Chapter 218 – Second Chance Love of the Missing Groom Novel

“Babies get sick often,” Mrs. Watson told Abigail then. “You don’t have to worry–I’ll take good care of him.”

Abigail was certainly more than grateful toward Mrs. Watson–she would not be able to work without worry if not for the latter, and she would always keep that in her heart.

Since she had certain things to prepare, she left early for the hospital, having nothing but a glass of warm milk..

Stephen arrived at the hospital before she did, and Mick Gooding was there with Layla too.

“I’ll be discussing the surgery with Mick, so bring his wife to undergo a CT scan. I’ve already checked–there won’t be anyone there now, so you can do it yourself and bring the scan results back.”

“Okay,” Abigail replied.

She glanced at Layla, who was dressed plainly but remained stunning anyway, and she had the air of someone affable and mild–mannered.

“Please come with me,” Abigail said.

Since they met yesterday, Layla did not keep her distance, and smiled as she followed.

“You mentioned having headaches last night. Is your condition neurological?” Abigail asked.

Layla nodded. “Mick told me that it’s because I have a tumor in my brain.”

Abigail realized with a start just then.

Since there were not many people in the hospital at the time, Layla was the first to get a CT scan after Stephen pulled some strings. When she was done, the scan results were also quickly passed to her.

As Abigail checked it, however, her face fell.

The thing in her brain was no tumor…

Layla saw the stunned expression on Abigail’s face.

“Is everything alright?”

She peeked at the CT scan as she spoke, but she did not understand what she was looking at.

As a doctor, however, Abigail did–there was a distinct nail–sized object in Layla’s hippocampus. Abigail could tell from both position and the imaging that it was no tumor.

Abigail then asked, “What are your headaches like? Do they last for a while, or are they just short episodes on each occasion?”

Layla thought about it. “I don’t know… I think it just happens whenever I try to remember, but I tend not to remember anything, and my head will hurt briefly if I try to focus too hard. There are occasions when it lasts, especially recently–not even medication helps.”

Abigail seemed to realize something then, and after another glance at the CT imaging, she said, “Let’s go back now.”

Layla nodded, but asked again, “I thought you look a little serious just now. Did my condition deteriorate?”

Abigail shook her head. “No, you don’t have to worry… By the way, you said you had a daughter? Didn’t she come with you?”

“She’s in Minerva–it’s where we live. Mick wouldn’t have returned if not for my condition.” Layla said.

“But the medical facilities there should be good, right? Why stick to Dr. Carr?”

“Stephen has been a good friend of Mick for years,” Layla replied. “Mick is also worried that others might mess up, that’s why he brought me back. Stephen was the one who operated on me before, too.”

“You knew about that surgery?” Abigail was surprised that she knew–from what she could tell, the thing inside Layas’s brain had been surgically implanted.

“Yes, I had the same symptoms years ago, and Stephen operated on me at the time. I felt better after he removed the old tumor, but it seems that I suffered a relapse…”

Abigail realized then that Layla knew that she had surgery, but not the truth.

Who was lying to her about the tumor?

Her husband, Mick? if that was the case, why?

Layla also mentioned that she lost some memories, and whatever it was, it was implanted in the hippocampus…

That could not be a coincidence. A conspiracy, perhaps?

“Layla,” Mick called out as he approached them.

It seems that he and Stephen had agreed on another surgery, and came to check on Layla right away.

As he strode toward them, he handily grasped Layla’s and asked mildly, “Are you tired?”

“I’m fine,” Layla said softly. “It’s just a CT scan.”

Even so, Mick said, “You’re sick. I’m also worried that this surgery might be different. I

“It’s alright. I’ll be fine.” Layla gave his hand a squeeze.

Abigail watched them from behind, and decided that they really loved each other, and it has to be genuine sentiment given their age.

What else could it be?

However, even as she stared at Layla from the back, she felt that the relationship was not as simple as it looked.

Returning to Stephen’s office after that, she passed Stephen the CT imaging, and he breathed a deep sigh after looking at it.

“Dr. Carr, may I ask you a question?” Abigail asked just then.

Stephen gave her a look, and said as if he knew, “You saw this before coming here?”

“Yes,” Abigail admitted right away.

“I can tell you, but you have to promise to keep a secret,” Stephen said as he returned to his chair.

Abigail was silent–she could not promise Stephen that, because she must tell Diarmuid that Layla was his mother if that proved to be true. Moreover, Diarmuid himself was investigating the matter.

“What?” Stephen looked up at her.

“I think there’s a conspiracy involved-”

“What does that have to do with you?”

Stephen suddenly did not appreciate Abigail’s behavior at this moment.

He had allowed her to be involved because he felt that she was a person who could keep secrets, but that would not happen with her current attitude.

Abigail hesitated, but eventually said, “I don’t think you’re aware, sir, but I’m married. My husband’s name is Diarmuid Althoff, and Layla looks a lot like her-”

“What?!”

The door suddenly swung open violently, as the person there clearly heard Abigail!

Abigail turned toward the door to find Mick glaring at her with crimson eyes–Layla, who was standing beside him, was stunned by his reaction too.

“Mick…”

Layla put an arm around Mick’s, and he suddenly realized that he was overagitated- Layla was still with him.

However, Abigail could see that he was panicking.

Why? What was he trying to hide?

Layla asked mildly, “What got you upset, Mick?”

“No, I just misheard,” Mick quickly tried to assure her. “Did I scare you?”

Layla shook her head. “I’m fine, but you don’t look too good.”

“I’m just thirsty. Could you get me something?” Mick said.

“Okay,” Layla replied.

Having diverted her away with ease, Mick turned to level a vicious glare at Abigail.” You’re Diarmuid Althoff’s wife?”

Abigail took a step back, and kept a hand on Stephen’s desk to keep her balance. “Yes.”

Mick narrowed his eyes and started to approach her, but Stephen quickly stepped in between them. “Calm down, Mick.”

Mick simply shoved him away. “You did this on purpose, didn’t you?”

Stephen’s face fell in disappointment right then. “How many years have we known each other, Mick? Don’t you trust me at all? Everyone would know by now if I never kept your secret.”

Mick realized that he was out of line just then, and actually looked flustered. “I’m sorry…”

“I didn’t know that she’s been married since she’s young, and to Diarmuid Althoff at that,” Stephen explained then. “Maybe this is destiny. I did that operation on Yvaine Lynd, and now her daughter–in–law has become my apprentice…”

“Stop!” Mick cut him short.

Stephen actually felt that Mick was getting unreasonable just then, and tried to talk him out of it, “Even if both myself and Abigail kept quiet, there’s no hiding this. If we don’t take it out of Layla’s head, she’s going to die–she can’t bear the stress after two surgeries. Yes, she might slowly remember after it’s removed, but she would’ve eventually found out anyway. There’s no way you can hide it…”

Mick turned toward Abigail with red eyes then. “Then she must not tell Diarmuid Althoff.

For him, being able to hide it for another day was just fine.

Even if Layla would one day remember everything and hate him for it, he was willing to accept it–but the truth must not come to light just yet.

Murderous intent fueled him, and he growled, “You’re a doctor, Stephen. With both of us working together, we won’t leave a trace–I’ll make sure you have all the fame and riches for the rest of your life even if we get caught.”

“Mick!” Stephen was stunned by his words, and quickly told Abigail, “Leave us for now, Dr. Bernstein.”

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