Chapter 133
The medical team Latham brought back from overseas had their first consultation early that morning.
“Right now, there’s still a real chance Pauline could wake up,” the lead doctor explained. “We’ll start with medication to help her brain recover, then add physical therapy, hyperbaric oxygen, and rehab p>
He continued, “The first three months are critical. If she doesn’t wake up during this window, it gets much harder. These are the golden months p>
“And your support is important too,” another doctor told them. “Talk to her as much as you can. Hearing loved ones can really help. Family connection and conversation are powerful p>
Dorothea nodded over and over, relief flooding her. This was so much better than the hopeless diagnosis they’d received before. Now that she had a direction, she was determined to do everything she could.
“Thank you, Professor. We’re really grateful for everything p>
Pauline was moved from the ICU to a private room in the special care ward. Each day, they were allowed an hour to visit.
Latham came with Dorothea to see her grandmother. Pauline, who used to be so cheerful and full of life, now lay perfectly still in her hospital bed. Dorothea’s heart ached.
“Grandma, it’s me. I came to see you,” she said softly, her eyes shining with tears. She held Pauline’s hand tightly. “You promised you’d be with me for a long time, remember? You can’t just leave me now p>
“My wedding hasn’t even happened yet. I still want you there, standing by my side. When you get better, will you be my witness p>
There was only silence in response.
Latham squeezed her shoulder gently. “There’s no rush. We can postpone the wedding. Grandma will wake up. Three months, that’s all. She’ll wake up p>
Dorothea was surprised. She’d wanted to suggest postponing, but hadn’t known how to bring it up. She hadn’t expected Latham to say it first.
“You really don’t mind waiting p>
Latham smiled. “What if I said no? Would you just leave me p>
He grinned, warmth in his eyes. “Don’t worry. However long it takes, I’ll wait p>
The wedding could wait. She mattered so much more.
When they left the ward, Dorothea followed Latham downstairs, but he suddenly veered off and led her toward the outpatient clinic.
She frowned. “What are you doing p>
Latham took her hand in his. “Did you hurt yourself with that whip p>
Dorothea tried to pull away, feeling embarrassed, but he just held on tighter.
“Don’t hide it. Doctor, could you please take a look at this p>
Her palm was just a little scratched. It wasn’t serious at all, but Latham was acting like it was a huge deal.
“These hands are too soft and pretty. You can’t let them scar,” he said, sounding way too earnest.
Dorothea felt her face heat up. The doctor just stared at them, clearly holding back a laugh. This was supposed to be a quick checkup, not a public display of affection.
As soon as the bandage was on, Dorothea practically bolted, eager to get out of there.
Outside, she walked faster and faster, trying to escape the embarrassment.
Latham caught up, grabbing her hand again. “Why are you running p>
“Can you please stop making a scene everywhere we go? The doctor was about to burst out laughing p>
Latham just shrugged. “What’s he laughing at? He’s probably jealous because he doesn’t have a wife p>
She rolled her eyes. “Fine. I’ll keep my mouth shut from now on, happy p>
Back in the car, Latham couldn’t help himself. “You still haven’t told me where you got that whip p>
Dorothea pursed her lips. “I bought it online, for self-defense. Just tossed it in the car and forgot about it p>
She still couldn’t believe she’d actually grabbed it and gone alone to confront the Brown family that day Where had she even found the courage?
Latham took her hand again, gently rubbing her palm. “Next time, don’t hurt yourself just to get back at someone else p>
He looked at her, a little softer now. “But…I’m glad I was the first person you thought to call p>
Dorothea blinked, thinking to herself that it was only because Scott had reminded her.
“It doesn’t matter that we got married for the families. When something happens, you
your partner. It’s import
He added, “Most of the times I got upset with you, it was because you acted like I
didn’t exist when things went wrong p>
Latham leaned in, giving her nose a playful squeeze. “You get it now p>
Dorothea went quiet, edging away from him to put some space between them. “I get
it. Just…don’t sit so close p>
“My dad wants us to come home for dinner tonight p>
Dorothea nodded. “Sure, that’s fine p>
The moment they arrived at the Stephens Estate, Garth ran up, tugging at
Dorothea’s sleeve, begging her to come play in the garden.