Chapter 3

Jessica's POV

I didn't sleep a wink.

I made sure to get up early because I didn't want to run into Maddox; I didn't know how to face him.

As I reached the entryway, the living room light suddenly came on.

Maddox stood at the top of the stairs, wearing a bathrobe, his face pale from a hangover, but his eyes were clear as he looked at me.

He picked up his phone and typed.

【Was it you who brought me back to my room yesterday?】

I knew Maddox remembered nothing when he was drunk, so I shook my head.

"I didn't see you when I got back. You must have gone back on your own."

Maddox came a little closer, watched me pack my things, and pursed his lips.

【What have you been busy with these past few days? I rarely see you at home.】

I didn't stop, continuing towards the door, bending down to change my shoes: "My mom's in the hospital. I have to go take care of her."

His phone chimed again: 【Is it serious? Why didn't you tell me?】

My hand paused as I tied my shoelaces. I didn't look up, my voice flat, with a hint of self-mockery, "I thought you wouldn't care about these things."

I picked up my bag from the entryway cabinet, as if suddenly remembering something: "The doctor said her condition isn't great. She needs surgery."

I noticed his fingers tighten on his phone as I continued, "The hospital assigned Tessa, Dr. Tessa. She's quite young, just back from abroad, I heard. Such a major surgery, entrusting it to a rookie, I'm not comfortable. I'm going to ask today if we can get a more experienced specialist."

The moment I finished speaking, Maddox's face changed. He abruptly lowered his head, his fingers flying across the screen.

【No!】

【How will she face anyone in the hospital if you do that!】

I stood still, quietly watching him.

So, my mother's life was worth less than Tessa's pride.

Maddox seemed to realize his reaction was excessive. He paused, then added, his tone softening a little but still firm: 【Suddenly changing the attending physician isn't good for Mom either.】

Maddox seemed uncomfortable under my gaze, shifting his eyes away, no longer meeting mine.

I said nothing more, reaching for the doorknob, but my wrist was suddenly grabbed by him.

He shoved his phone screen in front of me; a new line of text read: 【I'll go to the hospital with you. For the next few days, I'll go with you every day.】

A month ago, if he had said that, I probably would have secretly rejoiced for days.

But now, I only felt sarcasm.

He didn't want to accompany me; he was just finding a plausible excuse to see the woman he held dear every day.

This realization made me sad, and also made me clearer.

This attending physician had to be changed.

Not only because being stuck between them was unbearable, but more importantly, in the past few days, I'd noticed Tessa's inexperience and hesitation in managing my mother's case. I couldn't risk my mother's life.

I had already discussed this with Grandfather Miller over the phone last night. Grandfather said he would help me, and he already had a candidate in mind – a specialist named Dr. Noah.

However, Dr. Noah was currently at a medical conference in another state and wouldn't be back for a few days.

Maddox's performance was impeccable. He not only accompanied me to the hospital but also had his assistant buy many nourishing gifts.

Mom was delighted, rare for her to have such high spirits, and she pulled Maddox into conversation.

She didn't know the true nature of Maddox's and my relationship, but she could see how much I loved him, so she extended her affection to him.

Maddox was surprisingly patient, staying at the bedside for the entire morning.

Until Tessa appeared for her rounds.

Though Maddox made no outward moves, his gaze was fixed on her, oblivious to everyone else.

Tessa briefly questioned Mom, but misstated her condition several times.

As she was about to leave, I called out to her.