The Villainess Needs a Hug (Ivy Windsor) novel Chapter 853

The two men bantered back and forth, the kind of unfiltered exchange only possible between the closest of friends.

Meanwhile, Katrina had pulled Ivy over to the window for a quiet word.

"Ivy, I'm so sorry… I've been so wrapped up in my own world, I had no idea you were going through this. Naylor told me… this type of illness isn't easy to treat, and the recurrence rate is high. Are you—"

Knowing her friend was worried, Ivy cut her off with a gentle smile. "Whatever the outcome, the first step is treatment. There's no point in terrifying ourselves over something that hasn't happened yet. We just have to focus on the here and now."

"You're right!" Katrina nodded emphatically. "Medical technology is incredible these days. Look at my mom… her breast cancer is well under control. And Dr. Ludwig's was caught early, so the chance of a full recovery is even higher!"

"Yes, that's what I believe too," Ivy replied, her smile unwavering.

"But you shouldn't have hidden this from me and Naylor," Katrina lamented, her heart aching for her friend. "I could have been here for you, to listen and help you through this."

Ivy patted her arm reassuringly. "I'm okay, really. You don't need to worry about me. He's got a great attitude about it, too. We're both trying not to make a big deal out of it, which is why we didn't tell anyone. Besides, you have enough on your plate."

Before they could say more, a knock came at the door.

Everyone turned to see Thad and Davina.

They were surprised to find Naylor there.

Naylor stood up to greet them.

Thad and Davina set down the things they were carrying and gave a polite nod. "Naylor, Ms. Lester. So you found out…"

"Just today," Naylor said. "We came as soon as we heard."

"Well, Jamison's surgery is today, so we're here for him. My parents still don't know, so please don't mention this to anyone else," Thad added.

"Of course, I understand."

Everyone knew the elder Ludwigs had been through enough. Just last year, they had lost their grandson, and now they were caring for their mentally unwell daughter. The news of their youngest son's serious illness would be too much for them to bear.

They chatted for a few more minutes until the attending physician arrived to announce it was time to prepare for the operating room.

A wave of anxiety washed over the room, and all eyes turned to Jamison.

Any words of comfort they had prepared died on their lips when they saw the calm, composed look on his face.

In the end, it was Davina and Katrina who, with their usual thoughtfulness, realized what was needed. They each took their partner's arm.

"Let's go. We should give them a moment alone."

The four of them quietly left, leaving Jamison and Ivy by themselves.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify