Chapter 219

Steven froze, staring at Lucie in shock. He'd actually been planning to find a chance to see her on the sly, but running into her here at the hospital? That was the last thing he expected.

"What are the odds?" he blurted out.

Bria and Shannon both looked at Lucie, their eyes flickering with mixed emotions.

Lucie snapped back to herself, quickly looking away. Her face went cold as she followed the doctor into his office, not sparing them another glance.

Shannon's lips curled into a sly smile before she put on her best innocent face. "Aunt Bria, Steven, who would've thought we'd run into... your ex-wife here?"

The words hit Bria like a punch. Jealousy burned through her, darkening her expression.

Steven rushed to explain. "Bria, it really was just an accident. I had no idea Lucie would be here."

Bria's smile didn't reach her eyes. "Steven, this is the best hospital in Westbrook. It's not so surprising if we bump into people."

"I just didn't want you to feel weird about it."

Bria turned to him with a gentle smile. "Why would I? While I was in that coma for years, Ms. Anderson was there for you. Honestly, I should be thanking her."

Steven felt a chill run down his back. "Bria, it's over between me and her. No need to bring it up. If I'd known you'd wake up, I never would've married her. You know I only married her to have a kid."

Bria's smile grew even sweeter. "I get it. And I appreciate everything you've done for me."

But under her sleeve, her fingernails dug deep into her palm, leaving a bloody mark. That stab of pain was the only thing keeping her anger from exploding. As long as Lucie was alive, Steven and the child would never truly be hers. So Lucie... had to go.

Shannon jumped in, acting all sweet and harmless. "Steven, Aunt Bria, let's not talk about this now. Aunt Bria's treatment is more important."

Steven quickly changed the subject. "Yeah, let's wait for the doctor."

Inside the doctor's office, the physician laid out a brand-new rehab plan for Lucie.

"Ms. Anderson, this is the latest rehab program, using advanced techniques from abroad. It's much more effective for recovery, but it does cost more."

"Money's not a problem. I just want my grandpa to get better as soon as possible, no matter how much it costs."

The doctor nodded. "Alright, I'll sign you up for the new program." He filled out the paperwork and handed her a prescription. "Take this to the billing desk. Once it's paid, we can start the new therapy today."

Lucie took the paperwork. "Thank you, doctor."

"One course lasts about twenty-eight days. For your grandfather's condition, he'll probably need three courses. He should get back to seventy or eighty percent of normal, able to take care of himself."

Lucie finally smiled. "That's great news. Thank you."

She didn't say anything more and left the office with the payment slip.

Outside, Steven, Bria, and Shannon were still waiting. As Lucie came out, Steven wanted to say something, but she walked right past him like he was just another another stranger in the hallway, her face completely

lyo

unreadable.

Steven hesitated, mouth half-open, then gave up. He'd find another chance to see

her, and check in on Mr. Anderson.

Just then, a nurse stepped out. "You can come in now."

Steven pushed Bria into the exam room.

Twenty minutes later, Lucie was

back at

r grandfather's hospitalet

June and Elio

were

bickering as usual content belongs

"This is a hospital. Can you keep it down a little?" Elio snapped.

June just rolled her eyes. "What, people can't talk in hospitals now?"

"Please, just zip it. I really don't want to hear your voice."

Lucie walked up and Elio brightened, dropping the argument. "Lucie, did you get everything sorted?"

"Yeah, it's all done." She opened the door to her grandfather's room.

"I'll come in and keep Grandpa company."

"Elio, you and June should probably wait outside," Lucie said, but Elio shook his head.

"No way. We're already here, may as well say hi."

"I'm coming too!" June added, not wanting to be left out.

Lucie sighed, giving in. The three of them went inside.

Grandpa was on the balance machine, practicing his walking.

“Grandpa, let's take a break,” Lucie suggested.

"Alright," he agreed.

Rose and Madison hurried over to help, guiding him to a massage chair.

"Grandpa, feeling better today?" Lucie asked.

He nodded. "Much better."

Elio stepped up, all polite for once. “Grandpa, do you remember me?"

Grandpa squinted at him. "...Oh, you're Lucie's old classmate, right?"

Elio smiled, tooking genuinely touched. “That's me. I visited you at before remember

Didn't think you'

New Amberton rat