Florence, Jane, and Dakota were delighted by the doctor’s presence. They could tell that he came from an impressive background just from how James described him. Jane and Dakota believed they deserved the best. such as seeing a skilled doctor like Fenton Reyes.
“James. Dr. Reyes is a legend in Stonia. How did you get him to show up?” Florence asked curiously. James smiled. “Well, it wasn’t me. It was Mr. Langford who arranged for Dr. Reyes to see Aunt Jane.”
“Mr. Langford?” Florence’s eyes lit up upon hearing the name.
Luis Langford was an aristocrat from Stonia who wielded great wealth and influence. He was also well- connected in the military and the government. More importantly, the Langford family was a close friend of the Nicholson family of Glenstead, Morcover, the Glenstead Nicholsons were greatly interested in an arranged marriage between Luis and Dahlia. In other words, if Dahlia was willing, she could marry into the wealthy Langford family in no time, elevating the entire family to greater heights!
“That’s very thoughtful of Mr. Langford! He immediately asked for a skilled doctor to see my mom after hearing about her sickness. This way, Dr. Reyes!” Dakota led the old man to Jane’s bed.
He asked, “Where are you hurting?”
“I have a headache! My head feels like it’s splitting in hall!” Jane scrunched up her face. She seemed feeble and lifeless.
“I’ll take a look.” The old man carefully placed his stethoscope on Jane. A few moments later, he replied, There doesn’t seem to be an issue. I assume you are just sleep–deprived and stressed out.” With that, he took out a medicine bottle and poured three white pills. “Take one pill a day for three days, and you’ll be fine.”
*Awesome! Thank you. Dr. Reyes.” Jane was beyond joyful. Florence took the chance to suck up to the doctor,” You’re indeed the legendary Dr. Reyes! You managed to cure an illness that has gotten many doctors in a bind!
“Hmph! That Rhys guy was fear– mongering when he said my mom would cough up blood! He’s talking crap. A fake like him should be dealt with!” Dakota said unhappily.”
“Right! When I’m recovered, I will get him!” Jane swallowed a pill. However, her headache only worsened after that, to the point where she was in greater pain and drenched in cold sweat.
As she was about to question the doctor, she coughed violently, her face red from the exertion.
“Mom! What happened? Are you okay?” Dakota asked her with concern. Soon, Jane opened her mouth and coughed up a mouthful of blood that splattered across her face.
“What was that?”
Everyone in the room was shocked by Jane’s declining condition. They exchanged confused glances with each other.
A frantic Dakota hurriedly called for the doctor. “Dr. Reyes, what’s wrong? Why did she cough up blood?”
“That’s odd. I’ll take another look.” The old man furrowed his brow and went ahead with the checkup. Not longafter, his expression became grim as he sighed. “I am sorry. Your mother has a terminal illness. She’s in the late stage. I’m afraid she doesn’t have much time left.”
“Huh? A terminal illness?” The people in the room were stunned. Didn’t Dr. Reyes just say that Jane would be line? Why did he suddenly change his diagnosis?
“I am not knowledgeable enough to help you with this. I shall take my leave now.” The old man hung his head in shame. Then, he shook his head and stood up to leave. The others stared at him agape and panicked soon after.
“Headaches on the first day, coughing up blood on the second day, and paralysis on the third day. Was that guy right?” Jane mumbled to herself and suddenly broke into a scream. “Quick! Get Dustin Rhys back here!
Now!”
