“Soka.” Mona felt somewhat embarrassed. She walked over, looked at the two bags he was holding, and asked, “What do you have in your hands?” “These are small gifts for your children. The moms and aunts in our village got up early and made some specialties for them as snacks.” “Thank you.” Mona accepted the gift and turned to happily give them to Thaddeus. She said, “Keep these thoughtful gifts well.” The man named Soka snickered. Thaddeus was like a lackey in front of Mona. Thaddeus placed the handful of things on the bed with a dark face. He stood next to Mona and pulled her into his arms to emphasize his dignity and sovereignty as a man. Mona smiled at Soka, seemingly helpless about Thaddeus. However, she leaned into Thaddeus’ arms and smiled sweetly like a little woman. “Tsk, tsk. Are you showing off this early in the morning?” Soka shook his head. “Forget it. I’d better go boxing. I can’t stand seeing you two deep in love—it stings my eyes!” “Hey, Soka.” Mona suddenly
Mona vaguely remembered Thaddeus’ assistant coming over and telling him that Ginny would pick them up from the private airport. As soon as they returned to this city, Mona’s troubles surfaced again. Ginny was a thorn in her heart at the moment. She felt insecure because Thaddeus was hiding something from her but could not give her a reason. “Yes. While you were asleep, my assistant told me that Ginny arranged a car to pick us up. She’s probably waiting down there right now.” Thaddeus spoke carelessly, but he looked at Mona and secretly observed her reaction. Mona gave a slight exclamation and pretended to be calm. Thaddeus said that Ginny was there to pick them up, so what else could Mona say? She could not blame her for being thoughtful and considerate, could she? It would accentuate her lack of generosity. Nevertheless, she let go of Thaddeus’ arm and drew distance from him. She turned to look at the dark night scene outside the window, her dissatisfaction clearly reflect
‘I see…’ After listening to Thaddeus’ explanation, the thorn in Mona’s heart seemed to have been instantly removed. It turned out that Thaddeus had been avoiding this topic because he had to undergo surgery. However, without the unhappiness and troubles before it, Mona’s heart was now wrenched for another reason. “You said the surgery has a low success rate. What happens if it fails?” Thaddeus rubbed Mona’s head and said calmly, “There are no consequences. It’ll just be the worst-case scenario.” Mona froze. She felt oppressed and suffocated. She could not accept the feeling of losing another important person in her life. The pain would be unbearable! “Listen. I’ve planned everything out.” Thaddeus seemed carefree. “Once I enter the operating room, my assistant will give you some documents. You just need to sign them.” He had hesitated and thought for a long time whether or not he would undergo surgery. Finally, he had made up his mind. Mona held his hand, feeling some
“I’m a family member. Can’t I stay with him?” Mona asked. “No. It’s respect to the doctors and staff.” Ginny glanced at Mona indifferently. She looked tense as well. “I don’t mean to target you on purpose, but Mrs. Fontaine, I hope you can cooperate at such a critical time.” Thaddeus squeezed Mona’s hand and coaxed her softly, “Be good and wait outside. My assistant will be with you.” Mona looked down. Tears suddenly streamed down her face. Thaddeus’ heart tightened. He took her waist and pulled her into his arms. “Don’t cry. You’ll make me worried.” Mona controlled her emotions and suppressed them. She clung to Thaddeus as she was reluctant to leave him. “Then promise me you’ll come out. Don’t make me wait too long.” “I promise.” Mona buried her face in Thaddeus’ arms. She calmed down and finally let go of her hand. Afterward, she looked up at him and said, “Thaddeus, go in without any worries. I’ll be here as your support while you fight and win the battle.” “You’re
Mona got up and began to feel restless. ‘Thaddeus, oh Thaddeus, are you making funeral arrangements? I won’t accept it. I don’t care about how much money I get! I only want you to come back to me safely.’ “Mrs. Fontaine…” The assistant looked at the documents that were thrown all over the floor and instantly felt troubled. Mr. Fontaine had specifically instructed him to ask Mona to sign the documents. Nonetheless, Thaddeus also left a way out and foresaw that Mona might not be able to accept it suddenly. Therefore, he made a will in advance to give all his assets to Mona. Time passed bit by bit. It was dead silent outside the operating room, leaving Mona to be tormented on her own. Mona rounded her back and covered her face with both hands. She looked exhausted as if she was in a trace. After waiting for an unknown time, someone appeared in front of her. When she looked up, she saw that it was Jennifer. Jennifer was holding a thermos in her hand. She said worriedly, “Mona,
Not wanting to think of the worst that could happen, Jennifer had to stop her thoughts from spiraling. She packed up the food container. “Mona, I’m heading home to see the kids. Call me if you need anything.” Mona only glanced at Jennifer without a word. With her vacant eyes shifting back to the entrance to the operating theater, she stared blankly at the closed door. The sky outside changed from dawn to dusk, and another day went by. Still, the surgery was in progress. There have been two rotations of the lead surgeon so far. Mona anxiously stopped the surgeon who had gotten off his shift about an update on Thaddeus. The surgeon wearily replied, “The surgery is ongoing, but Mr. Fontaine’s vitals are stable. He is doing well so far.” Mona was relieved. “That’s good. That’s good…” “How is Thaddeus doing, Mona?” Anna had gotten a call from Jennifer and found out about Thaddeus’ surgery. She hurried over to keep Mona company. “It’s twenty-five hours into the surgery. It’s not ov
Carrying himself with ease, Victor turned to Mona and gave her a concerned look that spoke volumes. Mona met his gaze and smiled gratefully. Thank goodness he arrived in time to help her out of a jam. “Mona, do you feel okay?” Anna asked with concern. “I’m alright. They are good at twisting words. I couldn’t argue with them, and it was getting on my nerves.” “I wonder who’s making up all the stories. It seems to me that the public is leaning in Victor’s favor. Things don’t look good for Thaddeus.” Mona was sure of one thing. “It’s okay. It’s not a bad thing. At least, it takes the heat away from Thaddeus’ surgery.” Thaddeus’ split personality was the major liability, and people with malicious intent could use the vulnerability against him. “Oh, that’s right. You have a point. It’s a good thing you’re sharp to cover all the bases.” Anna needed a little more time to catch on. “Anna, why don’t you head down with the assistant to keep watch over the operating theater? Call
Wiping the smile off his face, Victor earnestly uttered, “So, the rumors are true?” Mona lowered her head and caressed her belly. “It’s just a minor surgery. He was supposed to take me for my prenatal checkup, but his appendix acted up. We decided to get it taken care of since we were at the hospital anyway.” Victor was taken aback at first, but despair quickly washed over him. “You’re… pregnant?” “Yeah.” “That’s great news. You’re having another child so soon. Since Uncle Thaddeus is in surgery, I should go with you and be with him.” Victor smiled dryly. “That’s not necessary. He’s still in surgery. You can visit once it’s over, and he’s all better.” Spreading her arms apart, Mona stopped Victor. Victor asked, “What are you nervous about, huh? I’m family. Why are you stopping me from checking on him? Maybe…” The man smiled wickedly. “Maybe you have something to hide, Aunt Mona?” “How dare you! Is that the tone you take to your aunt, Victor?” Mona angrily blurted.