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.
“I’d advise you to quit while you’re ahead if you are fighting for the Fontaine Group’s CEO position because of me.” Mona shot Victor a chilling look and resolutely uttered, “I am Thaddeus’ wife and your aunt. This is a reality that will never change.” Victor was used to Mona’s rejections, so one more rejection did not hurt more than it already did. As far as he knew, Thaddeus had been seeking medical advice for surgery since a few months back. While Victor had no idea about the nature of Thaddeus’ illness, it was clearly a complicated case since Thaddeus sought help from medical experts as far as the States. For all Victor knew, Thaddeus could die on the operating table. Victor would never give up so long as there was a glimmer of hope to win over Mona. Victor hissed through clenched teeth, “Quit? I’ve loved you for more than a decade, and you’re telling me to quit? Tell me, Susan. How am I supposed to quit? Should I dig my heart for you to cut it to pieces so I can give u
Thaddeus curled his lips and smiled charmingly. It was great to be alive and an awesome feeling to wake up to his beloved wife. Seeing that Thaddeus did not respond to her, Mona remembered what the doctor told her. Did the man lose his ability to talk as a result? “Hey, do you feel any pain anywhere?” Mona leaned against the bed with the upper half of her body on top of Thaddeus. She observed the man’s face at a close distance, pulling down his eyelids and pinching his nose. She smacked his face as Thaddeus chuckled. “Hey, can’t you talk anymore?” Raising a brow, Thaddeus said nothing in response. Mona furrowed her brows. “No way. Did you go mute?”It would be a problem to communicate with him. “It’s okay if you can’t talk anymore. Medical technology has made tremendous progress these days. I can help you with alternative medicine too. The most important thing is that you’re alive and well, and nothing else matters.” Intrigued by Mona’s nagging, Thaddeus smiled and gave
“It’s okay. That’s normal after surgery. The doctor gave me a heads-up. Since it’s a brain operation, you might have damage to the motor nerve. With the help of physiotherapy, you’ll be back to running in no time.” Mona consoled Thaddeus. Thaddeus lifted his hands and gave Mona a gentle push. “Leave.” Mona froze. She looked at the man who was fine a second ago, not knowing what to do. “Can you leave? I need some time alone,” Fixing his gaze on Mona, Thaddeus spoke callously. “Okay. I’ll be right outside if you need me.” It dawned on Mona why the man was persistent in driving her away. He did not want her to see him at his worst. In a way, he was trying to protect his pride and dignity as a man. However, they were a married couple. Mona would never turn her back on him. Mona could understand the man’s vulnerability and his feelings at the moment. Hence, she said nothing and quietly left the ward to give Thaddeus the time and space to sort his emotions. Instead of doing n
With the help of the two caretakers, Thaddeus sat in the wheelchair. He had overcome his emotions and pulled himself together. His mind was clear as he sorted out what he should do next. Thaddeus called the assistant into the room and laid out the following plan. “I won’t attend any media interviews before the election, but I won’t disappear from the public eye either. I don’t want to give the press something to talk about. My wife will represent me. Going forward, whatever she says or does will be considered my own. She has the authority to attend all corporate conferences, big or small.” Mona dropped her jaw in shock. She was to attend company meetings and speak on his behalf. It was trying to make the impossible happen. On second thought, Thaddeus must have his reasons to do so. She had the confidence to do a good job anyway. The assistant took note of everything Thaddeus said. The Fontaine Group was about to choose its next leader, and with Thaddeus still in recovery, the
Mona stood in front of Thaddeus, blocking his face as she confronted the paparazzi who took their picture. “Hand over the camera!” “There’s nothing in the camera. Besides, it’s my personal property. Why should I give it to you?” “You clearly took a picture of my husband. You have some nerve to say there’s nothing.” Mona grabbed the man by the wrist and lifted her foot to kick. Thaddeus grabbed her wrist to stop her. “You’re pregnant. Think about the child.” Thaddeus pulled Mona back, leaving himself exposed to the paparazzi. “Why do you want to photograph me? Do you want to see me in a wheelchair? Take a picture then.” Thaddeus pulled a straight face. His nonchalant gaze spoke of intimidation. Dumbstruck, the paparazzi looked at Thaddeus’ legs and smiled dryly. “What happened to your legs, Mr. Fontaine?” Thaddeus did not answer. However, his dark eyes flicked chillingly as he looked murderously at the paparazzi. Even in a wheelchair, Thaddeus did not have to say anythi