Chapter 491 Diagnosed with a Terminal Illness.
Matthew sent the message. Nora realized that Matthew had messaged her before. She remembered their morning appointment for a meal and decided to meet him. She was so hungry that she could eat a whole cow, which made it a perfect time for a meal. Nora quickly freshened up, applied some lipstick, and left the house.
After getting into Frederick's car, she thought for a moment and sent a message to Aaron.
Nora: [Aaron, did you leave for another city?]
Aaron: [No. I'm at the Hamilton Manor, picking up the kids.]
Nora: [I have something to attend to now, so you guys can have dinner on your own.]
Aaron: [All right.]
Though Nora found it a bit strange, she didn't dwell on it. She put away her phone and quietly sat in the back seat of the car. Soon enough, Frederick arrived at their destination. It was a well-known upscale cafe in Lindwood City.
As she opened the door, she found Matthew and Erin sitting inside. When Matthew saw Nora, he greeted her with a smile. Dr. Smith, you're here."
"Mr. Jones," Nora replied.
Erin got up from her chair and ran to Nora. Nora smiled and ruffled her hair, greeting, "Erin, we meet again."
Erin didn't speak but held Nora's hand and sat across from Matthew, pushing a glass of juice toward her. She gazed at Nora with her beautiful big eyes as if saying, "Please have a drink."
Nora glanced at the freshly squeezed juice and then looked at Matthew.
"Erin doesn't know what you like to drink, but she likes juice. She thought you might like it too, so let me order a glass for you," Matthew explained.
Nora looked at Erin and thanked her. "Thank you, Erin. I do enjoy the juice," she said.
Hearing this, Erin's eyes lit up, and she appeared very happy. Matthew, observing this, felt delighted.
"Dr. Smith, I've ordered a few dishes. Please feel free to order more," Matthew said, handing his phone to Nora. Nora took a look and noticed that he had already ordered quite a variety of dishes.
"We're only three people, and these dishes are already enough. No need to order more," Nora replied, handing the phone back to Matthew.
Matthew remained reticent, signaling the waiter with a soft ring of the bell to bring their dishes.
As Nora leisurely sipped her juice, she observed the pallor of Matthew's complexion. Unable to contain her concern, she inquired, "Mr. Jones, as I mentioned earlier, have you undergone a medical examination at the hospital?"
After a brief pause, Matthew responded in a subdued tone, "Not yet."
A moment of silence lingered before Nora tentatively proposed, "Would you mind if I conducted a preliminary examination?"
Matthew met her gaze with a faint smile. "I have no objections," he replied calmly.
Nora proceeded to conduct a thorough assessment, her expression gradually shifting to one of seriousness. Initially suspecting a minor ailment, the diagnosis unveiled a more complex condition.
Pursing her red lips, Nora proceeded cautiously, ensuring an accurate evaluation before delivering the results.
Gazing at Matthew's gentle, handsome countenance, she hesitated about disclosing the truth.
"Dr. Smith, I am aware of my health status, and it's not a significant concern," Matthew interjected before Nora could speak.
Meeting his gaze, Nora observed a slight smile before his attention turned to Erin. "I have a daughter to see grow up," Matthew expressed, his eyes brimming with warmth and affection as they settled on Erin.
Nora also glanced at Erin, who sat quietly nearby. Ultimately, she chose not to divulge further information. With Erin in their midst, it didn't seem the appropriate moment to broach the subject with Matthew. Furthermore, Nora sensed that Matthew might already be aware of his terminal condition.
As she regarded Matthew's handsome features, regret washed over Nora. She had just diagnosed him with a severe toxin that had irreversibly damaged his organs.
His remaining time was likely a mere two months. There was no salvation in sight. Witnessing someone so young and attractive confronting the end of his days was heart-wrenching.
Despite Nora's esteemed reputation as a Master Healer, some afflictions lay beyond her curative abilities. Even if she were to intervene now, she could only marginally extend his life, offering a mere month or two at best, unable to grant him salvation.
Nora felt a deep sadness. Although she was a doctor and had witnessed many life-and-death situations, it was always difficult to see a patient's life slipping away before her eyes, knowing that there was little she could do. Nora fell into a momentary silence, lost in her thoughts.
A soft hand tugged at her sleeve, and she turned to see Erin's bright eyes. "Erin, what's the matter?" Nora asked.
Erin kept silent and gently touched the furrow between Nora's brows with her delicate little hand. Matthew, sitting across from them, said, "Erin is asking why you're not happy."
Nora looked at the adorable Erin and sighed inwardly. This sweet child had no idea that her father was nearing the end of his life. If something happened to Matthew, what would become of Erin?
Nora ruffled Erin's soft hair, pushing aside her worries, and said, "I'm not unhappy, Erin."
Erin didn't say anything but opened her arms, silently asking for a hug.
Nora adored Erin and gladly lifted her onto her lap, who nestled in her embrace, playing with a Rubik's Cube. Nora breathed in Erin's sweet scent and whispered, "You're such a good girl, Erin."
As a mother herself, Nora knew how precious and lively her daughter had been since childhood. Even Millie, who had joined their family later, was exceptionally spirited. But Erin, with her gentle and obedient nature, evoked a sense of pity.
Nora felt even more compassion for her, knowing that Matthew's time was running out.
"Yes, Erin has always been a good girl," Matthew said, taking a sip of his coffee.
Nora glanced at him and asked tentatively, "Didn't Erin's mother come with you?"
Matthew's hand tightened around the cup, and pain flickered in his lowered eyes. "Erin's mother passed away when Erin was born," he disclosed.
What a tragic family situation!
"I'm sorry," Nora said, looking at Erin playing with the Rubik's Cube, her heart filled with even more compassion.
Erin had lost her mother at a young age, and in a few months, she would lose her father, too. And on top of that, she had autism. How would Erin be able to cope without Matthew's protection in the future?
Nora sighed.
The dishes were being served one after another, and Nora gently said, "Erin, let's eat. We can play later, all right?"
Erin's movements paused, and she obediently nodded, setting the Rubik's Cube aside.
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