Chapter 104

Stephanie had been crying for a long time. Several bodyguards stood in her hospital room while Darwin tried to comfort her. "Ms. Ralap," he said, "Mr. Hendrix really does care about you. He's just been swamped with work lately and hasn't had time to be by your side. He treats you like a sister and cherishes you. How could he not be concerned? He asked me to tell you to focus on getting better, and once you've recovered, he'll take you out for some relaxation."

Stephanie's eyes were filled with bitterness. She sensed that Nicolas didn't care for her as much as he used to, which is why she'd rushed back. She thought that by constantly being around him, he'd eventually pay more attention to her. But after returning, nothing had improved. Fear began creeping into her heart, which is why she'd made such a scene at the hospital. However, she hadn't expected Nicolas to just stop by briefly and leave as soon as the doctor assured him she was fine.

Clenching her fists, Stephanie knew she couldn't act rashly. She was currently the woman closest to Nicolas, meaning she still had a chance. Calming herself, she spoke in a voice laced with tears and frustration, "Since Nicolas is so busy, I won't bother him anymore. You go ahead. I'll take care of myself."

After Darwin left, Stephanie hit the bed in frustration. "Busy? That's just an excuse," she thought bitterly. Moments ago, she'd overheard Darwin instructing the bodyguards to look after someone else in the hospital. The only close relative Nicolas had left was Stefan. If Stefan had been hospitalized, there would have been news, given the gravity of the situation. So, this person wasn't a Hendrix family member. "Who could be important enough for Nicolas to care about this much?" Stephanie wondered, anxiety rising.

She bit her lip and decided to go to the attending doctor's office.

Chapter 101 (Continued from previous section, formatting adjusted for clarity)

Thea was feeling much better and didn't want to stay at the hospital overnight. After talking to Darwin, he quickly arranged for a car to take her home. As Thea walked downstairs after picking up her medication, she accidentally bumped into someone. The woman's face was pale, her eyes red and puffy from crying. Thea recognized her immediately—Stephanie—and her heart skipped a beat. Thea quickly gathered her medication and was about to leave.

But to her surprise, Stephanie called out, "I'm sorry. I wasn't paying attention. I'm not in a good mood. I hope I didn't bump into you too hard?" Thea stopped, forcing a polite smile. "It's fine."

Thea hadn't taken many steps before she heard soft sobbing. Feeling a headache coming on, Thea turned back and helped Stephanie up. "Miss, are you alright? Did I hurt you, or are you feeling unwell?" Tears clung to Stephanie's lashes, and her delicate frame trembled. "I just can't believe someone my age could end up with a disease like this," she said, her pretty face looking lost.

It was then that Thea noticed the report in Stephanie's hand. She gasped internally. Stomach cancer. Looking at Stephanie with pity, Thea softened her tone. "Miss, you're still young. You need to trust your body's ability to recover. Besides, it's not entirely hopeless. Stay positive, follow the treatment, and things might just turn around."

But Stephanie continued to cry uncontrollably. "I just can't accept it. I've finally returned to Reasnatan, finally stayed by the person I love, only to end up with this. Don't pity me. I never should have come back. I should have died abroad. If he knew, he'd be devastated."

Thea felt guilt, unease, and remorse, as if she'd taken Stephanie's rightful place. Suppressing her emotions, she continued to comfort Stephanie. "If the feelings are mutual, why not boldly express your thoughts? Having someone who loves you by your side could make your treatment more effective. After all, the stomach is closely tied to a person's emotions. If you're in a good mood, your stomach will naturally feel better."

Stephanie quickly masked a fleeting cold smile and grabbed Thea's hand. "Thank you for comforting me. I feel much better now." She tilted her head playfully. "Can I get your contact info? I really enjoy talking with you. If I could get your encouragement and support, I believe I'd feel even stronger." Thea reluctantly agreed.

After adding Stephanie's contact, she quickly hid her Instagram account. Although she had softened and spoken with Stephanie, she didn't want their worlds to collide. They were two completely different people, and Thea thought it might be awkward if Stephanie ever discovered her true identity. With a quiet sigh, Thea figured they likely wouldn't cross paths again, and she could delete it later.

Stephanie, having gotten what she wanted, smiled contentedly. She waved at Thea. "I believe in your advice. I plan to confess to him tonight. Thank you for the encouragement, Miss Rowland. Do you hope I succeed?"

A bitter taste rose in Thea's throat. Stephanie's hopeful eyes pierced her heart. "Of course, I hope so. Best of luck to you." Thea turned and walked away.

Chapter 104 (Continued)

As soon as Thea stepped outside, she saw Darwin, his expression complicated. He hesitated, glancing back at the room, clearly worried. Though he didn't say anything, Thea knew what he was concerned about. She said casually, "I ran into a woman seeing the doctor today. She seemed unwell and was crying, so I stopped to comfort her. I didn't take up too much of your time, did I, Darwin?" Darwin's worry eased immediately. "Not at all, Mrs. Hendrix. I'll take you home now."

Thea lowered her gaze, feeling utterly exhausted. She didn't want to return home. "Will Nicolas be home tonight?" she asked.

Darwin shook his head. "I'm not sure. Sometimes Mr. Hendrix is so busy that he sleeps at the office. He may have a lot on his plate today."

Thea breathed a sigh of relief. "Then take me home. I need a good rest."

Once home, Thea wrapped herself in her blankets, her chest heavy and her mind filled with images of Stephanie's face. Stephanie's words echoed in her ears: If the two of them got together, Nicolas might ask Thea for a divorce. Or perhaps their relationship was wrong from the very beginning. I have unknowingly taken Stephanie's place. If Stephanie finds out the truth, she would be heartbroken, wouldn't she? Thea wondered. Just then, her phone vibrated. It was a message from Stephanie, and Thea's heart skipped a beat.