Chapter 852: Chapter 867 Unspoken Guilt

Cherise’s eyes shut tightly, her features etched with pain. “Your sister’s ordeal mirrors my mother’s in many ways. When I operated on her, I took an extra step… and that’s why she survived.”

“Five years ago, when my mother passed, she urged me not to shoulder blame. She insisted it was her choice.”

“But I couldn’t forgive myself… Because at the time, I entertained the notion of taking that extra step, but… I faltered. I was gripped by fear… Fear that one additional step might jeopardize my mother’s life.”

“But it was that one step… and my mother couldn’t hold on…”

Cherise locked these memories away, never daring to share them with anyone In the years following, each midnight reverie would stir her from slumber, tears staining her pillow in remembrance of her mother.

Subsequently, Cherise crossed paths with Dr. Keeples, Lermille Hospital’s director.

His sage advice resonated deeply with her: the gravest mistake a doctor could make was to operate on a loved one without absolute conviction.

Such a decision, he cautioned, would yield a lifetime of remorse.

Inspired by his counsel, Cherise made the pivotal choice to join Lermille Hospital’s ranks.

But her mother’s surgery remained a festering wound, a relentless source of guilt.

Cherise included this narrative in her paper because of Maeve’s successful surgery.

As a medical practitioner, Cherise yearned for guidance on navigating such delicate scenarios.

Little did she anticipate that her paper would become Gwenn’s weapon of choice against her.

Gwenn’s relentless actions against Cherise stemmed from a clear understanding of the situation.

From the onset, she derided Cherise for her reluctance to perform surgery, and now, she mercilessly exposed Cherise’s vulnerabilities.

With each calculated move, Gwenn systematically dismantled Cherise’s aspirations and livelihood, shattering her dreams and undermining her existence.

Damien enfolded Cherise in his arms, his gentle touch a balm to her tormented soul. “It’s all in the past, my love. There’s no need to fret.”

“If I were your mother, I would have made the same decision.”

Cherise’s quivering frame stilled momentarily as she wept.

Gazing up at Damien through tear–blurred eyes, she asked, “Why?”

“Because she, like me, knows the goodness within your heart.”

Cherise locked eyes with Damien, her lips trembling in silence.

Taking a deep breath, Damien tenderly brushed her lips with a kiss. “Zachary informed. me that when you operated on your mother, it wasn’t a rash decision.”

“He recounted how you reached out to numerous experts worldwide, seeking counsel on the feasibility of your plan. You tirelessly tended to your mother by day and burned the midnight oil alone, sleeping a mere few hours a night. It took you over a month to finalize your strategy…”

“Your intent was solely to grant your loved ones more time, to vanquish their illness.”

“Before your intervention, this ailment had never been conquered.”

Damien cupped Cherise’s face. “Truth be told, even without your intervention, your mother would have had at most a month left.”

“If I were her, I would entrust you with the surgery.”

“Taking a chance outweighs enduring the agony.”

“Even though you lacked practical experience as a doctor, you’re my daughter. I’d sooner place my faith in you than in seasoned professionals.”

Cherise’s lips quivered, tears pooling as she beheld Damien. “I know, I understand the rationale…”

Yet, she found herself unable to surmount this inner barrier.

The notion that her mother’s plight stemmed from her actions…

It overwhelmed her, evoking an overwhelming wave of self–blame and sorrow.

Witnessing her tears unabated, Damien could only offer a gentle pat on her back. “If you need to cry, my dear, let the tears flow.”