Jessica shook her head and signed, “Don’t tell anyone for now.”
Herbert had said he could fix her voice, but she had no intention of spreading the news before she’d actually recovered.
That just wasn’t her style.
If something went wrong and she didn’t get better, she’d be the one left embarrassed.
“I’m guessing you don’t want anyone else to know, either. Let me change your bandage and take off the gauze, so you won’t have to fumble for answers if anyone gets nosy.”
While Herbert went to get the medical kit, Jessica checked her phone. She had missed calls from Vince, and one from Ines.
Ines had sent a message, too, asking after her.
Jessica replied right away.
[Don’t worry about me, Professor. I’ve arrived at Aetherion and everything is fine.]
She’d always been the type to share good news and keep troubles to herself.
The whole divorce ordeal—how could she possibly explain that in a few lines of text?
She would wait until she was back home for the court proceedings, then meet with her mentor in person and tell her everything. No need to make her worry now.
Ines replied quickly.
[As long as you’re safe, I can relax. Communicate well with Mr. Smith while you’re abroad—I look forward to seeing your work.]
Jessica sent back a smiley face.
[I’ll do my best. I won’t let you down.]
Herbert came back in, carrying the medical box.
He asked Jessica to turn sideways on the chair so he could reach her head.
He put on a mask and fresh gloves, then carefully unwound the gauze that circled her head a couple of times.
Using a hairpin, he clipped up her long hair to expose the incision.
To spare her hair, Herbert had only asked his surgical assistant to shave a small patch during the procedure.
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