Torn Between Love and Hate

Chapter 242 Time to Consider Marriage

When Deborah took Alyssa to the hospital, Ashton had already entered the aseptic

chamber.

As they walked toward the ward, they happened to run into Hector face-to-face.

Deborah remembered the last time she saw Hector, he was on his knees, begging her to

talk to Ashton.

At that time, it was apparent that Hector's energy and spirit had significantly

diminished, leaving him in a rather low state.

It hasn't been many days since the last time, but looking at the person in front of me, it's clear that their complexion is worse than before.

Hector leaned on his cane with one hand, while the other was supported by a companion. It seemed that walking had become quite difficult for him, as he moved slowly and his back was slightly hunched.

"Time flies by quickly, and the elderly man, over eighty years old, is plagued by illnesses,

appearing weak and frail.

Gone were the days when Ashton was strictly educated to manage the company with a vigorous and resolute demeanor.

As Hector passed by Deborah, he greeted her wearily, "Ms. Shepherd."

Deborah probably didn't expect a response, so after he finished speaking, he walked

away without waiting for one.

Upon hearing the person accompanying her speak, Deborah said, "Old Mr. Mullen, let

me fetch a wheelchair for you. You can sit and it won't be tiring."

Hector has always been a strong-willed person throughout his life. Now, as he grows

older and can barely walk, he still refuses to use that thing.

He didn't make a sound, insisting on walking slowly by himself.

It's probably because they just came to see Ashton. Family members can't stay long in

the aseptic chamber, so they left for now.

Deborah didn't look back as she accompanied Alyssa to settle into the hospital room.

As noon approached, she left a caretaker to watch over Alyssa and went downstairs to buy lunch.

Upon reaching the downstairs lobby, I happened to run into Simone.

Simone's mom is staying in the hospital, and Simone comes over at noon to bring her

food.

Deborah suddenly remembered that Simone's mother had been staying here for a while, and Zayne had taken over as the attending doctor.

Deborah and Joseph have been busy lately, and they haven't had a chance to visit yet.

Upon seeing Deborah, Simone immediately approached her with a smile and greeted her warmly.

"You've come with Alyssa, how's everything? Did you finish the paperwork, and is the hospital room arranged?"

Alyssa's plan to donate bone marrow to Ashton was something Simone had known about for quite some time.

Deborah nodded, "Everything is taken care of. I'm planning to buy lunch. Which hospital room is your mother in? I'd like to visit your aunt."

Simone smiled and took her hand, "Alright, I'll take you upstairs. Don't bother buying lunch, I've got plenty. I even made extra soup, enough for you and Alyssa to enjoy." Deborah followed her into the elevator, only then noticing that she was carrying large bags in both hands.

Inside, there were many lunch boxes. It seemed like they really brought a lot, probably

enough for three or four people to eat.

Deborah looked a bit surprised, "You haven't eaten either? You brought so much food."

Simone's face turned red, looking a bit shy and evasive, "I've already eaten. I was thinking that Dr. Gaige might not have had his meal yet. I heard that the hospital food isn't very good, so I thought I'd bring him some.

After spending a lot of time with Evelyn, Deborah became more involved in gossip and

developed a keener sense of intuition.

She looked at Simone and sensed that something was off.

Deborah said half-jokingly, "You're so kind-hearted, even bringing food for the doctor."

Simone's face turned even redder, and she tried to cover it up by saying, "Not at all, I was coming anyway, so I just brought a little extra. It's no trouble at all.

Speaking of which, it's really a coincidence that my mom and Dr. Gaige's mom were actually college classmates. My mom keeps mèntioning that she needs to thank Dr. Gaige for treating her, and I just can't help it."

Deborah chuckled, drawing out her words, "Oh... well, there's not much we can do about

that."

The elevator reached the desired floor, and the elevator doors opened.

Simone blushed and interrupted her, "Alright, stop talking now."

Resisting the urge to gossip further, Deborah smiled and accompanied her to the -hospital room.

Melissa Winster was sitting upright in her hospital bed, with Zayne's mother seated

beside her.

The two people were chatting about something unknown, when Sarah playfully tapped

Melissa's arm.

"Ah, we've been old classmates for so long, and we had such a great relationship back in college. There's no need for you to be so polite with me. If I'm not around and you need anything, just feel free to ask my son!"

Melissa looked genuinely apologetic as she said, "Thank you so much for taking care of me."

Deborah and Simone entered the room and greeted them politely, "Mrs. Winster, Mrs.

Gaige."

Simone introduced her mother to her colleague, "This is Deborah. She's the one who helped me with the lawsuit and also arranged everything with the hospital here." Melissa immediately nodded and said, "Oh, it's Ms. Shepherd! Thank you so much for taking such good care of our Simone. I really don't know how to express my gratitude." Deborah bought a fruit basket downstairs, walked over with a smile, and placed it on the bedside table.

"Mrs. Winster, please don't be formal, Simone and I have been friends for many years. How are you feeling? Are you getting better? And are you getting used to living here?" Melissa laughed and chatted with her for a while. Then, she looked over at Sarah, wanting to introduce Deborah.

Upon looking, it was then discovered that Sarah's complexion had changed.

The smile on his face had just faded quite a bit, making him appear somewhat

embarrassed.

Three years ago, when Deborah was Ireld captive and tormented by Ashton, it was Zayne

who had come to her rescue.

But later on,

Ashton caused trouble for the Gaige family. Left with no choice, they could only persuade Zayne to stay out of Deborah's affairs.

Recalling those moments, Sarah felt somewhat guilty inside.

After many years, seeing Deborah again was quite awkward.

Deborah understood Sarah's thoughts, but she pretended as if nothing had happened

and said with a smile, "I've known Dr. Gaige for many years, and I'm already quite familiar with Mrs. Gaige, so there's no need for introductions."

Sarah said somewhat awkwardly, "Yes, I've known Ms. Shepherd for quite some time.

How has Ms. Shepherd been doing these past few years?"

Deborah smiled and replied, "Everything's pretty good."

No sooner had her words fallen, than Zayne walked in from outside.

Upon seeing the person inside, Zayne paused for a moment. "Deborah is here too."

Deborah nodded with a smile, sat to the side, and let them chat.

She could tell that Sarah had been getting along well with Simone and Melissa lately, and had a good impression of Simone.

It seems that there was an intention to play matchmaker for Simone and Zayne, but

now with Deborah present, it's a bit awkward to bring it up.

Deborah knew when it was time to leave, and before long, she stood up and said, "My daughter is still in the hospital room, so I should get back to her. Well then, Mrs. Winster, Mrs. Gaige, I'll be taking my leave now."

It seemed that Melissa had noticed something and was guessing the relationship.

between Deborah and Zayne.

Upon hearing this, they expressed their surprise, "Ms. Shepherd is so young, and she already has a daughter?"

Deborah nodded with a smile, "Yeah, almost eight years old now."

She didn't linger for long after speaking. Taking the food that Simone had asked her to bring, she left first.

As soon as Deborah left, Melissa and Sarah began to subtly hint that Simone and Zayne

were not getting any younger and should start considering their lifelong commitments.

Although Simone and Damian had only recently divorced, the feelings between them. had long since faded, and they could be considered separated for several years. Over the past few years, Simone has been staying in Oceanview City, while Damian has

been living in another city.

They just kept dragging on, unable to get a divorce.

Simone blushed a bit as Melissa and Sarah spoke, while Zayne politely stood by and listened.

He neither nodded in agreement nor refuted the statement.

Melissa felt a bit awkward and said with a laugh, "Well, Dr. Gaige, you should

go

ahead

and get busy then. You still have work to do, right?"

Zayne nodded, "Alright, I'll step out for now. If you need anything, feel free to reach out to me at any time."

He left the ward, and soon Sarah followed him out, calling after him, "Zayne."

Zayne stopped in his tracks and turned to look at her, "Mom, is there anything else?"