Secret Wealthy Marriage

Chapter 22: Chapter 22 Neural Damage Chapter 22: Chapter 22 Neural Damage Bryan Hawkins suddenly looked depressed, as certain thoughts crossed his mind.

Seeing him in that state, Carolline Ruiz felt guilty, thinking she had really pinched him too hard. In fact, she had quite a bit of strength, at least strong among girls. Back in primary school, she once made a fellow student cry while arm wrestling.

Thinking about this, Carolline felt regret and upset. How could she show such a barbaric side in front of him? So she smiled apologetically, “I’m sorry, did I hurt you? Do you want me to call a doctor?”

“No need, just leave. I want some time to myself,” Bryan responded coldly and distantly.

“…” Carolline stared at him, unsure how to react. Finally, she tried explaining, “I didn’t do it on purpose. You were the one who asked me to grip harder.”

She had followed his instructions, so why was he angry now?

“I know. I’m not mad. Go ahead and do what you need to,” Bryan said calmly. “By the way, didn’t you say you’d bring my girlfriend here? Where is she?”

“…” Carolline realized he must be missing his girlfriend. Thinking about Matilda Ferguson’s face, Carolline couldn’t help but think about the hickey on her neck and felt both sickened and angry. She stood up abruptly and walked out.

As she opened the door, she saw Mrs. Hawkins, Sophia Lawson, and Austin Hawkins all squeezed into the door frame, their faces almost deformed.

Carolline was surprised, while Bryan didn’t even bother looking. He knew they would do something like this.

“Young miss, are you leaving?” Mrs. Hawkins quickly recovered and asked with a slightly embarrassed smile.

“Yes, I have class this afternoon and I’m running late,” Carolline nodded, making up an excuse.

In fact, she had realized that Bryan must have already seen Matilda since he had already been awake. Otherwise, why would Matilda have called her in for a talk when she first arrived?

Now asking for his girlfriend’s presence seemed a bit far-fetched, as if he was trying to cover something up.

Was it possible that…

“Well, since you have class, I won’t keep you. Be careful on the road, and do you need Mr. Hawkins to give you a ride?” Mrs. Hawkins asked with enthusiasm.

“No need, thank you, Mrs. Hawkins,” Carolline shook her head and declined.

She wasn’t going to class. Instead, she was planning to find a doctor to talk to or call her father to ask for advice.

Something felt off.

Just as she was thinking this, Mr. Hawkins and Xavier Estrada returned. Seeing Carolline, Mr. Hawkins’ face, which was initially gloomy, broke into a warm smile, “Young miss, are you leaving?”

“Yes, Mr. Hawkins, you’re back,” Carolline nodded respectfully and greeted him.

“Where are you going? Do you want Xavier to take you?” Mr. Hawkins continued his suggestion.

“No, no need. I have to go back first, it’s very close, just in the neighboring family quarters. It’s just a short walk away,” Carolline declined again.

“Alright, thank you for visiting Bryan. If there’s any news, I’ll have to trouble your father again,” Mr. Hawkins didn’t insist, and Carolline nodded before finally leaving safely.

As she walked away, she couldn’t help but feel uneasy.

In the end, she turned a corner, hurried to a secluded spot, and called her father, Henry Ruiz.

While she was too focused on making the call, she didn’t notice Matilda Ferguson following her from behind.

“Dad, do you have a minute?” Carolline’s heart pounded nervously in her chest. She was worried that the so-called postoperative complications might have already started affecting Bryan.

Yet, he seemed to have some sensation and didn’t say anything about it, only wanting her to leave.

“I do; just tell me what’s on your mind,” Henry replied heartily. As a father, aside from being in surgery, his time was always devoted to his daughter.

“Well, you mentioned that there could be postoperative complications. If the legs lose sensation, does that count as a complication?” Carolline asked cautiously and carefully.

“Has it been confirmed? Have you asked the duty doctor to check?” Henry asked with furrowed brows.

Similar cases had occurred in his past experience. Some patients could recover through postoperative treatments or exercises, while others would end up with permanent disabilities, having to rely on a wheelchair for life.

Henry looked out at the river and couldn’t help but recall the scene on the operating table. Despite being splattered with blood, Bryan’s handsome features remained unmarred, sure to stand out in a crowd.

No wonder Carolline would blush uncontrollably every time she mentioned him. Others might not understand, but as a father, how could he not know? His daughter’s heart was moved.

It was actually quite normal for a 17- or 18-year-old girl to start experiencing romantic feelings.

“I’m not sure. It’s just my guess and hasn’t been confirmed,” Carolline also felt that she might be overthinking things. Perhaps it was really just the anesthesia’s effect, and he wanted to feel something other than numbness sooner.

Alternatively, it could be that she had actually hurt him and he was angry but didn’t want to admit it, so he simply ordered her away.

“You…” Henry paused for a moment, then chuckled at her, “There’s a check-up tomorrow during my daytime shift. If it’s a case of nerve damage causing both legs to lose sensation, I’ll perform a detailed examination for him. These situations can be big or small; we won’t know until we check.”

“Okay, I understand. Thank you, Dad,” Carolline nodded, feeling a little relieved.

“Why are you being so formal with your old man? If he becomes my son-in-law one day, wouldn’t it be my duty to do all this?” Henry thought for a moment and then teased Carolline.

“Dad, what nonsense are you talking about? I told you, he has a girlfriend and their relationship is very good,” Carolline thought to herself that she would never have a chance in this lifetime.

At that time, she truly believed it. However, as facts would show in the near future, the so-called true love can also be fleeting, and Matilda Ferguson would once again refresh her perception of her.

“Alright, alright, I got it. You go to class now. It’s better not to skip or be late. Off you go.” Having spoken, Henry hung up.

Carolline composed herself, went to the entrance, and hailed a taxi to school.