Chapter 75 – Second Chance Love of the Missing Groom Novel

Then, after hesitating for a while, she tried to gauge Sheryl’s reaction.

[I heard Dad is very sick.]

Sheryl replied, but it wook a while. (Just let him die already.]

Abigail was left staring at the screen, wondering how honest Sheryl was.

Was it just out of spite, or was she really keen on Lionel dying?

“How about some fruit, Mrs. Althoff?” Mrs. Watson said, carrying a fruit plate to her and pulling her out of her reverie.

Putting down her phone, Abigail picked up a piece of honeydew.

At the hospital, Lionel was laying in bed, his eyes sunken, his skin yellowed and still losing weight by the hour.

His attending physician soon arrived with Dr. Kelly. They had put him through all the required tests previously, and it was determined that he did not need surgery at this stage, because that would actually allow him to live a little longer. It was a conservative treatment, but it was the best solution they had for him right now.

In contrast, a surgery would have limited effect, and he would be risking his life.

“Our hospital’s specialist has personally come to visit,” Lionel’s doctor told him.

Lionel understood the severity of his condition, but was still eager to live. “Thank you coming,” he told Dr. Kelly, hope showing up in his eyes. “Do I stand a chance?”

for

Dr. Kelly told him, “If you cooperate fully with our treatment, we would certainly do our best in turn, and things would definitely improve from there.”

Giving patients hope was vital, regardless of the outcome.

Lionel’s eyes lit up. “Really?”

“Of course.” Dr. Kelly replied. “Naturally, you should also relax and not get too obsessed with your condition. We have seen worse cases that got better than we had expected, but their optimism played a huge role in that.”

“I understand,” Lionel said.

“I have also read through your case,” Dr. Kelly continued, “and I will be attending to you alongside Dr. Lewitt here. I hope we have your confidence.”

Lionel nodded repeatedly. “Of course,” he said, and asked in curiosity, “By the way, may I just ask why have you taken an interest in my case?

After all, he already had an attending physician, which was why he did not try to consult a ‘specialist.

In that case, why would a specialist take his case on his own volition?

“Your daughter asked me to,” Dr. Kelly told him. “She is a fine daughter.”

“Abigail…?” Lionel murmured as he realized with a start.

In the end, his daughter still cared about him, or she would not have asked a specialist to help him.

“She’s a good daughter,” Dr. Kelly said, holding his gaze. “You’ve raised her well.”

Lionel then remembered how he had always tried to stop Abigail from becoming a doctor, but at that very moment, he actually felt proud of her.

He always valued money and influence above all, but now he finally understood the nobility of the medical field!

“She’s a good daughter,” Lionel murmured, and suddenly desired to see her.

After the doctors left, he called Ricky to him. “Ask your sister to meet me. Do whatever you have to ”

Ricky was wearing a white T-shirt, a casual jacket, white shoes, and black casual pants. Though he was lounging on a chair in the ward, he was fuming as he remembered what happened when he asked Abigail for help.

“Why? I went looking for her, but that ingrate doesn’t even care if you die!”

Lionel frowned, but said firmly, “She’s your sister.”

“Sister? She certainly doesn’t consider me her brother! I even heard that she could have asked Diarmuid Althoff for help when I was convicted, but she didn’t. It’s obvious she doesn’t care ”

Lionel told him patiently, “You need to be more understanding now, Ricky. Just listen to me, and ask for her. I need to speak with her.”

“She won’t come!” Ricky yelled indignantly, and rashed out of the ward… only to run into

Abigail herself at the doorway.

He was left gaping when he saw her–why was she here?!

Ricky stammered, “I-I thought you’re not going to help? Why are you here?!”

Abigail remained cold as ever. “To remove my plaster cast.”

“Hah! I knew you were an ingrate!” Ricky snapped indignantly-she would always be this cold, even though their father was asking to see her from his deathbed!

“Mrs. Althoff has done all she can!” Mrs. Watson snapped. “She even consulted-

“Mrs. Watson,” Abigail called out to her, cutting her short.

She did not have to explain her actions to anyone, let alone Samantha’s son!

Ricky could think whatever he wanted, and she was not obligated to find out or care.

Still, Lionel must have heard them in his ward, and called out, “Abigail?’

Abigail pursed her lips. “Yeah, it’s me.”

“Come in. I have something to say.”

Abigail was reluctant, and simply said, “You just take care of yourself.”

“Abigail!” Lionel’s tone turned forceful just then. “Do I have to get out of my bed?”

“Stop it, Dad. She must have fed her conscience to the dogs,” Ricky snapped.

”

“Watch what you’re saying!” Lionel barked at him, getting off his bed and walking up to the doorway. “Apologize to your sister!”

“No way!” Ricky yelled indignantly.

“Do it now!” Lionel roared, and started to hack violently.

Ricky promptly ran to him and rubbed his back, and apologized reluctantly to Abigail so that Lionel would calm down. “I’m sorry.”

Then, turning back to Lionel, he said with concern, “There, I did it, Dad. You have to calm down now-you’re very sick.”

Lionel’s coughing subsided slightly just then, and he turned toward Abigail. “Please.”

Seeing that his illness was ripping him apart alive, Abigail relented, but maintained an indifferent demeanor. “Just say what you want to say. I have things to do.”

Lionel gestured for Ricky to leave them. “I need to speak with your sister alone.”

Ricky was prejudiced against Abigail, and shot her a glare before leaving.

Abigail took no offense, and moved her wheelchair toward Lionel while telling Mrs. Watson, Wait for me outside.”

“Okay, Mrs. Althoff,” Mrs. Watson replied as Abigail followed Lionel into his ward.

Moving to sit on his bed, Lionel studied Abigail before saying, “I’m sure you know that I’m terminally ill and won’t last long, but I’d still have to thank you for getting me a specialist. I guess you still consider me your father, huh?”

Abigail kept her gaze lowered in silence.

No matter how much she had to complain, she could not say a word when he was in this state.

Nonetheless, Lionel sighed and said, “I must now admit that I may have made a mistake. I shouldn’t have forced you to marry Diarmuid Althoff-I can help you if you want a divorce.”

He had always been demanding toward his daughter in accordance with his own desires, and never thought about what she wanted. Therefore, he wanted to do something for her now with what time he had left.

Abigail was actually surprised. “Can you really do it?”

“Probably,” Lionel replied. “Remember, your grandfather worked as Henry Althoff’s chauffeur, and even died for him. I might be able to get a word in.”

That was when Abigail became hesitant.

She had always wanted to divorce Diarmuid, but now that she might have a shot, she was actually reluctant.

Nonetheless, her head was clear, and she knows that she must not have feelings with Diarmuid or be with him.

“Do you want a divorce?” Lionel asked then.

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