Chapter 214 Late-Stage Cancer
Robert's world stuttered to a halt. Molly, critically ill? It couldn't be. Just a little weight loss—calling her critically ill felt absurd. She always boasted strength beneath her frail appearance.
Glaring daggers at the nurse, Robert's eyes darkened. "What the fuck did you just say?"
The nurse recoiled from his intense glare, irritation flashing across her face. "Sir, this is no joke. Your wife has advanced stomach cancer, bleeding profusely. If you can't sign, get her family here now!"
His grip tight on her wrist, Robert's voice trembled, lips almost quivering. "Say it again. I need to hear it again!"
Pushing his hand away, the nurse clarified sternly, "Advanced stomach cancer. You didn't know?"
His cane clattering to the floor, Robert staggered back, a wave of disbelief crashing over him, bile rising in his throat. Cancer? No, this couldn't be right. That vile woman—cancer was too good for her. How could she be the one to fall?
The nurse's urgent words cut through his disbelief. "Sir, she's in critical condition. Any delay could cost her."
His mind reeled, but with gritted teeth and a wavering resolve, he managed, "I'll sign. I'll fucking sign."
"Are you family?" the nurse pressed.
"My... her parents... unconscious. I'll take charge," Robert managed, his voice strained.
With the paperwork set, the surgery proceeded. Robert paced outside, thoughts in disarray. Cancer signs? He recalled discomfort, brushed aside as excuses to endure his sexual torment. From drinking binges to deliberate provocations, Molly showed hints he dismissed until now.
Standing before the closed doors, a realization washed over him—his power couldn't sway fate. Hatred melted to a deep-seated fear, a plea echoed in his mind: "She must live."
Eternity dwindled as the operation ended. Molly wheeled out, his heart heavy with regret.
Then, his towering figure crumbled, crimson seeping through his coat as he fell.
"Robert!" Quinn bolted forward, screaming for a doctor.
Rapidly responding, a physician rushed to Robert's side, swiftly exposing a blood-soaked vest, skin marred with fresh wounds and scabs that oozed a haunting tale of neglect.
"This is unreal," the doctor's frustration palpable. "These wounds are fresh, inflamed—it's like he's been bleeding for ages. He's gambling with his life!"
Bitterness surged through Quinn's veins. Men, unreliable as ever. Robert claimed she was the only one for him, yet here he lay, sacrificing himself for that woman!
Once Robert stabilized, Quinn sought out Molly's ward, crossing paths with her attending physician.
"Are you with the gentleman earlier?" the doctor inquired.
"Yes. I'm her best friend." Quinn confirmed, her tone somber. "Is Molly's cancer real? Will surgery help?"
Having glimpsed the consent form, Quinn fought a smile; that woman, finally facing her reckoning, seemed almost poetic.
Embracing Quinn's concern, the doctor explained, "Molly's condition is dire. Surgery offers little hope. Palliative care may ease her suffering."
Maintaining a facade of grief, Quinn concealed her elation.
The doctor added, "Her medical history notes a scheduled abortion this Saturday. Nutrition is crucial before the procedure."
"Abortion?" Quinn's disbelief surfaced.
Unsettled, the doctor responded, "You weren't aware?"
Collecting herself, Quinn assured, "I know. We'll ensure she's cared for. Thank you."
Post-doctor departure, a sinister realization gnawed at Quinn.
Robert's child? Or another's?
Gazing at Molly's flat abdomen, revulsion crept in. If it were Robert's, the urge to rip it out clawed at her.
That woman might carry his seed, her achievement where Quinn had failed. Robert's rejection stung, their intimacy deferred until marriage, a knife twisted in Quinn's pride.
A sudden revelation lit up Quinn's face—a twist of fate she perceived as a divine hand dealt her way.
Meanwhile, Harper, learning of the Koch incident, tried reaching Molly to no avail, stirring her to rush to Harrison's side at the hospital, where Leah divulged Molly's health struggles, citing a stomach ulcer.
Or at least, that was what Molly had told them.
Approaching Molly's bedside, Harper's heart sank at the stark changes—Molly's gaunt appearance triggering a wave of sympathy.
"How did you lose so much weight, Molly?" Harper's concern spilled out.
Forced laughter colored Molly's weak smile. "The ulcer makes eating tough. Liquid diet for now. Just shedding pounds, nothing more."
After some small talk, Harper took out a card and handed it to Molly.
Molly asked, "What's this? Didn't I already repay the money I borrowed from you last time?"
Harper took the money in her hand and said, "There's five million dollars here. I know it's not enough to solve your family's problems, but it should be enough to pay your company's employees."
Molly was stunned. "Harper, where did you get five million dollars?"
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