Chapter 379
Upon their arrival at the hospital, Lucas immediately enlisted the expertise of the top physicians to conduct a comprehensive examination of Cassie.
In the sterile confines of her hospital room, the results were promptly delivered. Lucas cast a sympathetic gaze upon the pale woman lying on the bed, her body sustained by the IV fluids coursing through her veins. He sighed, a sound filled with empathy, and began to speak. “Your vitals are severely compromised—low blood sugar, anemia, dehydration, malnourishment—and that's not even mentioning the peptic ulcer.”
Cassie nodded in understanding. She was all too familiar with the aches and pains that plagued her body, having endured frequent bouts of vomiting, stomach pain, and near-fainting spells in recent times.
Joseph's fists tightened involuntarily. He had always been aware of her fragile health, but it seemed her condition had deteriorated significantly.
“Cough... Cassie, you should rest,” Lucas abruptly addressed Joseph, “come with me to collect your prescription...”
“Dr. Lucas, if there's something you need to say, you can say it in front of me. Regarding my face...” Cassie offered a feeble smile. “There's no need to tread lightly.”
Lucas met her gaze, filled with a mixture of pity and respect. “Alright, the truth is that the skin damage on your face is extensive, covering a large area. I’ve consulted with some of the best dermatologists, and they'll do their best to repair it, but... it will never be the same as before.”
“Can you elaborate, Dr. Lucas?” Cassie asked, her eyes fixed intently on him.
Witnessing her stoic composure, a surge of pain welled up within Joseph. “Don't bother asking; his skills are not sufficient. The dermatology department in Madison isn’t top-tier. We can seek treatment abroad."
“But I don't want to wake up from surgery with a face I can't recognize as my own,” Cassie interjected.
Lucas adjusted his glasses, “There will be scars, some unevenness.”
“I understand,” Cassie nodded slowly, sinking back onto her pillow, “Thank you.”
“I'm sorry, but remember, with the rapid advancements in science, there's always hope.” Lucas attempted to offer her some comfort.
“It's okay, really. Maybe it's for the best,” Cassie replied, a faint smile gracing her lips. Yet, to anyone observing closely, it was evident that her hope was gradually being replaced by resignation and indifference.
Joseph's eyes narrowed, and he turned to Lucas, “Step outside for a moment.”
Once Lucas had exited the room and closed the door behind him, Joseph moved closer to the bed. He gently took her hand in his, his gaze locked onto hers with an intensity that was palpable. “Regardless of how you look, I won’t mind. It’s not your face I’m in love with—it’s you.”
“Is that so?” Cassie looked up at him, now dressed in fresh clothes, “Stop lying to yourself. You just hugged me and had to change. Joseph, you're a germaphobe, do you understand?
“I'm not... It’s not like that...” For the first time, Joseph found himself at a loss for words, akin to a child unsure of his next move.
He couldn’t bring himself to tell her that he had suffered a sudden episode, injured himself, and his clothes were stained with blood, necessitating the change.
If she knew about his condition, she would undoubtedly fear him even more.
"You're terrible at making excuses," Cassie taunted. "Joseph, honestly, I'm not upset about my disfigured face. It's a relief, in a way. Look at me—so hideous, I make people want to retch with just one glance. Can you bear to sleep next to this? Let's part on good terms and leave me some dignity."
Joseph was seething with anger. Had she really grown to despise him this much?
"Cassie, I'm not as shallow as you think. I'll prove it to you right now."
With a sudden pull, he drew her into his embrace, their lips meeting in a fervent kiss.
Her lips were dry, and a foul odor emanated from the lesions on her face—an odor not even she could tolerate. And yet, he kissed her with a tenderness tinged with sorrow, as if she were his most cherished love.
Cassie felt breathless, lost in the intensity of his kiss.
Opening her eyes slightly, she gazed at the man before her—his hair shorn to a buzz cut, long lashes like dense butterfly wings framing a handsome, masculine face that could put any TV heartthrob to shame.
When the kiss ended, his lips brushed her wounded cheek as gently as a feather. The tenderness was so profound it gave Cassie the startling illusion that he truly loved her, regardless of her appearance.
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