After All the Hurt, She Chose Herself novel Chapter 36

That ringtone belonged to Flora now, didn't it?

For a moment, Aria felt a sharp pang of bitterness.

"Flora?"

"Charles, where are you? Can you please come back? My stomach is bothering me…"

Charles's expression changed instantly, and he let go of Aria's hand. "I'll be right there!"

After hanging up, Charles gave Aria a final warning. "If you dare set foot in the research institute, I'll make your life a living hell."

Aria had no doubt he would.

Before going abroad, Charles had been the top researcher at the institute. Now that he was back, his influence was surely even greater.

At the same time, Flora was clutching her phone, the screen displaying a photo Hazel had sent her of Charles and Aria in the hallway.

It looked as if Charles was pressing Aria against the wall, about to kiss her.

Flora gritted her teeth. She wouldn't let Aria get away with this.

***

In the hospital room.

Lilith's eyes fluttered open. Seeing Gideon keeping watch by her side, she couldn't help but cry.

"Gideon, I was so scared I'd never see you again…"

Gideon held her hand. "Don't be silly. You're safe now."

After the emergency treatment, Gideon had immediately ordered the doctors to perform another bone marrow biopsy on Lilith.

The rush report confirmed it: Aria's diagnosis had been correct.

Gideon was shocked, and his opinion of Aria began to shift.

She actually knew what she was talking about.

But then he remembered that Aria had simply left, knowing full well that Lilith would receive the wrong treatment, and a wave of irritation washed over him.

Aria didn't deserve to be a doctor.

Even if they hadn't believed her, she should have insisted on a new biopsy. But she just walked away.

Divorce?

Gideon continued texting Henry: [Check if Aria is at the city records office.]

It was almost three o'clock. Was Aria so desperate for a divorce that she'd go line up at the records office right now?

"Lilith, this is my business. You don't need to worry about it," Gideon said, looking up. "Just focus on getting better."

Lilith bit her lip. "I'm sorry, Gideon. I'm overstepping… I just hate seeing you make sacrifices for my sake."

Three minutes later, Henry replied: [Aria isn't at the city records office. She went to the research institute.]

Gideon put his phone away.

It seemed Aria was trying to prove her skills to him, not genuinely seeking a divorce.

Looking at Lilith, Gideon figured Aria was just throwing a tantrum, being petty.

"Aria is my wife. It's her duty to bear me a child, so you don't need to feel any psychological burden."

He had misunderstood Aria, so he would give her a child as compensation. At the same time, he needed to make it clear to Aria that he was only doing this to save Lilith, nothing more.