The Cold Surgeon's Contract Bride novel Chapter 317

That meal had undoubtedly been meant for Zoey. But since Zoey had likely already eaten and had no appetite for more, Ferris tossed his darling's rejected leftovers to Lucille like it was an act of charity.

That was the only logical explanation.

Why would Ferris ever go out of his way to bring Lucille food? Why would he ever try to extend an olive branch to me? From the very beginning, that meal was never intended for my mother. She was just eating scraps.

And Lucille had no idea that the only reason he had operated on Silas was because of the business transaction I had struck with him. There wasn't an ounce of personal affection involved.

A suffocating wave of heartbreak crashed over me, the agony so overwhelming I didn't even know how to brace myself against it.

Nothing could shield a heart that was already shattered into pieces.

I had loved Ferris for eight years. Throughout our three years of marriage, I had taken care of his every need flawlessly, even delivering home-cooked meals to his office. I had loved him so subserviently, never daring to dream that he might one day reciprocate with a shred of care or concern, let alone bring a meal to me.

But the moment he met Zoey, he elevated her to a pedestal. He catered to her every whim, treated her with utmost devotion, and even while suspended from work, he used his free time to rush over and deliver food to her.

It turned out he wasn't incapable of being considerate, nor was he ignorant of how to love someone. He simply chose not to direct any of it toward me.

Because he didn't love me.

"So you didn't manage to coax him last night after all..." Lucille sighed heavily. For once, she fell silent, and we ate the rest of the meal in heavy, wordless tension.

"Dr. Sterling?" Silas rasped weakly from the bed. "What did he work hard for?"

"You were unconscious, so you didn't know. Your surgery was actually performed by Ferris. He put the past behind him to help us," Lucille eagerly explained, though her eyes darted toward me. "Speaking of which, we really owe him a huge favor. Selena, shouldn't we do something to thank him?"

I knew it. Lucille hadn't given up. She still wanted me to crawl back and beg Ferris to stay.

But she had no idea that this wasn't a matter of coaxing him back. Even if I got on my knees, there was nothing left to salvage.

Then, from the hospital bed, Silas spoke up. "Yes... we need to thank him."