"Smiling at another man?" he muttered, his grip around the steering wheel tightening until his knuckles paled. He couldn’t remember the last time he had smiled. Yet there she was flashing such a bright smile at that man as if his presence truly made her happy.
According to the report, she was single, struggling to support her family herself. He had even felt sorry for her, imagining the hardship she had faced over the years. But now it seemed she had been just doing fine, enjoying every moment, while his own life had fallen into darkness, nightmares haunting him every night.
A fiery rage burned in his eyes as he watched the car roll away. He turned the wheel sharply and drove off in the opposite direction.
By the time Summer’s car stopped in front of the hospital, the sky had already darkened. Summer turned to Landon. "Thanks for the ride," she said with a grateful smile.
"You don’t need to thank me. We are friends. And if you ever need money for Hope’s treatment, just tell me."
His words touched Summer deeply. Landon had done so much for her already. Six years ago, he was the one who had arranged for the three bodies to be burned, faking her death. He had also helped her find a place to live and start over in this city.
His past favors had already weighed down on her. She couldn’t bear to accept more.
"I’m managing," she said. "Recently, I got promoted and my salary increased."
She had also begun receiving design orders on the side. It wouldn’t be difficult for her to arrange money.
"That’s good. Congratulations." He grinned. "But remember this – I’m always there for you. Don’t hesitate to call me if you need help."
Summer nodded. "Good night, Landon. Drive safely." She opened the door and stepped out of the car.
Landon stayed there, watching her go into the hospital before driving away.
When Summer arrived at the hospital, she went to meet the doctor.
A nurse approached her. "Miss Summer, I’ve been waiting for you." She handed her a slip. "Here is the receipt for this month’s new set of medication. We have already started the course. Please make the payment."
Summer’s ears buzzed as her eyes landed on the amount written on the slip.
Fifty thousand?
That meant she would have to pay this amount every month. It was enormous - more than half of her salary would vanish, leaving her with barely enough to cover her household expenses, let alone save for Hope’s surgery.
She had thought that with her salary hike, saving for surgery would be easier. But now, her trouble seemed to be growing instead of easing.
How would she possibly keep this up?
"Uh, thanks." Summer mustered a smile. "I’ll make the payment." After a moment of hesitation, she asked, "Is the doctor inside? Can I talk to him?" This story is hosted at g.com.
"Hope’s case has been transferred to Dr. Smith," the nurse replied. "He has gone for the round. He will be checking Hope as well. You should go back to the ward."
"Thanks."
Summer stuffed the slip into her bag and headed to the ward.
When Summer entered the ward, Hope’s face immediately lit up. "Mommy."
Summer’s chest tightened at the sight of Hope’s smile. The girl looked pale and weak, but that heart-melting smile still donned on her lips.
Holding back her tears, she approached the girl. "Missing me?"
"Yes." Hope encircled her small arms around her mother’s waist, gazing up at her. "I missed you."
Chloe, who had been sitting beside the bed, let out a mock sigh. "I’m the one who stayed with her the whole time, but all she talks about is her mom. Guess she doesn’t love me anymore."
Hope smiled, showing the two rows of her white teeth. "I love you, Aunt, and I enjoy being with you. But I love Mommy more."
"Clever girl, aren’t you?" Chloe reached out and rubbed Hope’s little nose. Turning to her sister, she asked, "You need something?"
Summer slowly sank into the chair, her mind in chaos. She couldn’t stop wondering how to arrange the money.
"You look pale," Chloe said with growing worry. "You should get some rest. Go home tonight. I’ll stay here with Hope."
"No, no, I’m fine." Summer waved a hand dismissively. She composed herself, hiding the uneasiness within. "You should go back early. You need to focus on your studies as well. It’s your final year."
"Don’t worry. My semester exam went well. I’ll score well in the final exam." Chloe flashed a confident smile. "And staying here the night won’t hamper my study." She nodded at her bag by the bed. "I brought my books along."
Before Summer could respond, Hope chimed in sweetly, "But I want Mommy to stay."
"Uh?" Chloe gasped dramatically, putting her hands on her waist. "Are you asking me to leave?"
Hope grinned innocently. "No, you can stay here too."
At that, Chloe laughed. "Look at this girl. She is getting smarter day by day."
"Good evening, Hope. I’ve heard you are a very good and obedient girl." A voice from behind demanded attention.
All three of them turned to see a young, handsome man in a white coat walking toward them, a warm smile lighting up his face.
Summer stood up.
"Oh, I..." Summer faltered a bit before nodding at him. "Hello, Dr. Smith."
She had expected Hope’s new doctor to be an older man like the previous one, but Ashton looked barely thirty. At such a young age, he had achieved so much success and become a well-known oncologist. That was impressive. Besides, his friendly nature instantly put her at ease.
Summer had a positive feeling that he would cure Hope.
"Thank you for taking her case," she said with gratitude.
"It’s my pleasure that I can help this little, cute girl," Ashton said, smiling at the little girl. "And we can be friends too, right, Hope?"
Hope returned the smile. "We can be friends if you allow me to eat ice cream."
"Hope?" Summer gave her a displeased look.
"It’s okay," said Ashton, his smile lingering in the corners of his lips. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a candy. "How about this instead?"
"Thank you." Hope took the candy.
"So, does that make us friends?" Ashton asked.
Hope nodded eagerly. "We are friends."
Summer’s eyes shone with unshed tears as she watched Hope smile so brightly. She wished she could save her smile forever.
Ashton turned to her. "Miss Wright, please come to my office." He walked out without waiting for her response.
Summer blinked her tears away. When she looked back at Hope, she smiled. "Eat the candy and rest. Mommy will be right back."
"Go ahead," Chloe said, giving her sister’s hand a reassuring squeeze. "I’ll stay with her."
Summer gave a faint nod before going out. She headed straight to Dr. Smith’s chamber, her heart thumping with worry and anticipation. As she entered the room, she found him seated on his chair, checking a file.
"Please have a seat." He gestured to the chair across from him.
Summer sat down. Nervousness clawed up her throat as she wondered what he was going to tell her about Hope.
"I’ve been checking her reports." The man’s appearance changed altogether. There wasn’t that charming smile on his face. He looked dead serious. "She needs the transplant as quickly as possible. It’ll be better if the surgery is done within six months."