Chapter 257 Can You Be My Girlfriend Just Once?
Jessica and Vincent walked into the café on the first floor together.
When the aromatic coffee was served, Jessica took a sniff and showed a satisfied smile.
"Ah, it smells so good. No wonder you said the coffee here is great. Freshly ground by hand really makes a difference," Jessica said.
Seeing her so happy and innocent, Vincent smiled indulgently. "This place is so close to you. Haven't you come here for a cup when you had some free time?"
"No way, we've been so busy lately. We barely have time to eat, let alone drink coffee. Sometimes we just get by with a single energy bar for the whole day," she answered.
Then she added, "When we do have some free time, everyone just tries to get some rest."
Hearing this, Vincent understood.
Being a doctor was just like being a cop - when things got busy, it was non-stop.
"Do you regret it?" Vincent asked, taking a sip of his coffee.
Jessica shook her head, a satisfied smile on her lips. "No, I don't regret it. It's my mother's dream and mine too. Although it's exhausting and there are moments of breakdown and helplessness, seeing patients regain their health makes me really happy and fulfilled."
"I'm just like you," Vincent said.
"By the way, I haven't asked you yet. Why did you come to the hospital? You seemed to be in a hurry earlier. Is something wrong?" Jessica asked.
Vincent's long fingers traced the rim of his cup, his voice slightly low. "My mother is sick. Her old illness has relapsed."
"Is it serious? Do you need my help?" Jessica asked with concern.
"It's a heart issue. It was fine when she was younger, but now that she's older, the situation might not be very good this time." Vincent's voice was filled with deep sadness.
He must feel incredibly guilty, guilty for spending years on various "battlefields", achieving his career but neglecting his loving mother.
"Vincent, don't worry too much. Our hospital's cardiology department is very authoritative. Several professors have extensive experience. I'm sure they can help your mother," Jessica comforted.
She originally wanted to say that if he needed to, she could ask Kathleen to help introduce some other professors.
But then she thought, given the Lucas Family's influence, especially his sister's, getting a professor should be no problem at all. They wouldn't need her help.
However, Vincent's brows remained furrowed. "Jessica, the situation might not be good this time. My sister has invited many experts and professors, but their responses are similar. The success rate isn't very high. If we could get Prof. Turner, my mother's chances would be much better."
"Are you talking about Prof. Turner, who retired from our hospital's cardiology department?" Jessica asked, slightly surprised.
"Yes," Vincent nodded. "He doesn't need to perform the surgery himself, just observe the procedure and give some advice. But as far as I know, Prof. Turner has been retired for a long time and hasn't been involved in any medical matters for years.
"My sister has asked some friends for help, but the chances aren't looking good."
Jessica was quite surprised.
In her impression, Harold was a prominent figure in their hospital, renowned for his exceptional medical skills and dedication to his patients.
Even in his final days before retirement, he was committed to treating patients.
He had selflessly devoted his life's wisdom and energy to medicine.
How could such a highly respected professor suddenly leave the field he loved so much?
Jessica felt there must be a reason behind it.
A few tables away, Gabriel also ordered a cup of coffee.
The coffee smelled great, but he had no appetite.
Through the crowd, he watched Jessica and Vincent intently.
The two sat for about half an hour before getting up to leave.
Seeing them about to go, Gabriel immediately stood up to follow.
At this moment, a voice came from behind. "Sir, please wait."
Gabriel heard it but pay no attention.
The voice behind him grew louder. "Sir, please stop."
Just as he was about to leave the café, a pair of hands suddenly appeared in front of him, accompanied by a polite smile. "Sir, you haven't paid for your coffee yet. Please settle your bill at the counter."
With these words, dozens of eyes in the café instantly turned to Gabriel.
Gabriel's face turned sullen.
He reached for his phone, only to realize he had left it behind in his haste.
He had no choice but to sit back down and wait for Oscar to arrive.
Fortunately, Oscar was quick and soon found him, immediately settling the bill at the counter.
However, Gabriel had already lost track of Jessica and Vincent.
After dropping Jessica off at her department, Vincent was leaving.
He said, "I'm going upstairs to take care of my mother."
"Okay," Jessica nodded. "If you need anything, just let me know. After all, I'm in this hospital, and I'm close by. You've helped me many times, so don't hesitate to ask."
"Alright." With that, Vincent turned to go.
Jessica also turned and walked into her department.
The two walked in opposite directions, their backs to each other.
Suddenly, Vincent stopped and turned around, calling out, "Jessica?"
Hearing the call, Jessica turned around, looking at him in confusion. "Yes?"
After a moment of silence, he mustered the courage to speak, "I heard you and Gabriel broke up?"
Vincent didn't use the word "divorce." He chose a more tactful way to express it.
But Jessica understood immediately.
She nodded and said softly, "Yes, we broke up."
As Vincent heard her confirmation, his heart suddenly surged with excitement.
Hearing it from his sister already made him excited, but hearing it from her was even more.
He hesitated, thinking about the best way to say it, but when the words reached his lips, he still hesitated.
"And your feelings for him?" Vincent asked again.
After a moment of thought, Jessica replied with a bitter smile. "It's not true to say I've forgotten, after all these years. But I'm trying to move on."
After all, she needed to start a new chapter in her life and couldn't live in memories and obsessions forever.
"Then I..." Vincent originally wanted to ask if he could have a chance.
But when the words reached his lips, he changed them. "Then can I ask you for a favor?"
"Sure, go ahead," Jessica nodded.
She thought it was something about taking care of his mother, so she agreed without hesitation.
But what Vincent said next completely exceeded her expectations, something she never saw coming.
He said, "My mother has always had a wish, like all mothers. She hopes I can get married and have children soon. Last time you came to my house, my mother thought you were my girlfriend and really wants to see you again. So, can you pretend to be my girlfriend and come with me to see her?"
