Chapter 129 What Do You Take Me for

Jagger followed the address Isabella had told him and found Room 302 in the inpatient department of Sunrise Hospital. The door was slightly open, so he knocked gently.

"Come in," came Cecilia's cool voice.

Jagger took a deep breath, pushed the door open, and stepped inside. Cecilia was sitting by the bed, feeding porridge to a pale middle-aged woman who had to be her mom.

Cecilia's mom, Liliana Thorne, looked pretty cheerful as she smiled warmly at Cecilia, her eyes full of love.

"Mom, be careful, it's hot," Cecilia said, blowing on a spoonful of porridge before bringing it to Liliana's mouth.

"Okay, okay," Liliana chuckled, taking the porridge. She noticed Jagger standing there and asked, "Cecilia, who's this?"

Jagger started to introduce himself, "Hello, I am..."

But Cecilia cut him off quickly, sounding a bit flustered. "Mom, he's my friend, here to visit you."

"Oh, a friend of Cecilia's. Please, have a seat," Liliana said warmly, her eyes scanning Jagger.

This young guy was quite handsome, tall, and had an air of integrity about him, clearly a reliable person.

"Thank you," Jagger said, placing the fruit basket on the bedside table and smiling politely.

"What's your name? What do you do for a living?" Liliana asked, holding Jagger's hand.

"My name is Jagger Cooper, and I'm a police officer," Jagger replied patiently, knowing elders ask out of concern.

"A police officer! That's wonderful! Protecting the country, you're a hero!" Liliana got excited, gripping Jagger's hand even tighter. "How did you and Cecilia meet?"

"Mom," Cecilia interrupted, her cheeks slightly flushed.

"What?" Liliana gave Cecilia a reproachful look. "It's Jagger's first time here. Go offer him a drink. So impolite!"

"Mom, I'll get some water," Cecilia sighed, standing up and leaving the room with the thermos.

Liliana sighed, patting the back of Jagger's hand. "I can tell you're a sincere young man, so I won't hide it from you. Cecilia is a good girl, but she's had a tough life."

Jagger's heart tightened, guessing what was coming, but he stayed silent, listening.

Liliana continued, "Her father was a gambler, racked up a huge debt, and sold her to human traffickers. If she hadn't jumped off the truck and I hadn't found her, she wouldn't be alive today!" Liliana's eyes reddened. Jagger's grip on the water cup tightened slightly, Cecilia's cold and aloof face flashing in his mind, his heart filled with mixed emotions. So, beneath that hard protective shell lay such a heartbreaking past.

"I'm just a scavenger and just wanted to raise her safely. But she's been stubborn since she was little, insisting on studying music, saying she wanted to rely on herself," Liliana wiped her tears, her tone filled with pain and helplessness.

"Don't say that, Cecilia is very talented," Jagger couldn't help but comfort her.

"What's the use of being talented?" Liliana hesitated, then looked deeply at Jagger. "I can tell you must be from a wealthy family. Our families are not a good match. You and Cecilia should..."

"Mom! What are you talking about!" Cecilia returned with a cup of water just in time to hear this, her expression instantly changing.

"Why are you back so soon!" Liliana glared at her, a bit displeased.

"Mom, don't say such things. Jagger and I are just friends, don't try to matchmake us," Cecilia handed the cup to Liliana, her tone carrying a hint of unnoticeable fluster.

Hearing her words, Jagger felt a bit unhappy. "Alright, alright, I don't do that. You young people handle your own matters." Seeing Cecilia genuinely upset, Liliana had to stop, but her eyes still held a trace of pity as she looked at Jagger.

Liliana sighed, leaning wearily against the headboard, the wrinkles around her eyes deepening with fatigue. "Cecilia, I want to rest for a while. You two have a chat."

Cecilia gently tucked her mom in. "Mom, get some rest. I'll be right outside. Call me if you need anything." She glanced at Jagger and said, "Let's talk outside." Jagger nodded and followed her out without a word.

"Don't read too much into it. My mom just wants me to have a boyfriend because I've been single for so long. That's why she said those things to you," Cecilia said, her back to him, her voice flat.

Just then, a slightly urgent voice interrupted, "Ms. Thorne, your mother's medical bills..."

A young nurse stood nearby, holding a payment slip and looking a bit troubled.

Cecilia turned around, forcing a smile. "I'm sorry, I'm a bit short on cash these days. Can you give me a few more days? I promise I'll pay it soon. Please don't stop my mom's medication."

The nurse looked conflicted. "That's not really allowed."

"Please," Cecilia's voice had a hint of pleading.

Seeing Cecilia humbly begging the nurse, Jagger felt a mix of emotions. He stepped forward and took out his wallet. "How much is it? I'll pay."

Cecilia suddenly looked up, anger flashing in her eyes. "Jagger, what do you take me for?"

Jagger was taken aback by her sudden anger and froze, unsure of what to do.

"Do you think I need your pity or charity?" Cecilia's voice trembled with anger. "Do you think I rely on rich people?"

Jagger realized he might have overstepped. He opened his mouth to explain but found that any words seemed inadequate at this moment.

Cecilia took a deep breath, trying to suppress her anger, and turned to the nurse, her tone calm again. "Please, give me a little more time. I promise I'll have the money in three days."

With that, she ignored Jagger and walked back towards the hospital room.

Watching Cecilia's resolute figure, Jagger felt a heavy weight in his chest. He wanted to explain but couldn't find the words.

Cecilia slammed the door shut, shutting Jagger out. Jagger snapped out of it and walked over to knock on the door, but it remained closed. "Sir, please keep quiet," the nurse came over and gently reminded him.

Jagger nodded apologetically and asked in a low voice, "How much is still owed for the patient in Room 302?"

The nurse checked the records and said, "Over five thousand dollars."

"Alright, I'll pay it now. If there are any more bills, please contact me." Jagger said while taking out his phone and giving the nurse his number.

The nurse, though puzzled, politely noted his number. "Okay, sir, I'll notify you."

Jagger looked at the closed hospital room door, let out a helpless sigh, and left the hospital.

Inside the room, Cecilia leaned against the door, listening to the fading footsteps outside. Only then did her tense nerves begin to relax. She slid to the floor, tears silently falling.

Seeing Cecilia like this, Liliana was startled and struggled to sit up. "Cecilia, what's wrong?"

Cecilia quickly stood up, wiped her tears, and forced a smile. "Mom, I'm fine. I'm just really tired."

"Did Jagger bully you?" Liliana asked worriedly.

Cecilia shook her head, walked to the bedside, and gently tucked Liliana in. "No, Mom, don't worry. He helped us pay the medical bills. I'm grateful to him."

Liliana sighed deeply. "It's my fault for being a useless mother and burdening you."

"Mom, what are you saying? You're my mother, and I should take care of you." Cecilia held Liliana's hand and comforted her softly.

"You're worn out because of my illness. What about your future?" Liliana's voice choked up.

"Mom, don't worry. I'll be fine." Cecilia's eyes reddened again. She quickly walked into the bathroom, closing the door.

The faucet gushed water as Cecilia turned on the cold water, letting the icy stream wash over her face, trying to extinguish the helplessness and despair in her heart.

She had been abandoned since she was a child, and it was Liliana who had painstakingly raised her. To support her education, Liliana had done all kinds of hard work, her hands covered in calluses.

She had once vowed to give Liliana a good life, but now she couldn't even afford her medical bills.

Although she had feelings for Jagger, she didn't want to rely on him and make him bear these burdens.

"What should I do?" Cecilia murmured, then covered her face and began to sob quietly.