Regretting The Wife He Threw Away

The sudden ring of Stella's phone broke the silence.

She froze for a split second before realizing it was her own.

"Sorry, I need to take this," she said, peeling off her gloves and answering. "Gina? What's wrong-Ms. Hudson fainted?!"

On the operating table, Briony's eyes snapped open. She stared at Stella, her voice urgent: "What happened to my mom?"

"Ms. Hudson collapsed," Stella explained quickly. "Gina tried to call you several times but couldn't get through, so she called me. Don't worry-Gina's already called an ambulance. They're on their way to the hospital now."

Briony sat up, swinging her legs off the table. "We have to pause the procedure. I need to make sure my mom is okay."

...

By the time Julia was brought into the hospital, she was unconscious.

A flu outbreak had left the ER understaffed, so Dr. Cedric Clarke-usually found in oncology-was helping out that day.

When Julia was rushed into the resuscitation room, Cedric took over her care.

Thankfully, she'd arrived in time. Although Julia hadn't woken up yet, her life was no longer in danger.

Still unconscious, she was moved to a hospital room, with Gina trailing close behind.

hospital gown nearby and then turned to Stella, choosing his words carefully. "There's something concerning in Ms. Hudson's bloodwork. I'd recommend she stay for a

skipped

leading cancer

relax, tensed up all over again. She fixed Cedric with a worried

Clarke, are you saying-my mom

preliminary finding," Cedric said gently. "We'll

a wave of anxiety threatening

Stella hurried

suggesting some tests, Bryn. Stay strong. Ms. Hudson's a fighter-she'll be

to herself. "Yeah... she's going to live a

and Cedric exchanged a glance, then supported Briony as they walked her

Cedric slipped his phone

guess who I just ran

the

he asked, his

other day? My

hand on his seatbelt, voice dropping. "What's she doing at