Chapter 159: Lunch with Donald
Jessica turned around to leave, her steps quick and firm. But Donald reached out and stopped her gently.
"What about her treatment?" he asked, his voice low, almost desperate.
Jessica paused. Her eyes softened, and she spoke calmly. "It will cost a lot... I’ll need to find some rare herbs, ones that are difficult to get."
Donald frowned. "I don’t care about the cost. The Santiagos are not poor. No matter how expensive it gets, it won’t ruin them," he said, trying to convince himself as much as her.
She nodded. "For now, I’ll leave some prescriptions with the dean. It’ll help ease her pain and stabilize her a little while I go looking for the herbs."
Donald felt a wave of relief wash over him. "Thank you," he said quickly, his eyes filled with gratitude. Then, after a small pause, he asked, "Would you... like to have lunch with me?"
Jessica froze for a second. That lump rose again in her throat, choking her response. She didn’t want this. She didn’t want any of it. She wanted peace. A quiet life away from all this chaos. But every time she saw Donald—or his family—her heart tangled with feelings she couldn’t understand. Pity. Guilt. Confusion. Curiosity. Fear.
She looked at him. His eyes were pleading. Gentle. Hopeful. And she couldn’t say no.
With a heavy sigh, she nodded. "Alright."
Donald’s face brightened. A faint smile tugged at his lips. He quickly stepped aside to make a call, pulling out his phone and dialing the dean.
"Keep everyone away from my mother’s room," he said firmly. "Put someone on guard duty. I don’t want anyone in or out without my permission."