**Chapter 94**
Titus’s demeanor shifted dramatically, his face clouding over with a deep frown. “So, the solution offered by the doctors of Modern Medicine is to perform a hysterectomy?” His voice was heavy with disbelief, as if the very idea was an affront to reason.
The doctor on duty responded with a sardonic smile, a hint of weariness in his eyes. “If you are seeking a permanent solution, then yes, that is the only course of action. However, in today’s world, where we encounter a myriad of gynecological issues, our priority is to preserve the uterus whenever we can. A complete hysterectomy is only considered when absolutely necessary. To be frank, no reputable doctor would remove a uterus solely due to menstrual pain, and no family would endorse such a drastic measure.”
He continued, his tone shifting to a more conciliatory note, “Mr. Goodman, perhaps you should reflect on the recommendation made by the senior doctor?”
Titus fell silent, his gaze dropping to the floor as he absorbed the information. For a few moments, he remained lost in thought, the weight of the situation pressing down on him, before he resumed his stride down the corridor.
Meanwhile, back in the ward, Lindsay leaned closer to Chiara, her voice softening. “Do you want anything to eat?” she inquired gently, her concern palpable.
Chiara’s response was muffled, barely audible. “I’m not hungry.”
Lindsay’s brow furrowed slightly. “Is your stomach hurting too?” she asked, her worry deepening.
“Yeah…” Chiara admitted, her voice trailing off.
A long sigh escaped Lindsay’s lips, a sound filled with empathy. “Chiara, remember that folk remedy I mentioned earlier? The one about trying for a baby? Maybe it could actually help. After all, you two are bound to have kids sooner or later, right? Why continue enduring all this pain?”
Chiara slowly blinked, her eyes opening just enough to reveal a distant gaze, as if she were staring through a fog.
“We’re not suited to have children. He probably doesn’t want them either,” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.
Outside the ward, Titus paused, his hand resting on the door handle. He peered through the glass, his expression dark and inscrutable as he observed Chiara lying on the bed, lost in her thoughts.
“Besides, right now, it’s me who doesn’t want kids,” Chiara asserted, her tone firm, as if she were trying to convince herself as much as Lindsay.
The thought of a potential divorce loomed in her mind, a specter she couldn’t ignore. Bringing a child into a fractured relationship would be unfair; she refused to be selfish in that regard.
Her own upbringing had been filled with love and joy, and she longed for her future children to experience the same warmth and happiness she had known.
“Really? You’re still not considering it? You two have been married for three years already. This is the perfect time, you know,” Lindsay pressed, her voice tinged with urgency.
Chiara fell silent, contemplating her friend’s words. Just when Titus thought she had concluded her thoughts, she surprised him by speaking again.
“Lindsay, my parents adored each other and loved me deeply. That’s why my childhood was filled with happiness and blessings,” Chiara confessed softly, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
Lindsay finally grasped the depth of Chiara’s feelings and instinctively reached out to comfort her. “But honestly, how many people these days marry out of love? Most just pair up with someone deemed suitable, or they meet through blind dates. Is there even love in those unions?” she questioned, her voice reflecting a mix of frustration and sadness.
“Exactly! That’s why the divorce rates keep climbing. Nowadays, one must tread carefully before entering into marriage,” Lindsay added with a knowing nod.
Titus continued to watch Chiara intently through the glass, his gaze searching for understanding. After a moment, he turned away, the weight of their conversation lingering in the air.
Chiara, having slept for much of the day, found herself wide awake as evening descended. Lindsay had offered to stay with her, but Chiara insisted she was fine alone.
Getting admitted to the hospital for cramps felt absurd. She was perfectly capable of managing on her own, and she didn’t require anyone to look after her.
Yet, when Lindsay left, Titus still had not returned. Initially, Chiara assumed he had departed for good.
But then, her eyes fell on the sofa and coffee table, and a flicker of doubt crossed her mind. If he had truly left, why had he left his work files behind?
Earlier, Lindsay had brought her phone, and Chiara picked it up, seeking something to distract herself from her swirling thoughts.
She noticed a flurry of messages and missed calls from Queenie.
Without hesitation, she dialed Queenie’s number.
“Hey, Chiara? You finally picked up! Noreen told me you were in the hospital. What happened? Which hospital are you at? Is it serious?” Queenie’s voice was laced with concern, each question tumbling out in a rush.
“I’m fine, honestly. It’s nothing serious. I should be out in a day or two,” Chiara reassured her, hoping to quell the worry in her friend’s voice.
“Really?” Queenie pressed, her anxiety still evident.
“Promise,” Chiara assured her again, injecting a note of sincerity into her words.
A sigh of relief escaped Queenie’s lips. “Good! I was starting to freak out! You weren’t answering, and Mr. Goodman was MIA all day. I thought something terrible had happened to you. I’ve been a bundle of nerves!”
“Sorry for making you worry. I’m okay,” Chiara replied, her heart warming at her friend’s concern.
“Is Mr. Goodman with you right now?” Queenie inquired.
“No, he’s not here,” Chiara replied, a hint of disappointment creeping into her voice.
“Which hospital are you at? Would it be alright if I came to see you?” Queenie’s eagerness was palpable.
Reluctantly, Chiara relayed her location, unable to deny her friend’s request.
Just as she hung up, Titus reentered the room, a takeout bag in hand.
“Wait, did he go out to get dinner for me?” Chiara wondered, a flicker of surprise lighting up her expression.
“Eat something first, then take your medicine,” Titus instructed, his tone a blend of authority and care.
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