Chapter 22
The fine ceramic bowl shattered on the floor with a sharp crash with
The food spread across the tiles, its aroma filling the air.
Nicole looked at the food she’d bought from the restaurant feeling oddly relieved.
At least she hadn’t wasted hours cooking for Travis like she used to.
Lucy watched the scene with secret delight while feigning shock. “Travis, that was food Nicole worked so hard to make for you!”
She turned to Nicole with fake sympathy. “I’m so sorry, Nicole. Travis is only acting this way because he’s unwell. Please don’t take it personally.”
Nicole inwardly scoffed – Lucy had already said everything. What was left to say?
“It’s fine. I just picked it up on my way here. If Mr. Graham doesn’t want it, that’s that. I won’t buy any more no point wasting food. You know, there are starving children in Africa. Wasting food like this could send you to hell.” Travis had regretted knocking over the bowl the moment he did it.
But his nascent remorse vanished when he heard Nicole’s casual “just picked it up on my way here.”
“You bought me takeout?” Travis snarled. “Is this how you care for patients?”
Nicole crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow. “I’m too tired to cook lately. If Mr. Graham wants something homemade, Miss Miller could cook for him. I’m sure she’d be happy to.”
She gave Lucy a flawless smile.
Lucy smiled awkwardly, lowering her eyes to her legs. “Even though I’d love to cook for Travis…” she glanced up with tear–filled eyes, pausing dramatically. “I’m so sorry, Travis. I’m just too useless like this.”
“Nicole, you’ve gone too far! You know Lucy can barely move, yet you’re taunting her!” Travis automatically lashed out at Nicole when he saw Lucy’s eyes reddening with tears.
Nicole shrugged, her voice remarkably calm. “I’m not wrong. Miss Miller would love to cook for you. It’s just that she can’t.”
An orderly came over, and Nicole asked her to clean up the spilled porridge.
The tense atmosphere eased slightly with the stranger’s presence.
The doctor came for rounds and checked Travis’s incision. Good news, Mr. Graham. You’re healing well – you can be discharged in four days.”
Travis frowned. “Shouldn’t I stay longer for observation?”
He asked the attending physician coldly.
The doctor’s turn to frown. “Mr. Graham, this was minimally invasive surgery. The wound is small and healing quickly. You don’t need an extended stay. Besides, our surgical ward is quite full, so….”
“James!” Travis cut off the doctor, calling for his assistant
James had been hiding outside the room, unable to watch his boss and Lucy gang up on Nicole anymore. Though he felt relieved seeing Nicole finally standing up for herself today – she seemed different, more defiant.
Chapter 22
+25 BONUS
Hearing his boss call, James rushed in with his practiced corporate smile. “Yes, Mr. Graham!”
Travis gave him a withering look, then jerked his chin toward the doctor. “Have a chat with the doctor here. I want to stay for two weeks – money’s no object!”
