Georgia nodded briskly, a fleeting "OK" slipping from her lips.
Two days prior, amidst the tranquil surroundings of the lakeside manor, Jack had provided her unwavering support and assistance. Now, witnessing his somber mood, she couldn't help but be concerned.
Once the white tea was ready, Georgia carried the delicate tray straight to the study door. She knocked gently and inquired, "Aunt Rong has prepared tea for you. Would you like some?"
Silence prevailed within. Georgia took a deep breath and slowly pushed the study door ajar.
Peering into the room, she saw darkness engulfing the space, with only the floor lamp beside the sofa casting a dim, swirling light.
Amidst the shadows, Georgia discerned the stoic face of a man, the glowing tips of a cigarette held between his fingertips.
He turned sharply, meeting her gaze with an emotionless stare. His voice was icy as he commanded, "Leave!"
Georgia stood frozen, unable to respond to his words.
Her heart sank, encased in frost by his coldness. She retreated, closing the door, and stood there in a daze for a long while.
Was this the man she once knew? Was this the same man who had eagerly proposed marriage to her? Was this the gentle soul who had lovingly placed a ring on her finger?
Had he truly encountered an insurmountable problem?
Biting her lip, Georgia suppressed her anguish and left with the tray.
In the room, Jack sat on the sofa, emotions swirling within the depths of his dark eyes.
In his mind, Ye Wan'er's image remained, always tearful and pleading. He recalled the image of her frail form after hemodialysis, her complexion pallid and sallow. The surgery was scheduled for the day after tomorrow, and Georgia was ill. Everything needed to be postponed and rearranged.
Taking a deep breath, Jack picked up his phone and dialed Dr. Luo's number. "Hello, Lao Luo, tomorrow come to a different hospital to look after Georgia..."
Only when Georgia recovered swiftly could he expedite the operation. He realized that he had to find the right moment to reveal the truth to her. Everything else could wait, but Ye Wan'er's health could not.
...
The following morning, as Georgia finished breakfast and prepared to change for work, she encountered Jack in the stairwell as she descended.
His gaze flickered over her, and he remarked faintly, "You don't need to go to the office these days. Resting well at home is the priority."
Surprised by his sudden concern, Georgia hesitated for a moment before replying softly, "It's alright. I believe I'm almost recovered. I can bring the medication to work..."
"No." Jack frowned, his voice resolute. "Wait for Dr. Luo to arrive. I will come to assess your condition and prescribe some Chinese medicine for your recovery."
"I..." Georgia was rendered momentarily speechless, grappling for the right words. Observing the seriousness in his eyes, she finally nodded in agreement.
His instructions seemed caring, but she couldn't sense the warmth. Since she had fainted at the manor, his demeanor toward her had shifted drastically. Had she caused him any inconvenience?
The more she contemplated, the more perplexed she felt. Georgia returned to her room, picked up her phone, and dialed Xiaohan's number in secret.
"Hello? Han?"