Eleven Years All to the Wrong Man novel Chapter 163

Her father’s words made Melissa’s heart clench.

But she forced herself to appear calm and resolute. "It's okay, Dad. I still have ten or twenty thousand dollars I saved up. If it comes to it, we can transfer back to the public hospital. My savings aren't much, but they can last us a while. I'll get some part-time jobs like before to cover the rest. You don't need to worry about the money…"

She patted her father's hand reassuringly.

But Thomas felt no comfort from his daughter's words.

After experiencing the luxurious private room and specialized care of a private hospital, he had no desire to return to a public one, to a crowded room shared with several other patients.

He didn't dare say this out loud, though. He just forced a smile and said, "Okay, I'm not worried. I'll be fine."

But as he spoke, his mind was already working on another plan.

***

Meanwhile, at seven in the evening in Riverside Millford.

Robert's house, usually quiet, was now festively decorated and bustling with activity.

The entire Hayes family was gathered around a long table made by pushing several smaller ones together.

After Emma took her seat, Evan naturally sat down beside her. Her brother, Eric, was on her other side.

"Sis, you have to try this roast chicken!"

Eric picked up a drumette, dipped it in Mrs. Hayes's special spicy sauce, and placed it on Emma's plate.

He poured a glass of warm water and handed it to Emma, who was still coughing. He gently patted her back. Seeing her long hair fall across her face as she leaned forward, he used his other hand to carefully tuck it behind her ear.

The entire series of gentle and considerate actions not only stunned Eric but also caused everyone else at the table to stop eating and stare at the couple.

"Wow, Eric, look at that. Your sister and her husband have been together for so many years, and they're still so in love!"

The speaker was their second aunt, but her tone had a hint of envy.

Sitting next to her, Cindy Hayes had also stopped eating. Her hand, hidden beneath the table, was gripping the hem of her clothes tightly, her face pale and crestfallen.

Mr. and Mrs. Hayes saw it all. Remembering what their son-in-law had told them privately in the living room that afternoon, and now seeing this small display of affection, Mrs. Hayes felt a renewed sense of comfort.