Chapter 555

Lauren giggled and said, “Dr. Lloyd, you silly man, you can’t even figure out something as obvious as a girl’s feelings. I’m not explaining it to you–see you at the medical center later.”

With that, she hung up.

Andrew thought for a moment. Why was Francesca upset? Could it have something to do with Simon?

But that didn’t seem right. Francesca had mentioned before that Simon had come to terms with her decision and had even offered his blessings.

After mulling it over, Andrew decided to call Francesca.

“Fran, I’d like to thank you and Lauren for taking care of everything for the medical center. After the opening ceremony, let me treat you to dinner.”

Francesca’s tone was lackluster, almost lethargic. “There’s no need, Andrew. I helped you willingly. You don’t have to take me out.”

Andrew chuckled. “Fran, you don’t sound well. Are you feeling sick?”

Francesca responded softly, her voice subdued. “Yes, I’m sick–very sick.”

Andrew frowned. “You’re a doctor yourself. How can you not take care of your own health? Come to the medical center early. I’ll check you over.”

Francesca sighed weakly. “There’s no need. My illness isn’t physical; it’s in my heart. So, you can’t fix it. Let’s just leave it at that, Andrew. I’ll see you later.”

Before Andrew could say anything else, Francesca hung up.

Andrew was puzzled. Although Francesca still answered his questions, her tone clearly conveyed a sense of distance and hesitation, as if she was avoiding him.

And her mention of her illness being in her heart rather than her body? That sounded like a broken heart.

“Silly girl,” Andrew muttered with a small smile, beginning to piece together her feelings.

But he knew he had no easy solution to this. All he could do was take it one step at a time.

After all, he couldn’t start a relationship with Lauren and then turn around and add Francesca to the mix. That would be far too much.

Moreover, Andrew couldn’t quite read Francesca’s heart.

The two of them had always been close, existing in a delicate balance. Yet Francesca had never truly opened her heart to him.

Despite their deep connection–one that could be considered extraordinary–Francesca had kept her feelings guarded.

He remembered treating Francesca’s condition. Even while he was blindfolded, he could feel her voluptuous figure due to their physical proximity with each other during the treatment.

Because of her unique medical condition, Andrew had even touched areas no one else had.

In terms of closeness, they were practically beyond what most couples experienced. But actions didn’t necessarily define relationships.

Andrew wasn’t the type to greedily claim Francesca as his without her consent.

Shaking off his thoughts, Andrew picked up his phone and dialed Natasha’s number. “Bring the West End gang to my medical center later for a feast,” he said bluntly. Natasha sounded surprised. “Oh, my darling, you’ve opened a new medical center?”

Andrew laughed. “Yep. You probably know the location—where the Weller family’s Oakridge Club used to be. Let Dylan know, too. Pass along the message for me.”

Natasha agreed enthusiastically. “Got it. I’ll let him know. You’re amazing, darling! You’ve just become our boss, and now you’ve opened a medical center. You’re living the dream!”