Chapter 164

Bruce rushed back, not even bothering to go home. He went straight to the hospital. However, upon entering the ward, he saw Joanna in Jaydon's arms. Jaydon held her tightly, as if he were her only support. They looked like a family; Bruce, merely a bone marrow donor, felt like an outsider. The sight broke his heart.

He remained outside the ward, unable to enter. His voice was sharp with pain: "Joanna, you chose Jaydon over me, didn't you? You only came to me for bone marrow to save our daughter! Will you return to Jaydon's arms once Lilia recovers?" Rage consumed him, and he stormed away.

The next day, Bruce still hadn't appeared. Joanna, in despair, packed their belongings and began discharge procedures. With Lilia's time short, she wanted to cherish their remaining moments.

"Lilia, Mommy's taking you out of the hospital today!" she said. "Remember how much you loved the dolphins at Ocean Park? We'll go there, then have burgers, ice cream, and fried chicken. Okay?" She knew children loved such treats. In the past, Lilia's illness had prevented these indulgences, but now… she wouldn't deprive her daughter of this final joy.

Lilia started to speak, then hesitated. "What's wrong?" Joanna asked.

"Could you leave for a while?" Lilia replied.

Confused, Joanna looked at her daughter. After a few seconds, Lilia said, "I want to talk to Mr. Grimm privately."

"Alright. I'll wait outside," Joanna said, her eyes welling up. She glanced at Jaydon before leaving the ward.

"Lilia, what is it?" Jaydon asked, leaning closer, his own eyes filling with tears.

Once Joanna was gone, Lilia burst into tears. "Mr. Grimm, I know my illness is incurable. I know I'm dying, but I don't dare cry. I don't want Mommy to be sad. She'll be heartbroken losing me. So, please comfort Mommy, and help her have another healthy daughter."

Jaydon wept. A four-year-old child, so wise and obedient "I know Daddy doesn't want me anymore. That's why he disappeared. Mommy must hate him. But Mr. Grimm, if you see my Daddy, tell him I love him, very much. Even if he didn't save me, I'd still love him."

Jaydon's heart ached. He nodded solemnly. "Don't worry, Lilia. I will."

Lilia smiled. "I leave Mommy in your care. Please treat her well."

Jaydon longed to be her father. He would have donated his bone marrow without hesitation.

"Let's go home," he said.

"Okay," Lilia replied, obediently wiping her tears, afraid of upsetting her mother.

Outside, hearing her daughter's words, Joanna wept against the wall. What had she done to deserve this suffering? Why had she met a man like Bruce?

Lilia emerged, saying sweetly, "Mommy, let's go!"

"Alright," Joanna said, forcing a smile, wiping away her tears. Her voice was hoarse as she said, "Ocean Park first, then fried chicken, ice cream…"

As they were leaving, a cold voice stopped them. "Where are you taking the child?"

Joanna turned to see Bruce standing in the corridor, silhouetted against the light, looking gloomy and cold, an icy statue. His tall figure seemed to cast a shadow, making him appear almost intimidating.

Her heart pounded. "Bruce…"

"Daddy!" Lilia cried happily.

Bruce stepped closer, his gaze dark. "Lilia has surgery today. You're feeding her junk food instead of preparing her? What kind of mother are you?"

Joanna staggered, disbelief etched on her face. Jaydon was stunned. They hadn't expected Bruce to reappear.

"Daddy, you're here!" Lilia said, reaching for him.

Bruce coldly glared at Jaydon, then took Lilia from his arms. "She's my daughter. Not just anyone can carry her." Jaydon was speechless.

"Daddy, I knew you'd come back," Lilia said, kissing his cheek.

"Bruce…" Joanna was speechless, seeing a glimmer of hope in the darkness.

"What are you looking at? Get a doctor! Prepare for surgery!" Bruce commanded coldly.

Overwhelmed, Joanna punched him in the chest, crying, "You jerk! Why did you disappear? Why didn't you tell me anything?"

Bruce remained impassive. "Why should I? Do I need your permission for everything I do?" He yelled, furious. He'd been gone five days, and she'd been with another man. He'd planned to disappear forever, but the image of his daughter's sweet smile stopped him. He hated Joanna, but not his daughter. He couldn't let her die.

Joanna cried, then laughed. Bruce always did things this way. As long as he saved their daughter, she wouldn't hate him.

"Doctor! We're not discharging! The surgery can proceed! The father is here!"

The doctor rushed over. "Wonderful! Let's prepare immediately!"

Soon, Bruce and Lilia were in surgical gowns, lying on the operating table. Joanna, worried, said, "Don't be afraid, Lilia. It'll be over soon."

"I'm not afraid. Mommy and Daddy are here," Lilia said, used to surgeries.

Joanna kissed her daughter, then looked at Bruce. "Bruce, you'll be fine…" She hesitated, her heart overflowing with emotion.

Bruce stared fiercely. "I'll settle the score with you after the surgery! Five days, and you've turned the world upside down!"

Joanna realized he was jealous. "All the best, Bruce!" she said. "Tell Jaydon to leave. I don't want to see him after the surgery."