Chapter 122

Nicole let out a sharp scream; she'd been privy to my grim situation from the start, understanding its severity. Chase's mention of it hit her hard, her face mirroring the story despite her efforts to maintain composure.

Even though my mother was also shaken, she reassured Nicole with a gentle pat on the shoulder. "Nicole, don't worry. Everything's going to be alright."

Nicole, tougher than most, quickly regained her composure. "Chase, haven't you seen the pictures already? Honestly, Ann's not in her right mind."

"That's not true. When I visited her, she was clear-headed. If you don't believe me, you can let her explain everything herself."

Nicole chimed in softly, "Alright, alright, we believe you. But Ann's in the ICU now, so we can't see her anyway. Let's wait until she's a bit better. But are you aware of your own health issues?"

The moment Chase sensed potential trouble, he focused on Nicole. "What's wrong with me?"

Nicole excelled at identifying crucial details, and Chase always prioritized his own well-being. "This is the report from your ER visit. Further tests are needed on your kidney and stomach. The doctor thinks the shadow might be a tumor."

The word "tumor" alone unsettled everyone. The difference between benign and malignant was immense.

The report immediately shifted Chase's focus. "Tumor..." He rubbed his stomach, the persistent pain bothering him. "Get those tests booked ASAP."

"Don't worry, I've already scheduled them. The endoscopy can be done tomorrow at the earliest, and we can get the kidney tests done soon." Chase frowned. "But what about Ann..."

"We'll wait a few days. Right now, she's not in a good state, mentally or physically. We'll ask her detailed questions once she's out of the ICU. We'll also speak with Amanda's family; any clues Ann can provide would be ideal."

My mother muttered, "That girl must be seeing things or talking nonsense. Do we even know if there's an Amanda around here? People talk about ghosts, but who's actually seen one? It's all just talk."

Chase wanted to say more, but his concerns about his test results overwhelmed him. He underwent further examinations that day.

That night, sleep eluded him, especially after taking a laxative in the early hours to prepare for the endoscopy. He gazed at the vast moonlit sky, his expression a mixture of emotions. His phone glowed as he repeatedly dialed my number, as if searching for a reassuring answer.

But the truth was already known, and no one wanted to accept it. Perhaps he preferred believing I was partying with ghosts rather than confronting the reality of my death.

With both his body and mind under duress, Chase found himself on the operating table, undergoing general anesthesia. The surgery concluded quickly, and still hazy from the anesthesia, he was roused by the doctor.

Dazed, he blinked open his eyes as a nurse explained things to Nicole. "The patient might feel dizzy or nauseous, but that's normal. Once he's fully awake, he can leave."

"Alright, thanks. When can we expect the biopsy results?"

"It usually takes over a week, but we'll fast-track Mr. Reyes'. Ms. Kennedy, we'll keep you posted."

As they spoke, I sat by the window, my legs swinging in the warm light of the early morning sun.