Chapter 53

"Roxy! Wake up! What am I supposed to do if you don't?" Ingrid cried out.

Shaun raised his eyebrows and patted Bruce's shoulder. "Bruce, you've been with Roxy for six years. You have a complicated relationship with both my daughters; you need to resolve this. You've hurt Roxy before, and she can't take any more."

Bruce frowned.

Ingrid whimpered, "Bruce, you must be responsible for Roxy! She's a kind, innocent girl, unlike other women. You have a relationship with her; you can't hurt her like this!"

Bruce took a breath, wanting to deny any wrongdoing with Roxanne, but he held back. It was pointless. They had been dating for six years; no one would believe him if he said he hadn't had sexual intercourse with her. In fact, he hadn't even touched her. When he needed intimacy, he paid other women, and they parted ways afterward.

Through the computer screen, Bruce looked sadly at Roxanne. He was terrified. Her life could have ended because of him. He wasn't one to shirk responsibility. He and Joanna were star-crossed lovers. He'd already hurt Joanna deeply, and he couldn't hurt Roxanne again.

"Mrs. Haynes, Mr. Haynes, don't worry! I'll marry Roxy as soon as she wakes up!"

Ingrid, relieved, stopped crying. "You must mean that. No more excuses."

"I understand. I'll propose to Roxy when she wakes up."

Ingrid and Shaun were relieved, though still worried about their daughter, fearing she might never wake up.

In the ward, Jaydon carefully helped Joanna lie down and tucked her in. "Joanna, you're always so soft-hearted. You'd rather be wrong than tell the truth."

"Don't say that, Jay. Roxanne is my sister; I can't watch her die!"

Jaydon frowned angrily. "It's all Bruce's fault! That asshole!"

Joanna's voice was hoarse and her thoughts distant. "Jay, that's enough. Please help me with the discharge procedure. I want to leave."

"No, you're hurt! You need to stay a few more days!"

"No! Lilia's at home. I'm worried!"

"Talia's looking after Lilia. I'll check on her when I get back. Don't worry!"

Joanna stubbornly shook her head. "There's no difference between being here and at home, and I don't want to see Ingrid again! Jaydon"

As they spoke, Bruce entered, his face grim.

Jaydon stood up angrily. "What brings you back here?"

Bruce calmly looked at Jaydon. "I just want to speak to Joanna."

"She has nothing to say to you!"

"Could you step outside for a moment? It'll only take a minute."

"No way! Don't bother Joanna again!"

"This is the last time, I promise. I just want to apologize."

Joanna took a deep breath. "Jay, please go."

Jaydon glared at Bruce. "I'm warning you. Don't ever hurt Joanna again!" He stormed out.

Joanna looked coldly at Bruce. "What do you want?"

Bruce's face was gloomy. He bowed slightly and said solemnly, "Joanna, I'm sorry."

Joanna was speechless, surprised by his apology. Much of her anger subsided. Her eyes sparkled, but sadness remained. "Have a good life with Roxanne. Keep me out of your affairs. I just want peace"

Bruce, with hostility in his eyes, interrupted. "Joanna, I need to ask one last thing: whose child was that?"

"Bruce, I've answered you many times! The child has nothing to do with you!"

Bruce took a deep breath, then produced a black bank card and placed it in Joanna's hand.

Joanna was startled. "What is this?"

"Seventy-five million dollars, as alimony and compensation. The password is your birthday."

Joanna's expression changed, and she pushed the card back. "I don't need it."

Bruce's voice was hoarse. "No, keep it! I'll be more upset if you don't. You and I owe each other nothing. Don't worry, I won't interfere with your life." He forced the card into her hand. "Think of it as medical bills. It's my way of making amends. If you need more, just tell me!"

He could only offer money to atone. Roxanne's suicide attempt had spurred his decision to marry her; this was his attempt to compensate Joanna.

"Bruce, I really don't need it."

Bruce turned to leave, pausing at the door. "Joanna, Jaydon is a playboy. He's not right for you. Stop loving him so much."

He left.

Joanna looked at the card. Her nose tingled; she felt like crying but couldn't. "Forget it. Since he insisted"

After Bruce left, Jaydon returned, finding Joanna dazed. He rushed to her, hugging her. "Joann, what did he say? Did he hurt you?"

Joanna shook her head. "He didn't say anything. It's just" She paused. "Some things I shouldn't tell you."