The Cold Surgeon's Contract Bride novel Chapter 321

Oblivious to the underlying tension, Lucille answered Zoey warmly. "Yes, thanks to Dr. Sterling, Silas is finally out of the ICU."

"I see. So, Ferris, you came to bring Dr. Hayes dinner?" Zoey's smile strained, her tone clearly forced. "It just seems we have terrible timing. Dr. Lennox beat us to it. Dr. Hayes and Lucille seem to be almost finished..."

"No," Ferris interjected abruptly.

Behind his silver-rimmed glasses, his dark eyes churned with hidden emotion, yet his voice softened as he looked down at Zoey. "I'm not here to bring food to anyone else. I'm here for you."

"What?" Two voices echoed in unison.

The smile froze on Lucille's face, instantly transferring to Zoey's.

Zoey looked completely overjoyed and bewildered. "Really? But that's too much trouble for you, Ferris."

My restless heart plummeted. The sheer weight of the disappointment was suffocating, leaving behind an icy chill that stripped away whatever warmth remained inside me.

I shouldn't have harbored any fantasies. Why did I still have hope?

I gave a self-deprecating smirk. The appetite Leon's delicious meal had just coaxed out of me vanished in an instant.

I should have known better. Why would Ferris ever bring me food? Why would he care about my family? We were on the verge of divorce. How could I still harbor the unrealistic expectation that he would look back and show me an ounce of warmth?

Even during the peak of our relationship, in the first year after we signed our marriage papers, he had never brought me a single meal. Now that we had reached this point, why would he start?

Ferris didn't say a word, simply nodding before turning to leave. Zoey, ever the polite one, didn't forget to wave goodbye to us. "We'll take our leave then!"

Watching Ferris's retreating back and listening to Zoey's cheerful laughter, a massive lump formed in my throat. I couldn't breathe; the stifling ache in my chest was unbearable.

Ferris and Zoey had shared countless meals. How could he not know her portion size?

He was just worried she wouldn't have enough to eat, which was why he brought so much.

It was exactly how I used to treat him when I packed his lunches—always terrified he'd go hungry, always wanting to give him a little bit of everything, a little bit more.