Upon hearing Georgia's explanation, Ms. Liu didn't press for further details. Instead, she settled into a chair beside the hospital bed and began preparing an apple for her daughter. The motherly instinct kicked in as she deftly sliced the fruit and poured a cup of hot water.
As the day drifted toward dinnertime, Ms. Liu and Professor Ruan showed no intention of leaving. Georgia, feeling the weight of their concern, gently insisted, "Mom, Dad, you should go home and have your dinner. Don't worry about me."
Ms. Liu hesitated, torn between wanting to stay with her daughter and recognizing the wisdom in Georgia's words. Unexpectedly, Professor Ruan interjected with a gentle touch, guiding her toward the exit. He said, "Let's go home. Staying here might disturb Georgia's rest."
Ms. Liu, though reluctant, finally acquiesced. Georgia managed a smile, her façade masking her inner turmoil. She wanted to appear strong for her parents and said, "Mom, Dad, please don't worry. Aunt Rong is here to take care of me, and I'll be just fine."
Ms. Liu, her maternal instincts still tugging at her heart, promised, "Rest well, dear. I'll make some chicken soup for you another day."
Georgia nodded, her eyes following her parents as they exited the room. Once the door closed behind them, she heaved a sigh of relief. The pent-up emotions that had been coursing through her threatened to spill out in tears. She knew that if her parents had stayed any longer, she might not have been able to contain her emotions.
The depth of her suffering remained a closely guarded secret, known only to herself.
In the days that followed, under the diligent care of Aunt Rong, Georgia slowly regained her strength. Though her body bore various injuries, she was fortunate that none of her bones had been harmed. This allowed her some mobility, and she longed to escape the confines of her hospital room.
However, there was a conspicuous absence during her recovery—Jack had not come to visit her. Each day that passed only deepened the resentment she felt toward him.
One afternoon, Georgia decided to venture out for a walk. She took a deep breath, her lungs craving the fresh air that had been denied her for too long.
As she strolled through the hospital's corridors, she suddenly realized where she was. It was Jinghua Hospital—the same place where she had stumbled upon Jack's well-kept secret. The hospital that housed ye Wan'er.
The elevator doors closed, enveloping her in a cocoon of memories. Georgia pressed the button for her chosen floor, and as she ascended, her heart churned with an amalgam of emotions.
She couldn't help but wonder what kind of woman ye Wan'er was to inspire such unwavering dedication from Jack. To him, ye Wan'er was evidently worth more than their unborn child.
Stepping out of the elevator, Georgia steeled herself for what lay ahead. Her feet carried her toward a familiar sight—Du Yue, standing guard at the entrance of a hospital room.
Georgia's heart raced; she had an inkling of who might be inside.
With a determined but composed demeanor, she limped toward Du Yue. She looked him squarely in the eye and calmly stated, "I've come to visit. Is that acceptable?"
Du Yue seemed somewhat conflicted but relented, "Madam..."
Georgia gave her best impression of nonchalance and arched an eyebrow, "Is Jack inside?"
Du Yue hesitated for a moment before confirming, "Yes."
Her heart sank upon hearing those words. The truth she had been trying to avoid was staring her in the face. Ye Wan'er was the one who held Jack's heart captive, and now, they were both confined to the same hospital. She could no longer ignore the obvious distinction in importance between herself and ye Wan'er in Jack's world.