Love Unspoken

Soren said, "It's hard to say. She is still young, so her condition can potentially be managed with medication for now," he said.

He paused, realizing he had yet to touch on the crux of the matter. He continued, "This illness results in a regression of memory. Not only will she lose recollection of recent events, but as the disease advances, she will forget increasingly more, including her past.

"Ultimately, she will forget everyone, even herself," he added.

"I've studied numerous cases, and the majority of these patients do not die from the disease itself. They often encounter accidents or vanish. Some of them simply forget basic functions like walking or eating..." Soren took a deep breath and revealed a relatively less dire outcome. "In the end, they descend into a vegetative state."

The care required for a patient in a vegetative state demanded an enormous amount of energy and financial resources. However, he was confident that with Alexander's income, this would not pose a problem. The question remained, how long could the patient herself endure?

Given Quinn's current physical state, it was unlikely she would survive much longer before entering a vegetative state.

Upon hearing Soren's words, Alexander lit another cigarette. He smoked it rapidly, finishing it in just a few puffs.

The final drag was too harsh, inducing a violent coughing fit.

His cough reverberated through the study, sounding eerily like the death rattle of a patient.

"Alexander..."

After a bout of coughing, Alexander reached for the cold coffee on the table, downing it in one go. He regained his composure instantly, placed the cup back on the table, looked up at Soren, and asked, "Is there a treatment plan?" Soren shook his head regretfully. "Not currently, but I will strive to research it. I've been studying this disease recently."

"And the medication you mentioned? Does it have a significant impact?" Alexander asked.

Soren elaborated, "They do have some inhibitory effects, but medication alone cannot be considered a definitive treatment plan. However, it's crucial to continue taking them as they can slow the disease's progression." Alexander nodded. "You may leave now."

Soren let out a silent sigh, but just as he reached the door, Alexander's voice rang out, "Wait."

Soren's steps faltered, and a cold sweat broke out on his back. He stood at the door, mechanically turning his head and forcing a strained smile. "Yes, Alexander?"

Alexander fixed his gaze on him and asked, "Are you hiding something from me?"

Soren's neck stiffened, and he gulped hard. "No... I don't think so..."

Alexander's eyes narrowed, a flicker of lethal intent passing through them.

Despite the glaring inconsistencies in Soren's words, Alexander chose not to probe further. Instead, he issued a warning, "You'd better not be." Soren nodded frantically. "Yes. There is nothing else. Just this one thing!"

"Get out!"

Alexander's sudden outburst startled Soren, who hastily retreated.

Downstairs, Quinn was still seated at the dining table. She ate slowly, in small portions, awaiting Alexander's arrival.

Soren hesitated, his gaze lingering on her back, but ultimately, he chose to remain silent and quietly exited, his tools in hand.

After a few bites, Quinn glanced upstairs, but Alexander had yet to come down.

The food on the table had already grown cold.

Quinn rose from her seat and approached the study door, knocking lightly.

"Come in."

Quinn pushed the door open and stepped inside. Even from a distance, she could detect the lingering scent of smoke in the room.

She had no idea how many cigarettes he had smoked, and the windows remained shut.

Quinn approached Alexander and gestured with her hand, asking, "Aren't you going to eat?"

Alexander still held a lit cigarette between his fingers, the smoke slowly dispersing in the air, seemingly creating a barrier between them.

No matter how hard Quinn tried, she couldn't discern his expression clearly.

Suddenly, he extinguished the cigarette and extended his hand toward Quinn. "Come here."

Quinn obediently walked over and stood by his side, her gaze fixed on him.

Alexander took her hands in his and returned her stare.

He asked, "What do you remember?"

He posed this question once again, and Quinn fell silent. She remembered much, but she was unsure of the specific memories he wanted to know.