Chapter 7 Cancer

“Jessie, I’ve handled your dad’s medical bills … ” In the hospital, John observed Jessie, weary and lost for words. Six months had passed since Jessie’s miscarriage, and it hadn’t been easy. Not only had she shed pounds, but her finances were also dwindling. “Thanks, John. I’ll repay you soon,” Jessie responded, a tinge of bitterness in her eyes. With dwindling funds, Jessie couldn’t afford her father’s treatment. Every company in Anceburg City that received Jessie’s resume got a warning from the Thompson family, scaring them away from hiring her. Even with her credentials from Fallbrook University, Jessie struggled to find work in Anceburg City. During that period, Jessie phoned Chase, wishing he wouldn’t resort to bullying a woman. His response was curt and cold. “Unless you want to finalise the divorce, don’t call me.” After that, he ended the call. Jessie felt a mix of anger and helplessness. She had entertained thoughts of fleeing Anceburg City to escape the Thompson family’s influence, but she couldn’t leave her father alone. He was her sole family in the world. He was also the only one who truly cared for her. So, for six months, Jessie and Chase remained in a stalemate. During this time, he didn’t bring Linda into the family, and her two children remained unrecognised and were kept in Linda’s home. Linda, who also came from a prestigious family, felt ashamed of her children’s illegitimate status. Meanwhile, Jessie’s finances dwindled, and she adapted to living frugally. Chase’s demeanour hadn’t changed much. Over the past six months, besides spending occasional time with his two children, he focused on family and company matters. However, to outsiders, he appeared even colder, his eyes resembling bottomless pits. Whenever someone accidentally met his gaze, they couldn’t help but shiver. Breaking out of her reverie, Jessie thanked John again before preparing to leave his office. However, John hesitated and called out to her. “Jessie, there’s something else you need to know … ” “What is it?” Jessie inquired, puzzled. John hesitated and retrieved a document from the drawer, passing it to Jessie. “The results of your recent checkup are in.” Feeling discomfort in her stomach lately, Jessie had requested a checkup from John the day before, and the report arrived at his office that morning. As she perused the examination results, Jessie was taken aback. Witnessing her reaction, John felt deep sympathy. But as a doctor, he still filled her in. “It’s an advanced malignant tumor in your stomach. However, there’s still hope for recovery with active cooperation in surgery and treatment.” Jessie’s complexion paled, her fingers gripping the report tightly. She forced a bitter smile. “John, you don’t need to console me. I’m a doctor too. I know that even with successful surgery, survival chances aren’t high.” John’s expression turned grave. “But if you don’t undergo surgery, you’ll have less than a year left to live! Don’t worry about the finances. I can cover the costs of your surgery and chemotherapy!” “Thank you, John.” Jessie expressed her gratitude with a bow. John had indeed been a great help to her during this time. “Don’t thank me too soon. I’ll arrange a hospital room for you.” “No need to trouble yourself.” Jessie declined. “John, that’s unnecessary. As a doctor, I understand I won’t make it. Just the chemotherapy alone would be unbearable. I’ve decided to forego treatment. Please don’t waste your money, and I’ll repay what I owe you as soon as possible. Thank you once again for your help, John.” With that, Jessie exited the office. John stood up, contemplating stopping her but eventually sighed and settled back into his seat. He understood that there was no way to change the mind of someone who had lost the will to live. Jessie’s spirit was already broken, and he couldn’t persuade her otherwise.