Noelle nodded. "Of course, I won't say anything. But…" She still felt a bit worried. "What if things between Peter and Tania don't improve? Tania mentioned she doesn't plan to stay long."
"You don't need to worry about that," Charles said with a smile as he took her hand and led her out of the study.
"Knowing Peter's personality, now that Tania is back, he's not going to let her go that easily." After waiting for three years, there was no way he would let her slip away.
…
Since Charles had work the next day, Noelle went to the hospital with Tania. Nancy's condition could not afford any delays, and each day added to the risk. Tania sought out Sean directly. "Mr. Smith!"
"Why if it isn't my sister-in-law!" Sean greeted with a harmless smile when he saw Tania. He even pulled up a chair for her. "Please take a seat."
Tania glanced at Sean. "Mr. Smith, I've already divorced Peter, so I don't deserve to be called your sister-in-law. You can just call me Tania."
Sean narrowed his eyes as he looked at Tania. Rather than feeling awkward about being rebuffed, he burst out laughing. "You're right. Peter? Forget about him. With your age and everything you've got going for you, you can find someone younger and richer with no problem."
He waved dismissively. "Alright then, Tania it is."
Tania had no objections. After all, a name was just a label. She continued, "I came today to ask about my mother's condition. I didn't get the chance to ask much yesterday."
Sean nodded and turned serious. "Wait a moment, I'll call someone in." He walked over to his desk and dialed a number. "Dr. Lynch, could you come to my office?"
After hanging up, Sean turned back to Tania. "Dr. Lynch is your mother's attending physician."
"The same one from three years ago?"
Sean nodded. "Yes. Aunt Nancy's health has worsened since then. It's good that you're back now."
"I want to schedule the surgery for my mother as soon as possible," Tania said firmly. She knew it could not be delayed, and her absence over the past three years made her feel guilty for not being there when her mother's condition worsened.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: The Cherished Wife (Noelle and Charles)