Chapter 1343
Rosa looked up, sighing with relief at the sight of Joe. "Ned, you're finally here! I was so scared doing all those tests alone."
"What did the doctor say?" Joe asked.
"We're waiting on one test result. If all is well, I'll be in surgery this afternoon," Rosa replied quickly. Joe simply nodded.
His distant expression made Rosa anxious. "Yesterday, you said you had something to tell me after my surgery. Could you tell me now?"
"After the surgery," Joe replied firmly.
Rosa's heart skipped a beat. "Could you give me a hint? I'm curious. Are we getting married right after my surgery?" She watched him intently.
Joe frowned. "Focus on your surgery. We'll discuss everything afterward." His tone chilled her. It wasn't about marriage; his reaction showed he hadn't even considered it.
"Ned, be honest," Rosa said nervously. "Is there someone else? I'm about to undergo surgery, and I need the truth."
Joe's expression hardened. "You need to stay calm." He turned and left.
Rosa watched him go, stunned. A disquieting feeling washed over her—a suspicion that he harbored serious doubts about his identity, or perhaps believed he wasn't Ned at all.
Calvin entered as Rosa's mind raced. "Ms. Reese, Mr. Sowle has some business to attend to and will return in about an hour. He asked me to stay with you; please let me know if you need anything."
Rosa's eyes glistened. "You work with him every day. Would you know if he's actually busy, or if he just doesn't want to be here with me? Does he hate being with me that much?"
Calvin couldn't answer. Only Joe could. Fortunately, Rosa didn't press further, and Calvin breathed a sigh of relief.
An hour later, Joe returned just as the nurses began preparing Rosa for surgery. She looked genuinely frightened as they wheeled her away.
"Ned, I'll see you after the surgery, right? You'll be waiting outside for me?"
"I will. Don't worry, everything will be fine," he replied.
Rosa searched his eyes, but found no concern. Three years had passed, yet he still seemed devoid of feeling for her.