This was the first time Ariel had heard Jayson speak so sharply. He showed no expression, and his words didn’t sound like sarcasm or mockery, but they still cut deep.
Jayson didn’t bother arguing with her anymore. He turned and left the room to wait outside, giving the doctor space to work.
Ariel didn’t want to argue either.
The pain was slowly easing.
Her face was pale as she looked at the doctor. “I know what’s wrong with me. No need for a detailed exam.”
She had unexpectedly hit the affected area, triggering a sudden, sharp abdominal pain.
But the doctor’s tone was serious. “Your symptoms are unusual. We need to check for internal bleeding.”
Ariel closed her eyes.
She knew all too well that the pain was from her endometrial cancer, made worse by the impact. But at this point, getting tested was the best option.
“Alright. Once you receive the results, please notify me directly. The person waiting outside has nothing to do with me. Don’t bother telling him.”
Her voice was weak, but she still made the request in advance.
The doctor didn’t question her and ordered a CT scan and blood tests.
The ER was busy, so the results would take some time to come in.
Jayson didn’t leave. He sat quietly near Ariel’s bed, not saying a word. He just watched her now and then.
Then Chad rushed in, out of breath. Seeing Ariel’s pale face, his expression darkened. “Is it serious? What happened?”
Ariel shook her head and forced a smile through the discomfort. “It’s nothing. I just bumped into the table.”
Soon after, Zach and Nancy showed up.
Ariel wasn’t pleased to see them. Already feeling weak, she didn’t want to waste energy on them.
She knew they hadn’t come out of genuine concern. Their presence was just because Jayson was there. It was all about social obligation.
Nancy’s expression was cold as she glanced at Ariel on the bed. Without a word, she walked over to Jayson.” Jayson, did the doctor say what’s wrong?”
Jayson finally looked up. His face was icy and unreadable. “The results aren’t back yet.”
Nancy didn’t push further.
She wasn’t sure what was really going on with Ariel. How could just a bump be serious enough for emergency care?
Zach’s face showed mixed emotions.
Ariel did look terrible.
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But beyond that, what surprised him more was Jayson. He was the one who had rushed Ariel to the hospital. He was so quick, so natural, and so concerned.
“Mr. Larkin.” Zach glanced at Jayson, as if about to ask something.
Jayson looked up at him.
Seeing the cold, serious expression on his face, Zach suddenly understood that it was probably because Jayson was sitting so close to Ariel.
He looked over at Nancy, Jayson’s girlfriend, and saw she wasn’t jealous or upset at all. She seemned to understand that saving Ariel was the priority.
Still, Zach felt something was off about Jayson carrying Ariel out like that. He couldn’t quite put his finger on it
yet.
Jayson ignored Zach’s thoughts and fixed his eyes on the hospital bed.
It wasn’t until Chad arrived that Ariel finally let her guard down.
She said to Chad, “Can you take them out? I want some peace and quiet.”
She didn’t feel like thanking anyone or pretending to be polite because she was painfully aware that none of those three truly cared about her.
Ariel’s words were blunt.
Nancy didn’t even look at her. Instead, she turned to Jayson “If it’s nothing serious, then we won’t stay here any longer.”
