she tried to suppress her overwhelming joy and put on a guilty face. “Thanks, Lucian.”
The man nodded his head without uttering a single word to her.
Aubree could tell that he was forced to do so. Yet, she did not mind it.
In the coming days, Lucian will be all mine in the ward as per Mrs. Farwell’s instruction. In other words, he won’t have time to meet up with that b*tch!
Aubree’s heart swelled with an indescribable sense of happiness at that thought.
Then, they carried on with a brief discussion to determine some matters about Aubree’s recovery journey.
The doctor gave her some reminders before urging her to proceed with the admission procedures right away.
Instead of waiting for an instruction to be given, Lucian volunteered to carry out the task. “I’ll do that.”
With that, he turned around and left the room.
He could not bear Aubree’s presence any longer.
Once the admission procedures were completed, Lucian went to meet the director and requested the best arrangement for Aubree, as per Sonya’s expectations.
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