Chapter 210: First Stirrings of Love
Raylee furrowed her brows, observing the heavy dark circles under Percival’s eyes and the fatigue etched all over his face. It was evident that he hadn’t rested well. Her throat was so parched it was unbearable. She opened her mouth but found herself unable to make a sound. Percival promptly poured her a glass of water. After drinking it, Raylee felt as though she had been completely rejuvenated.
“Dr. Shapiro, I only remember being in intense pain, then I passed out at the sight of you. What happened after that?” she asked.
“Of course, I took you to the hospital!” Percival began to recount the critical situation that occurred during the incident. “After we arrived at the hospital, they took your blood for tests and used all sorts of equipment to examine you, yet they couldn’t figure out what was wrong with you. However, in the deep of the night, you suddenly appeared to be in a state of suspended animation. Even your heartbeat had stopped for a moment. After discussing potential treatment plans for a good while, we, a group of experts, wanted to perform surgery on you, but we were at a loss on where to begin. We’ve never seen a case like yours before. Although your test results appear normal, the symptoms you’re exhibiting are certainly unusual. Raylee, have you ever experienced something like this before? Have you taken any medication or received any treatment?”
Percival’s heart was still racing with fear. Raylee’s mind went blank as she listened to Percival recount her harrowing treatment process. Unexpectedly, she had another brush with death. She truly didn’t know whether to consider herself fortunate for her tenacity or lament her relentless hardship.
“Dr. Shapiro, did you administer any medication while I was unconscious?” Raylee asked weakly.
“Well, your heart had stopped beating, so how could I not have used medicine?” Percival’s brows were deeply furrowed. “We administered the best medication available in the hospital to you, but your resistance to it was strong, so it had no effect. We were almost about to declare you dead. Later on, I was struck by an idea and decided to use the painkiller that I had developed in my lab for you: The incredible scene replayed itself, and your heart was beating again. However, you remained unconscious. It scared me quite a bit.”
Upon hearing those words, Raylee immediately fell into deep thought. As she had anticipated, only Percival’s painkillers worked effectively for her.
“If you really ended up in a vegetative state, Casimir would definitely tear me to pieces,” Percival blurted out an off-topic remark.
“What’s it to him?” Raylee’s face stiffened for a moment.
“How could it not involve him? He’s established a department within my laboratory that’s dedicated to the study of skin regeneration. Can you guess why?” Percival raised an eyebrow, teasingly keeping Raylee in suspense.
Raylee shook her head, remaining silent. Regardless of the reason, it had nothing to do with her. With her health in such a poor state, she wouldn’t be in the mood to be all lovey-dovey with him.
“Of course, it has to do with you. He wants to cure your skin condition,” Percival said with a sigh. “Frankly, if you say Mr. Sutherland is passionate, he was the one who sided with another woman and landed you in prison four years ago. After that, he broke off the engagement with you and entered a marriage alliance with someone else. Yet, if you say he isn’t passionate, he showers you with all sorts of care and attention after you were released from prison. Men are such complex creatures. Except for me, I’m quite straightforward. I’ve only ever liked…”
Percival held his tongue, his cheeks flushing slightly. Embarrassed, he turned his head away. At that moment, he greatly resembled a young man experiencing the first stirrings of love.
Percival’s face turned a shade of red, and he quickly sidestepped the conversation and hastily changed the topic. “No… Let’s not talk about Casimir anymore. The thoughts of these scions are beyond the comprehension of us ordinary folks.”
“I didn’t plan on bringing him up. It was you who mentioned him.” Raylee sighed deeply, her tone laced with a plea. “Dr. Shapiro, could I possibly ask you for a favor?”
“What’s the matter? Tell me. If it’s within my power, I’ll definitely help you.”
Raylee’s eyes were filled with endless sorrow. “My health is in a terrible state, particularly since last night, when I was suddenly wracked with unexplained pain. I don’t know how many more times I can endure it, nor do I know if I can escape from the clutches of death again—”
“You’ll absolutely live a long and prosperous life!” Percival interrupted her, his gaze firm as he encouraged her. “Four years in prison couldn’t break you, so you’re undoubtedly holding the script of a strong female lead. You can definitely endure this! Trust me. You’re someone blessed with great fortune and resilience!”
Raylee gave a slight smile. “Dr. Shapiro, given the circumstances, there’s no need to comfort me now. Still, I must thank you. You’ve been by my side every time I’m on the brink of death. After being released from prison, I always felt my life was devoid of any brightness. However, your arrival is like a beam of light in my life, illuminating the path ahead and dispelling my confusion.”