Chapter 163- expression
Charles took the dossier on Dr. Corrine from Manfred’s hands and immediately dispatched people to track down the elusive doctor. This time, all his hope was pinned on the Australian-Chinese specialist. No matter how difficult the process, no matter the cost, he was determined to find him.
"May I see Janet before I go?" Manfred suddenly asked. He knew it wasn’t the right time to see Janet in such a fragile state, but Charles still nodded his consent.
"She’s sleeping now. You can go see her." Just a silent glance was all Manfred asked for. Since the moment he handed Janet over to Charles, he had lost any reason to pursue her further.
Charles showed unexpected generosity, giving Manfred space—not as an enemy, but out of understanding for the man who loved Janet just as deeply and suffered just as much.
"Janet..." Manfred’s fingers lingered tenderly over her gaunt features—from her tightly shut eyes to her pale, cracked lips. Only a little over two months had passed, yet the sight before him was painfully different. It struck him to his core.
He felt some relief that Janet was with Charles. At least here, she was happy—even if only for a brief time—and that was what mattered to her.
"Manfred?" Janet’s senses stirred as she felt moisture on her cheek. The familiar voice, filled with tenderness, was unmistakable. Her wide, bewildered eyes met Manfred’s deep black ones, and she slowly awakened.
"I’m sorry... I must have scared you like this," Janet said weakly as she tried to sit up. Manfred moved to help but she gently pushed him away. She didn’t want to be a burden. With Charles, she could not refuse help, but with Manfred, it was different. She loved Charles too much to worry him, yet in Manfred’s presence, her hidden suffering spilled out unguarded.
"No, you’re just as beautiful as before... and you still make me..." The word "love" caught in his throat, his voice breaking. He had always loved her, more than even he realized. If his initial approach hadn’t carried a shadow of revenge, if he and Charles had started on the same footing, maybe he wouldn’t have lost to him. But now, it was too late.
"Manfred, thank you for coming. I know how bad my condition is. It hurts so much, but I’m holding on—for Charles, for the baby. I’m so scared I won’t make it... I’m going to die, aren’t I?" Tears streamed down Janet’s face.