Betrayed and Dumped She Rose Stronger Than Ever novel Chapter 472

“Brett, if you’re free, could you take me outside for a bit? I want to sit in the sun. The doctor said it’ll help me heal faster.”

“I’m always make time for you.”

Joan made herself look away, refusing to meet his eyes.

Brett gave her a gentle, almost sad smile. He ruffled her hair softly before turning to find a nurse and borrow a wheelchair.

The weather was perfect, all sunshine but not too hot. Brett knew Joan loved her skin and worried about getting sunburned, so he picked a path under the trees, where dappled shadows followed them.

To cheer her up, Brett started telling her some jokes he’d seen online. Joan’s laughter was bright and clear, ringing out down the path.

Brett was genuinely surprised. “You actually get these jokes? I had to spend a while back home before I understood what made them funny.”

Joan blinked, a little awkward. “Guess I just pick things up fast.”

“You always did. You and Stephen were always fighting for the top spot in our class. Back then, you two…” He caught himself, the words trailing off. Quickly, he pointed out to the pond. “Look at those flowers. They’re beautiful, aren’t they?”

Joan followed his gaze. The sight of the pond pulled her back in time, to the year she finished high school. She and Stephen had gone on a trip together and discovered a pond just like this one. They’d rented a little boat, stretched out and closed their eyes, just drifting. Stephen had leaned over and stolen a kiss on her cheek when she wasn’t paying attention.

Such perfect days.

If things hadn’t gone wrong, they’d probably be married by now. Maybe they’d even have a few kids.

But that was all in the past, out of reach now.

Just as Joan was lost in her memories, she suddenly spotted Rebecca nearby.

“Brett, I’m a little thirsty. Could you get me some water? There’s a thermos in the room.”

Joan didn’t usually ask him for favors, so Brett’s face lit up. He nodded quickly and hurried back toward the building.

Rebecca glanced at Joan’s bandaged foot, her tone casual. “I know. He told me. He said he accidentally hit you and brought you to the hospital. Anyone would have done the same. I’m not the type to get upset over something so minor. But you, Ms. Knotts… was it really worth it to put yourself in harm’s way and risk a permanent injury just to try and get back what you lost?”

Joan’s temper snapped. “He doesn’t love you. I’m the only one in his heart!”

Rebecca just smiled at her. “You’re delusional. If you need a doctor, I can recommend a great one.”

Joan clenched her teeth, then suddenly started laughing, the sound sharp and wild. “Even if he and I never get back together, you’ll never have him to yourself! You’ll never feel at ease with him!”

Rebecca rolled her eyes. “Are you really going to start with that old story about being his one true love, the one that got away? You think a piece of his heart will always belong to you?” She gave a short laugh. “Well, my first love will always have a piece of my heart too. I guess that makes us even.”

Joan’s eyes turned cold. “No. What Stephen and I have goes beyond all that.”

She leaned forward, voice low. “What if I told you we have a child together?”

For a moment, everything stopped. Rebecca’s face went white, her world spinning out of control.