Chapter 1354: Is that why she picked me?

Meanwhile...

"I’m sorry for making you wait."

Haines looked back at the entrance of the doctor’s office and nodded in understanding. "It’s alright, Doc. Today was a busy day at the company, so having a night appointment isn’t that bad."

"Ha ha. I see." The doctor quickly moved from behind the desk and settled down. "We got your results from the last scan, and I reviewed them earlier."

The doctor paused as he pulled out the scan to show Haines, pointing at a specific area. "You see this, Haines? The muscles around here are regrowing. Although very slowly, if they continue, there’s a high chance that your leg might get a lot better."

"Is that so?" Haines clutched his leg, looking up at the doctor. "Can this... also take away the pain?"

"Hmm?"

"Today, I woke up and didn’t need to take the prescribed painkillers to get through the day," Haines explained. "I don’t think I’ve taken any all day. Though now, I can feel some slight—very faint—discomfort."

Deep lines appeared between the doctor’s brows. "Haines, the pain will always be there until we can perform surgery to help the muscle regrow. Right now, that part of your leg is sealed off to prevent infection from spreading. What I’m saying is, we’re even considering surgery because your leg has shown signs of improvement—signs that your muscle can still regrow, despite the severity of your injury and the infection it triggered."

"Then how come I didn’t feel pain today?"

"It could be due to different factors," said the doctor. "Did you take anything the night before?"

Haines pondered. "Medication? No. Alcohol, yes."

The doctor quickly frowned. "Haines. You know why your recovery has taken this long. Your age and health play a huge role. If you drink, it’s not going to help you."

"I know that, but last night was an important moment for our family. Besides, I didn’t drink too much," Haines explained, leaving out the fact that Penny had spiked his drink. It wasn’t like he was lying to the doctor—he had barely sipped his drink last night. If not for Penny, he would’ve gotten home without a problem.

"I’ll look into it, Haines." The doctor nodded and offered him a small smile. "But I hope you don’t drink any alcoholic beverages. And even if you do, keep it to a small portion of wine."

"Yes."

"Anyway, you had your scan tonight as well. The results will be out tomorrow. I’ll review them and give you a call if I find anything concerning."

"Thank you."

The doctor then leaned forward. "Haines, if today’s scan results are promising, I might set you up for surgery as soon as possible. So, the next time we meet, I’d like to see a family member with you."

Haines just looked at the doctor before nodding. "Thank you," was all he said before getting up, taking his cane to assist him. The doctor also rose from his seat, walking Haines out of his office. But before Haines could leave, he stopped and turned back to the doctor.

"By the way, can you tell me what these medications are for?"

Haines took out two bottles of pills he had retrieved from Grace’s bin. He hadn’t taken all of them—there were several—but he hoped two would be enough for the doctor to figure out what they were for.

"I saw them in someone’s trash bin, so I was curious," Haines explained as the doctor picked up the bottles from his hand. "There were a few more, but I only took two. I hope that’s enough to identify them."

The doctor glanced at the labels once before his brows furrowed. When he met Haines’s gaze again, surprise and confusion flickered in his eyes.

"Haines, is the person taking this a family member?"

Haines shook his head. "Just someone I know..." He trailed off before adding, "My niece’s friend."

"Then I think you need to tell your niece that her friend might need her," the doctor said, causing Haines to furrow his brows.

"Haines, these medications are specific treatments for cancer. Your niece’s friend has cancer."

*****

Cancer.

What an awful illness to have. Though there were countless other diseases just as terrible—or rather, just being sick was awful—cancer was devastating in its own way.

Haines sat in the driver’s seat in silence. He had been there for a while, yet for some reason, he hadn’t started the car.

"She... has cancer?" he repeated under his breath, recalling what the doctor had told him.

According to the doctor, after decades in healthcare, he had seen many different reactions from patients—not just cancer patients, but anyone receiving unfortunate news. Denial was one of the most common responses, often accompanied by anger at those delivering the diagnosis.

If Grace was in denial, it wouldn’t be surprising that she had thrown away all her medications in a fit of rage.

"Is that why..." Haines trailed off, his heart sinking at the thought.

Grace was still so young, so brilliant. It was far too soon for her to go through something like this. Haines was well aware of Grace’s relationship with Penny, and if Penny knew, she would be devastated.

Why did he have to be the one to find out?

A deep exhale slipped past his nostrils as he leaned back against the seat. He tilted his head, eyes closing. When he had picked up those medications earlier, he hadn’t expected to hear such terrible news. Slowly, he opened his eyes as emotions swirled in his chest.

"Is that why... she picked me?" he whispered, recalling how Grace had so abruptly shown interest in him. "Because she knew she was dying?"

Because an old man like him wouldn’t mind if he lose her? Or that, if she ever passed, it would be less painful? After all, an older man had a lot of experience in life and this wouldn’t be called a set back while fulfilling... a dying wish?

A heaviness settled in his heart, uncertainty clouding his emotions. There were too many feelings fighting for dominance—shock, sadness, frustration. But one thing was certain: this was terrible news.

One that was sure to keep him up all night.