The Transactional Marriage That Imploded novel Chapter 56

To make matters worse, the guy actually complained to their mutual connection, accusing Xanthe of only showing up for a free meal.

She had called him right back and chewed him out so viciously that blind dates were now completely blacklisted from her life.

Following Simon's instructions, Bianca slipped quietly into Mabel's hospital room. Simon was already there, keeping the older woman company while she had lunch.

Mabel clearly adored the young doctor. "Our Bianca is so lucky to have a wonderful friend like you, Dr. Jennings."

Simon's lips curved into a warm smile. "Bianca is an incredible woman, Mabel. Anyone would be lucky to call her a friend."

Mabel looked at Simon's handsome features, a touch of sadness in her eyes. If her daughter hadn't passed away, Bianca would never have been forced into a marriage with a man who didn't love her at all.

But thankfully, that nightmare was almost over.

At the sound of a knock, both of them looked up to see Bianca standing in the doorway.

Simon stood up immediately and handed her a set of silverware. "Want to join us?"

Bianca wasn't terribly hungry, but she wanted to share the meal with her grandmother.

"Sure, thank you."

The three of them chatted and laughed. It was the first time since Bianca had met Simon that she had ever sat down to eat with him.

Mathis had never once brought her around his inner circle—presumably because he felt she was beneath them.

After lunch, Simon politely excused himself to give the grandmother and granddaughter some privacy.

"Grandma," Bianca began softly, "I'm heading to our Southern Division branch this Saturday. I might not be able to come back for a long time."

Mabel nodded understandingly. "It's alright. I'll take good care of myself. You just focus on your career. I've only dragged you down all these years with my bad health."

Tears pooled in Mabel's eyes, and she fought hard to keep them from falling.

Bianca took the tissue. "I know, but I couldn't hold it in. She's the only family I have left."

Simon frowned, a deep sigh escaping him. "I'm sorry. There's only so much I can do."

"You've already done more than enough," Bianca choked out. "Thank you, Dr. Jennings."

He insisted on driving her home. The car was completely silent, filled only with the soft, flowing notes of an instrumental track playing through the speakers.

"If you're feeling overwhelmed, listening to calming music like this can help reduce the stress," Simon said quietly. "It's good for the baby, too."

Bianca looked up at him, her pale, luminous face striking in the dim light. "You're a really good person, Dr. Jennings."

Simon didn't say anything for a long moment. When he finally spoke, his voice was softer. "You don't have to keep calling me Dr. Jennings. It makes us sound like strangers. Just call me Simon." He paused. "After all, we're friends sharing a pretty big secret now."

Bianca smiled faintly. "Simon."