Chapter 114
"Okay." I nodded, thought for a moment, and added, "Thanks."
I sprinkled the fish food bit by bit on the water's surface. The koi in the pond immediately rushed up, competing with each other for the food.
I couldn't help but pour in some more.
No matter how much I poured, they could quickly gobble it all up.
I couldn't help but smile a little.
"You look happy?" Jason asked.
I nodded without hesitation. "Of course. You probably don't know this, but at parks outside, you have to pay to feed the fish. A small pack of fish food costs fifteen dollars."
So I usually just watched and never fed them myself.
In my view, that money was better spent buying food for Jessica.
Jason glanced at me and said, "No problem. If you want to feed fish later, come here. It's free here."
I didn't say much and focused on feeding the fish.
Soon, the whole box of fish food was almost empty.
Just then, I heard Jessica's cheerful voice from the front yard.
I put down the fish food and walked quickly toward the front yard.
"Mommy!" Jessica's eyes lit up when she saw me, and she rushed toward me.
I squatted down and hugged her, kissing her forehead. "Were you good here?"
"Of course! I even helped Great-grandma with leg massages!" Jessica said proudly.
"Good girl."
Since I'd picked up Jessica, I wanted to leave right away, but Grandma Cooper saw me there and enthusiastically pulled me inside.
I kept Grandma Cooper company for about half an hour before preparing to leave.
This was only because Jessica had school tomorrow, so Grandma Cooper was willing to let us go home.
Otherwise, we probably would have chatted until who knows when.
I carried Jessica to the car.
As soon as I sat in the driver's seat, I saw Jason silently get into the passenger seat.
I asked, "...What are you doing getting in?"
"Going home with you to sleep," Jason answered matter-of-factly.
My mouth twitched, and I glared at him. "There's no spare room at home!"
"That's okay, I can sleep on the couch. I'm not picky. I can sleep anywhere." Jason looked at me with a smile.
"No way, get out now!" I refused.
Jason immediately put on a pitiful expression.
I looked away and said, "That won't work either. Get out, I need to get home and rest."
Jason reluctantly got out of the car.
I drove away under his resentful gaze.
The next morning.
Jessica and I were eating breakfast when Luke's call came in.
"Mom's surgery is this morning. Get over here now."
I frowned slightly and calmly refused. "I have to work today. I can't make it."
"What's wrong with you? Why are you so heartless?" Luke's voice was full of disapproval as he scolded me. "Mom's surgery is a big deal. Even if you miss one day of work, the company won't collapse. Just ask for time off."
I countered, "Of course, work is important. Work means money. Without money, how can I support myself and Jessica? And how can I pay your medical bills?"
But Luke said dismissively, "It's just one day's wages."
"Isn't one day's wages still money?" I asked back.
"Sue! You've really changed! How did you become so selfish?" Luke raised his voice and scolded harshly.
I remained calm, listening coldly to his outburst. "If you were me, you couldn't even do this much."
There was a moment of silence on the other end, then Luke asked in a low voice, "You're really not coming?"
"No. I'm not a doctor. Even if I came, it wouldn't help. Plus, I hired a caregiver, and you're there. My going would be completely unnecessary. Just tell me the results after the surgery is done."
After hearing me out, Luke angrily hung up.
At the hospital.
Luke sat by the bed, looking helplessly at Cora. "Sue still won't come."
Cora's face darkened, and she snorted coldly. "If she won't come, forget it. I'll just pretend I don't have this daughter! Having you as my son is enough!"
Luke's phone rang again.
He glanced at the caller and quickly left the room with his phone.
"Luke, where are you?! We agreed on a divorce, and now you've disappeared. What does that mean? I'm telling you, I'm divorcing you no matter what. Don't think dragging it out will help!"
Evelyn's voice was shrill, full of impatience.
Luke's brow furrowed as he said in a low voice, "I'm still in Seaside City with my mom for her surgery. After the surgery, she'll need at least a week to recover. Can you wait until I get back to talk about the divorce?"
"No!" Evelyn raised her voice. "The divorce cooling-off period ended a week ago, and you still won't divorce me?! I don't care. You have to come back and divorce me by this Friday!"
"My mom's having surgery today. Can't you wait a bit?" Luke's anger was rising, too.
"Isn't your sister there? Let her take care of it!"
"She's an ungrateful wretch! Heartless!" Luke couldn't help cursing.
Evelyn's voice paused for a moment, then continued, "I don't care. Either way, you're coming back this Friday to divorce me, or I'll call your mother."
"You wouldn't dare!"
"Watch me!"
After throwing out that last line, Evelyn hung up directly.
Luke leaned against the hallway wall, exhausted.
It was time for Cora's surgery, and nurses were going in and out of the room.
Luke watched from a distance.
He knew he should go help, but he just didn't want to move.
He was tired.
It wasn't until a nurse called for the patient's family that he reluctantly went over.
I worked diligently at the company.
Before eleven o'clock, I received a message from Luke.
Luke: [Mom's out of surgery. The doctor said it went well.]
I replied with [Okay] and tossed my phone aside.
Around four in the afternoon, the caregiver called.
Her voice carried some hesitation. "Ms. Wilson, could you come to the hospital? The patient just had surgery today, and I can't handle it alone."
"Where's Luke?" I frowned.
"He disappeared around noon."
"Have you called him?" I asked.
The caregiver's voice grew more hesitant. "I did, but his phone is off."
I felt a headache coming on. "I see. I'll come after work."
After hanging up, I called Grandma Cooper. "Grandma Cooper, where's Jessica?"
"Jessica's at the Old Mansion. Don't worry, there are people here to take care of her."