I Was His Wife, Then His Widow, Then No One's But My Own novel Chapter 282

The moment Nora stepped out of the ward, Annabel's parents immediately rushed over.

Gareth Atkins stood a half-step behind his wife, his gaze awkwardly darting to the side. His jaw was clenched tight, and a flicker of regret hid in his eyes, though he kept his mouth firmly shut.

Meredith Atkins took a step forward, her hands wringing together as her voice trembled.

"We are so sorry, Doctor. We were just far too impulsive. We've been terrified by corrupt doctors in the past. I've dragged my Annabel through countless hospitals, and they all told us there was hope at first. But in the end? The only result we got was her condition worsening and spreading. She doesn't have much time left. We lost our minds for a moment, and we hope you can forgive us."

Nora reached out and gently helped them stand up straight.

She glanced at Gareth, who remained completely silent with his head bowed. Even without seeing his face, she could feel the oppressive guilt radiating from him.

Pulling her gaze away, Nora looked back at Meredith. "I can't guarantee that I can completely control the spread."

She paused for a moment. "But I will do absolutely everything in my power. That isn't just an empty promise. I hope you can give me, give Annabel, and give yourselves another chance."

Gareth finally lifted his head, a glimmer of desperate hope flashing across his deeply lined face.

He looked at Nora, his lips trembling as a raw, raspy voice tore from his throat. "Can you really do it?"

One of the nearby team members chimed in immediately. "Don't worry, Director Newman is an absolute expert in this field. She will definitely deliver a result you can be happy with."

Gareth lowered his head once more. He remained silent for a couple of seconds before forcing two words out of his throat. "I'm sorry."

With that, he turned around, pushed the door open, and went back into the ward.

Nora looked at Meredith and gave a reassuring nod.

Nora's brow furrowed deeply. Three stitches meant it had to be incredibly painful.

She turned her head to look at Xander, only to find him sitting there with an almost leisurely air about him.

The arm wrapped in gauze rested casually on his knee, and a faint smile played on his lips, as if someone else entirely had just taken the stitches.

Xander even tilted his head slightly, as though waiting for her to speak first.

Nora walked over to him slowly. "Mr. Harrison, what are you doing here?"

It seemed Xander had been waiting for that exact question. He flashed a light smile. "I was here sorting out some business and happened to bump into you. Were you hurt?"

Nora pressed her lips together and shook her head. Her frown deepened the moment her eyes landed on his injured arm. "That must really hurt, right?"