Chapter <b>26 </b>


    $450


    65 vouchers


    Harvey, who had been leaning against the wall watching Alicia hold her ground, finally stepped forward when he was called out.


    “I’m Doctor Johnson, and Miss Lawrence is my patient. She’s suffering from a serious gastric ulcer<b>, </b>so she needs hospitalization,” said Harvey. “If it lead to an infection, it can spread through the abdominal cavity, trigger peritonitis, and, frankly, it could be fatal.”


    Harvey’s name carried weight in Maplewood General Hospital. He’d treated plenty of patients here over the


    years.


    More than a few people in the crowd had either been under his care or heard about him, and his testimony was as good as gold.


    The onlookers gasped. “Good Lord. She’s that sick? And the Lawrences had no clue?”


    “Figures. The Lawrence family only have eyes for their precious blood daughter,” one snapped. “Poor girl- this is tragic.”


    “Not only do they treat her like dirt, now they’re spinning delusions that she’s plotting against their darling Tiffany?” the others agreed. “How ridiculous.”


    Hearing the whispers, Tiffany’s face drained of color. She clutched her head and leaned heavily on Maria. “Mom, help me. I feel so dizzy…”


    Before she could finish, her knees buckled and she copsed into Maria’s arms.


    “Tiffany, what’s wrong?” Maria shrieked, nearly hysterical. “Hang on there, I’ll take you back right now!”


    The other Lawrences scrambled forward in a panic. Aaron scooped Tiffany up in both arms, hurried her back to 602, and the whole Lawrence family rushed after him.


    With the main yers gone, the show was over. The crowd, disappointed that the drama had fizzled out, slowly drifted away.


    Alicia turned to Harvey, her voice soft. “Doctor Johnson, thank you.”


    Harvey arched a brow, azy smile tugging at his lips. “No need. I’m just telling the truth.”


    He stretched like a cat, let out an exaggerated yawn, and waved her off. “I’ve been on duty all night. Time to crash. You get some shut–eye too.”


    And with that, Harvey left, as carefree as ever. Alicia let out a tired breath andy back for a short nap.


    After lunch, Brooke tried to coax her outside for some fresh air.


    But Alicia wasn’t having it. Thest thing she wanted was to bump into the Lawrence family again. She’d rather hole up in her room with a book.


    15:39 Wed<b>, </b><b>Oct </b><b>1 </b>


    :


    But the problem was, she hadn’t brought a single textbook.


    45


    55 vouchers


    At the Lawrence house, studying was practically forbidden. The moment she picked up a book, they shoved a paintbrush in her hand instead.


    So she’d stopped bringing her study materials there at all, keeping everything safely at school. Frustrated, she phoned her best friend, Sienna, to bring her the books.


    Sienna agreed before Alicia could even finish the request. Until then, Alicia could only nap and scroll through her phone, trying to kill time.


    *****


    Back in 602, Tiffany simmered with resentment. Alicia hadn’t handed over the room, and worse, she’d made Hugh embarrassed in public.


    ‘Does Alicia even realize this kind of suite cost a fortune?‘ thought Tiffany. “That doctor had the gall to arrange it for her, and she actually had the nerve to stay? Fine. Let’s see how long shests when the billes due!‘


    “Mom, with both Alicia and me in the hospital, these VIP rooms must cost a fortune,” Tiffany tugged Maria’s hand and sighed pitifully. “Alicia’s condition is more serious, so let her keep the suite. I’ll discharge myself and save us some money.”


    “Nonsense. We’re not strapped for cash,” replied Maria, heart breaking. “Besides, Alicia left our family ages ago. Why should we pay for her hospital stay? Just let her foot the bill herself.”


    Only then did Tiffany’s lips curve into a faint smile. “But… won’t Alicia resent me even more if I stay?”


    “What are you talking about? She’s got no right. Forget her. You stay right where you are.” Maria smoothed Tiffany’s hair like she was the most fragile treasure in the world.


    Nodding sweetly, Tiffany leaned on Maria’s shoulder.


    *****


    By four–thirty, Alicia’s phone buzzed. She picked up, and Sienna’s cheerful voice came through the phone. “I’m at the hospital gate. Come grab your books.”


    Throwing on a jacket, Alicia dashed out.


    Sienna had stuffed everyst textbook into a bulging backpack. Taking it, Alicia grinned. “Thanks, Sienna. You’re a lifesaver.”


    “Don’t mention it,” Sienna grinned. “Hey, you eating okay in there? If not, I’ll get my mom to make extra and I’ll drop it by every day.”


    Alicia’s chest warmed. She chuckled softly. “I’ve got food, don’t worry. Just focus on midterms, okay? Study


    hard.”


    “Fine, fine. I’m heading home then. Sienna waved and trotted off.


    15:39 Wed, Oct <b>1 </b>


    Alicia stood there until her friend’s figure disappeared into the distance. Only then did she heft the heavy backpack onto her shoulder and turn back toward the hospital entrance.


    “Alicia,” a familiar voice came from behind.


    She turned—and her mood plummeted. Henry Yates. Of course.


    45


    She gave him a single t nce and kept walking. Henry frowned, his jaw tightening. He jogged a few steps to catch up.


    “You came to see Tiffany, didn’t you?” he asked.


    Alicia ignored him, eyes forward. But Henry didn’t stop there. “Or was it for me?” his voice turned smug. “You knew I’d be here, so you waited out front just to bump into me?”


    Alicia almost tripped over her own feet from rolling her eyes so hard. She wondered where on earth did this guy get his ego. Still, she kept silent, lengthening her stride.


    Henry’s gaze fell to the backpack on her shoulders, and his tone iced over.


    “If you’re not here for Tiffany, then you’re obviously trying to win me back. But let me spell it out, you’re wasting your time. Don’t even bother seeing her today,” hemanded. “When you’ve repented–if Tiffany forgives you then, maybe, I’ll consider us again.”


    Alicia had no patience for his nonsense. She quickened her pace, overtook him, and headed straight toward her ward.


    It was the same direction as Tiffany’s ward, and Henry assumed she was hurrying there. He strode forward and blocked her way.


    “Listen, Alicia,” said Henry, voice dangerous. “Don’t think you can just walk all over Tiffany because she’s kind. You push her around, blow her off, and now you show up empty–handed, without a shred of sincerity. Even if she lets it go, I won’t.”


    That was it. Alicia stopped dead, spun on her heel, and let him have it. “Wow. The confidence,” she replied. “Henry, maybe you’ve missed something. I was the one who dumped you. Why would I need your forgiveness? Dumbass.”


    She punctuated it with an eye–roll, and off she strode, leaving him choking on her words.


    Henry’s face went crimson. He could practically taste blood. But when he noticed Alicia heading toward Tiffany’s ward, his fury doubled.


    He jogged ahead, grabbed her wrist, and snapped, “Alicia, I told you…


    ”


    Tiffany’s soft, fragile voice drifted from behind him. “Henry, is that you?”


    Henry froze, head jerking up. Without realizing it, they had reached the door of 602.


    15:39 Wed, <b>Oct </b><b>1 </b>


    Chapter 27 <fn3> Find the newest release on F?ndNovel</fn3>